Lehigh Valley Family Law

On March 21, the Superior Court issued its first decision regarding enforcement of Post Adoption Contact Agreements (“PACAs”), In re Adoption of B.G.W. The case involved a private infant adoption.  Through a PACA, the birth and adoptive parents agreed that the child’s birth mother (“BM”) would have at least three visits per year with the child, for at least 2 hours each visit.  At the first … [Read more...] about Superior Court Addresses Enforcement of Post Adoption Contact Agreements

What happens to my stored genetic material when I die? This common and seemingly simple question can have a very broad-ranging set of answers. While every person’s circumstances will produce individual results, there are a few general considerations to keep in mind when storing genetic material. First, is your stored genetic material subject to an express agreement? Whether by contract with a … [Read more...] about What Happens to My Stored Genetic Material After I Die?

Back-to-school sales are in full swing, and parents have their homework cut out for them to gather the paperwork necessary for enrollment in school and activities. Here are some areas where foster parents and adoptive parents may need to take a little extra time and planning before school starts. Enrollment Need Not be Complicated for Children in Foster Care The Fostering Connections Act requires … [Read more...] about Tips for Back to School Prep for Foster and Adoptive Families

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

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

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