The Supporting Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Act was Signed by the President on July 7, 2018. This federal law, co-authored by Pennsylvania senator Bob Casey and Maine senator Susan Collins, establishes an advisory council that is charged with identifying resources to address the physical and mental health needs of children as well as the needs of the grandparents or other older relative … [Read more...] about Help Is On the Way for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
Lehigh Valley Family Law
Tax Credit and Exclusion Information for Adoptive Families
Adoption tax credit The adoption tax credit is available if you adopted any child other than a stepchild, including adoption of a relative’s child, international and domestic adoptions, and adoption from foster care. In addition, if you were adopting from the United States, you can claim the credit for qualified expenses for a failed or non-finalized adoption the year after the expenses are … [Read more...] about Tax Credit and Exclusion Information for Adoptive Families
Superior Court Determines Prenatal Activities May Constitute Child Abuse
The attorneys in KingSpry’s adoption practice help foster parents, prospective adoptive parents, as well as caseworkers working with birth and foster families, to facilitate permanency for children. In a decision issued December 27, the Pennsylvania Superior Court addressed a significant legal issue that affects all parties to a child abuse matter. The Court’s decision, In the Interest of L.B. … [Read more...] about Superior Court Determines Prenatal Activities May Constitute Child Abuse
Not the Mama: Former Same-Sex Partner Denied Standing to Sue for Custody of Child Born and Partly Raised During Relationship
In a decision issued on October 11, 2017, the Superior Court affirmed the trial court’s decision which ruled a former partner in a same-sex relationship lacked standing to sue for custody of a minor child born during the relationship. J.W.H. was born in Florida in 2006, prior to the recognition of same-sex marriage or second party adoption in the state. He was the biological child of J.H., with … [Read more...] about Not the Mama: Former Same-Sex Partner Denied Standing to Sue for Custody of Child Born and Partly Raised During Relationship
Grief and the Law: How To Return To Work When Coping With Loss
October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. After the death of a child or the loss of a pregnancy, undoubtedly, you will grieve. People react differently to a death of a child. It takes time to resume a normal life, and some may struggle. Family members and friends will reach out to console a grieving parent, but you may feel alone when it comes to trying to return to work after your … [Read more...] about Grief and the Law: How To Return To Work When Coping With Loss
Unmarried Fathers Should Know Their Rights Regarding Paternity, Custody, and Child Support
Over the last several decades, the United States has seen a growth in the number of births to unmarried couples. Today, 40% of all children born are born to unmarried parents, up from 18.7% in 2007. In part, this increase is attributable to a growth in non-marital births within cohabitating unions. National surveys indicate that from 2006-2010, more than half (58%) of all nonmarital births … [Read more...] about Unmarried Fathers Should Know Their Rights Regarding Paternity, Custody, and Child Support