Family Law Newsletter

January 2021

We Are Here for You

By Carolyn Mirabile, Partner, Chair of the Family Law Group

As we all look back on last year’s challenges, we move forward on a positive note for 2021. The Weber Gallagher Family Law Group continues to assist clients in their family law matters during COVID-19 court closures and re-openings. We continue to support our client’s needs related to COVID-19 issues or otherwise. Our professional and experienced Family Law Group looks forward to working with you in the New Year.

Are you considering divorce? Do you have custody and visitation questions? Need assistance with a current case? Contact our office today for all of your family law needs. We are ready to assist and answer any questions.

Office Phone: 610-272-5555

Or email one of our attorneys below:

Carolyn R. Mirabile

Lawrence J. "Skip" Persick

John Zurzola

Blogs and Podcast

School Openings and Child Custody

By Carolyn Mirabile, Partner, Chair of the Family Law Group

We live in unpredictable times. Schools are opening, schools are closing. One week they’re using a hybrid model for learning, the next week it’s completely virtual — forcing us to be resilient and adapt on the fly. This constant state of flux has parents asking themselves a variety of questions. Is your child's school opening back up? Are you trying to decide if your child should be virtual or return to the classroom? Do you share custody and need to make important educational decisions with the other parent? Many parents are weighing their options, and shared custody can have an impact on the end decision.

10 Tips for Divorce Preparation

By John Zurzola, Partner

Open a separate bank account and keep any documentation in a separate location or on a secure phone;

Open a credit card in your name and keep it handy;

Be familiar with any bills or accounts in your sole name (ex. car payments, credit accounts, utilities, etc.);

Be familiar with any bills or joint accounts and be prepared to obtain your own or remove your name from joint accounts if need be (ex. cell phone, utilities, car insurance, credit cards, etc.);

Locate all official documentation and be able to safeguard it if need be, (ex. birth certificates, passports, marriage license, etc.);

Compile and safeguard all passwords for any online and bill payer accounts; and change them if need be;

Have a place to go if you anticipate or your situation has become abusive in any manner;

If you have consulted with an attorney, have the attorney office contact information readily available to you;

Plan a basic budget in the event that you may need to move from your present location; or, if another wage earner in your house moves out and no longer contributes to your expenses; and

If you have children, plan on how you will explain the need for separation or divorce to them and be prepared for any reaction, depending on their age.

Traveling During COVID-19 With Children

By Carolyn Mirabile, Partner, Chair of the Family Law Group

Is travel during the holidays safe? Many parents who usually would travel over the holidays may have to change their plans. Parents should observe all quarantine rules and restrictions specific to each state. Make sure to research any and all locations you plan on visiting, and the relevant restrictions associated with these destinations, before making travel plans. You can view all travel restrictions for each state on the CDC’s website here.

You Just Never Know....

By Lawrence J. "Skip" Persick, Partner

Every so often, I meet people who feel financially and emotionally trapped by a former girlfriend or boyfriend. They have a child by this person, and the other person has no interest whatsoever in the child. Sometimes the client is or was married to the person, but most of the time, the two parents were never married. Sometimes the child was conceived as a result of the classic one-night stand. Most of the time, the parent talking to me just wants the child to have a second parent and certainly would appreciate the benefits of child support payments.

Domestic Violence Awareness

By Carolyn Mirabile, Partner, Chair of the Family Law Group

Domestic violence is always a serious issue, but during a pandemic, when people are trapped at home, away from work or school, and have little ability to leave, the situation worsens. Domestic violence victims should be aware that there are free resources to help, even during these difficult times.

Below are several resources for victims in the five-county area in need of help:

Bucks County: A Woman’s Place
(800) 220-8116

Chester County: The Domestic Violence Center of Chester County
(888) 711-6270

Delaware County: The Domestic Abuse Project
(612) 874-7063 x232

Montgomery County: Laurel House
(800) 642-3150

Philadelphia County: Women Against Abuse
(866) 723-3014

Those Magic Dates Aren’t So Magic

By Lawrence J. "Skip" Persick, Partner

I am old enough to remember life before the internet, and I can honestly say that the internet is an amazing thing. Not only is it the basis of email, the now preferred means of business communication, but it allows us to access a seemingly infinite amount of knowledge. Maybe, however, the better term is “facts” as opposed to “knowledge.”

Articles and Publications

Divorce, Death and Life Insurance: Timing Is Everything but Intent Is King

By John Zurzola, Partner

Once divorced and the parties have a decree in hand, next comes the implementation of the provisions of an agreement, an agreed upon recommendation, or a judgment accompanied by the decree. The more complex the makeup of the marital estate, the more things will need to be accomplished to truly make the parties independent of one another.

Awards and Recognitions

"Best Law Firms"

Weber Gallagher was recognized by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers® in the “Best Law Firms” 2021 edition for Family Law. The U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation process that includes the collection of client and lawyer evaluations, peer review from leading attorneys in their field, and review of additional information provided by law firms as part of the formal submission process. Clients and peers were asked to evaluate firms based on the following criteria: responsiveness, understanding of a business and its needs, cost-effectiveness, integrity and civility, as well as whether they would refer a matter to the firm and/or consider the firm a worthy competitor.

"Best Lawyers"

Carolyn R. Mirabile was selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2021 guide. The guide is universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. Inclusion in Best Lawyers is based on exhaustive peer-review evaluations. Recognition in the guide is widely regarded by clients and legal professionals as a significant honor bestowed upon a lawyer by their peers.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this newsletter is intended to inform readers of developments in the law. The comments and articles do not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. If you have any questions, please contact the attorneys included on this newsletter.