Posts made in May 2018

PA Governor Wolf Signs SB 844 on May 4, 2018 – New Changes coming soon to Pennsylvania Custody Law

As recently noted here on the Family Law Blog at pghdivorce.com, SB 844 passed the Pennsylvania Senate and Pennsylvania House earlier this spring and was awaiting signature by the Governor.

On Friday, May 4, 2018, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf signed the Bill which will be effective 60 days from its signature, on Tuesday, July 3, 2018.

This means big changes to both WHO can now become involved in  PA Custody cases (standing) and WHAT will be considered for those persons seeking Custody under PA law.

Accordingly, any persons seeking to petition for custody in Pennsylvania under the new law should prepare now, since if they meet the new criteria for filing they will be able to file as of July 3, 2018.

For more information on these new developments in PA Custody Law, contact Attorney Levine today at: 412.303.9566.

BIG NEWS FOR CUSTODY in PA – Re: Standing for Custody and Grandparent Custody

On April 10, 2018 Senate Bill 844 has passed both the PA House and Senate and will become law once signed by the governor. The changes are in part, in response to the opioid crisis.

This will represent a substantial change to existing Pennsylvania Custody Law in two ways.

First, “Standing” (the ability to file for custody) is impacted.

The new law will amend section 5324 by expanding when an individual may file for Custody if: “The individual has assumed or is willing to assume responsibility for a child, the individual has a sustained, substantial and sincere interest in the welfare of the child; and neither parent has any form of care and control of the child.” Certain exceptions will apply.

Next, the law will amend Section 5325 to allow Grandparents AND Great Grandparents to file for partial physical custody or supervised physical custody in expanded situations.

Call 412.303.9566 for more information on these sweeping changes to PA custody Law and whether they impact or change your rights.