The facilities that provide egg cryopreservation services are relatively mainstream IVF clinics or private agencies, and uniformly are members of the Society for Assistive Reproductive Technology (SART). A woman giving her informed consent to egg freezing needs legal advice on issues such as medical procedural risks, disposition of eggs in case of incapacity or death, medical risks to the child … [Read more...] about What Are The Legal and Ethical Considerations of Egg Cryopreservation?
Lehigh Valley Family Law
Birth Parent Rights Remain Primary Absent Proof of Dependency
Agencies must work to identify birth parents as soon as possible. In a cautionary tale for agencies and pre-adoptive parents alike, on March 6, the Superior Court determined that pre-adoptive parents did not have standing to participate in a custody action filed by the child’s birth father. The Court’s order sets the stage for custody of the child to return to the birth father. The case, K.W. v. … [Read more...] about Birth Parent Rights Remain Primary Absent Proof of Dependency
Civil Unions Dissolvable in Pennsylvania
In a December 28, 2016 opinion, the Superior Court determined that civil unions can be dissolved, despite the fact that Pennsylvania law does not specifically recognize civil unions. On July 12, 2002, two adult Pennsylvania residents entered into a civil union in Vermont, the first state to offer civil unions. In December 2002, the parties began living separate and apart. At that time, … [Read more...] about Civil Unions Dissolvable in Pennsylvania
PA Superior Court Allows Couple to Annul Adoption to Pursue Marriage
In a December 21, 2016 opinion, the Superior Court determined that the Orphan’s Courts have authority to grant an uncontested petition to annul an adult adoption. The request was made to enable the parties to marry. In July, 2012, N.M.E. adopted R.A.B., Jr. The parties were a same-sex couple that had been together for more than 40 years. They pursued the adult adoption in 2012 to establish a … [Read more...] about PA Superior Court Allows Couple to Annul Adoption to Pursue Marriage
Adoption Tax Credits May Be Available for Adoptive Parents
As part of year-end financial planning, adoptive parents should consider whether they are eligible for the adoption tax credit. Adoptive parents can claim a tax credit for “qualified expenses” that are incurred in the course of an adoption. For 2016, the maximum credit remains at $13,460. The credit is inflation-indexed, and is expected to increase to $13,570.00 for 2017. How adoption tax … [Read more...] about Adoption Tax Credits May Be Available for Adoptive Parents
House Bill 380 Halves Waiting Period for Divorce on Basis of Irretrievable Breakdown
Last week, the Pennsylvania Senate approved House Bill 380 (which was passed by the House of Representatives on November 9, 2015). This Bill amends the Pennsylvania Divorce Code and reduces the waiting period by which an individual can secure a no-fault divorce on the basis of irretrievable breakdown. Previously, the waiting period was two years. As a result of the Senate’s adoption, it is now … [Read more...] about House Bill 380 Halves Waiting Period for Divorce on Basis of Irretrievable Breakdown