Two recent surrogacy controversies have emerged over the last couple weeks that highlight potential issues for couples looking to start a family through assisted reproductive technology (ART). New parents, Tammy and Jordan Myers, wish to adopt their twin babies after failed attempts to convince judges to name them the parents of their own biological children. While they are the biological parents … [Read more...] about Recent Surrogate Controversies Highlight Potential Contractual Issues to Keep in Mind
Lehigh Valley Family Law
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Finalizes Rule, Providing Federally Funded Programs Discretion on Religious Grounds
Former President Trump’s Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) approved a bill that would make it possible for foster care and adoption agencies to refuse LGBTQ families the ability to adopt children based on religious reasons. On January 7th, 2021, the final proposed rule was released, removing regulations barring discrimination on sex, religion, sexual orientation, and gender … [Read more...] about U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Finalizes Rule, Providing Federally Funded Programs Discretion on Religious Grounds
What To Expect: The Impact of COVID-19 on Assisted Reproductive Technology
The COVID-19 pandemic has created unique circumstances and dilemmas surrounding Assisted Reproductive Technology (“ART”). On March 17, 2020. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (“ASRM”) issued guidance for its members to manage patients amid COVID-19. This guidance was created by an expert Task Force made up of physicians, embryologists, and mental health professionals. The … [Read more...] about What To Expect: The Impact of COVID-19 on Assisted Reproductive Technology
New Law Addresses Termination of Parental Rights When Child is Conceived as the Result of Rape or Incest
Act 95 of 2020 was signed by the Governor on October 30 and goes into effect in 60 days. The new provision applies to petitions filed on or after December 29, 2020. The Adoption Act allows termination of a father’s parental rights when the child was conceived as a result of a rape or incest. However, the law has also required that an adoption be pending before rights can be terminated. This … [Read more...] about New Law Addresses Termination of Parental Rights When Child is Conceived as the Result of Rape or Incest
The New Norm for the School Year Causes New Problems for Divorced and Separated Parents
In general, choosing which school learning model is best for your child can lead to custodial and child support implications, so it is not surprising to see an uptick in custodial disputes between divorced or separated parents regarding the non-traditional reopening plans schools have implemented in response to COVID-19. The authority over major decisions including but not limited to a child’s … [Read more...] about The New Norm for the School Year Causes New Problems for Divorced and Separated Parents
As the Pandemic Continues, Divorce Rates are Increasing – A Coincidence or Correlation?
This global pandemic comes with lasting effects on almost every aspect of our lives. Sadly, this also includes stress and strain on marriages. At the outset of COVID-19, divorces and other legal proceedings were postponed because of the lockdowns and shelter-in-place orders around the country. While there is no specific evidence pointing to the correlation between the current divorce filings and … [Read more...] about As the Pandemic Continues, Divorce Rates are Increasing – A Coincidence or Correlation?