Law Office of Joanne Kleiner

Archives for June 2014

Jun 26

DOES MARITAL STATUS INFLUENCE CHILD CUSTODY?

Small child with teddy bearThe laws governing child custody in New Jersey are convoluted, to say the least. One facet tipping the scale during a custody battle can be the parents’ marital statuses. Believe it or not, even in these modern times, one or both parents’ marital statuses can and does have an affect on the outcome of a custody dispute. Ensuring that both the parents, and children involved in these cases, receive equal treatment is crucial.

Child custody lawyer Joanne Kleiner personally handles each case, and has extensive experience in all family law and divorce matters. To discuss your matter in confidence, please call 215-886-1266. You can also fill out our online intake form.

Joanne E. Kleiner has represented people in child custody cases for over two decades. She has the experience to represent you, regardless of marital status. She can represent any parent, whether you are in a domestic partnership, unmarried, in a short-term marriage, a long-term marriage, a long-standing, unmarried relationship, or a parent who has remarried.

OTHER CHILD CUSTODY FACTORS

Although marital status can have an impact, the courts are mainly concerned with the interests of the child or children in any custody case. Some aspects held in high consideration include:

  • Who will provide the most stable home environment for the child/children
  • The child (or children) and parent relationship
  • Both parent’s ability to provide for the child (or children)
  • Any past criminal or substance issues for the parent(s)

CONTACT FAMILY LAW AND DIVORCE ATTORNEY JOANNE KLEINER

Call Joanne E. Kleiner & Associates today at 215-886-1266. For additional information about our qualities and qualifications, please visit our Benefits of Retaining Joanne. K. Kleiner & Associates page.

Jun 12

WHEN DOES CHILD SUPPORT OBLIGATION END IN PENNSYLVANIA?

Teenagers taking selfieAs a parent, you want to make certain your child’s financial needs are being met. If you are no longer married to your child’s other parent, you do not have to be responsible for more than your fair share, and paying support to your spouse when your child no longer lives at home is not your responsibility.

PENNSYLVANIA LAWS GOVERNING CHILD SUPPORT

The duty to pay child support in Pennsylvania ends once a child reaches age 18 or graduates from high school, whichever occurs last. Once your child is over 18 years old, and a high school graduate, you no longer have a legal duty to support them financially.

In order to ensure that your current support order is canceled on time, file a Petition for Modification in the county that the order was entered, which will be located at the top of the support order you received. If you do not file a Petition for Modification, the DRS (Domestic Relations Section) office in the appropriate county will send an Emancipation Inquiry to the custodial parent.

Although Pennsylvania does not force parents to assist with college funding, a parent might choose to impose this responsibility onto themselves. If an agreement to support a child through their college education is part of a marital settlement, the Court will enforce it.

CONTACT A SKILLED JENKINTOWN FAMILY LAWYER AND DIVORCE ATTORNEY

An experienced Pennsylvania family law attorney can help guide you through the child support process. To discuss your particular situation and learn about your options, please schedule a confidential consultation with attorney Joanne Kleiner by calling us at 215-886-1266.

You can also fill out our intake form and we will contact you. The decisions you make today really will affect your future. Let us help you make those decisions intelligent and informed.

Jun 05

Children’s – AND Parent’s – Rights

Dad and sone readingBoth children – and parents – have rights within family law proceedings.

Children’s Rights

  • A CHILD has the right to love each parent without being subjected to the other parent’s hurt or anger.
  • A CHILD has the right to develop an independent and meaningful relationship with each parent and to enjoy the uniqueness of each parent and each home.
  • A CHILD has the right to be free from involvement in parents’ personal battles, including being used as a spy, messenger or bargaining chip.
  • A CHILD has the right to extended family relationships that include relationships with grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and others, and to appreciate the unique differences of each side of his or her family without having these differences referred to as “better” or “worse.”
  • A CHILD has the right to be free from questions about the other parent’s private life.
  • A CHILD has the right to see his or her parents treat each other in a courteous and respectful manner.
  • A CHILD has the right to develop and maintain activities and friends without fear of losing time with a parent.
  • A CHILD has the right to be a CHILD without having to assume adult and/or parental roles or duties.

Parents’ Rights

  • A PARENT has the right to love and nurture one’s child without harassment from the other parent.
  • A PARENT has the right to respect and courtesy and has the obligation to show respect and courtesy.
  • A PARENT has the right to attend and participate in a child’s special activities.
  • A PARENT has the right to information regarding a child’s physical, mental and emotional health.
  • A PARENT has the right during parenting time to follow one’s own standards, beliefs and style of child rearing without interference from the other parent.
  • A PARENT has the right to a separate and private life.

Contact Jenkintown Child Support and Family Law Attorney

Just because you are involved in a family law matter does not mean that you, nor your child, has to sacrifice your rights. To discuss your situation and learn your rights with an experienced family law attorney at Joanne E. Kleiner & Associates, in Jenkintown, PA, please call 215-886-1266, or you can fill out our intake form and we will contact you.
We serve clients throughout Montgomery, Bucks, Philadelphia counties, and the surrounding areas.