My wife left me and took our children. She has now filed for child support and spousal support through Domestic Relations. Do I need an attorney at the hearing?
Child Custody and Visitation
Regardless of whether you agree to a no-fault divorce or are involved in a disputed divorce, there are three basic areas which require the advice of an attorney: identifying and dividing marital assets, determining child custody, and establishing child and spousal support.
Premarital Agreement
Couples signing a Prenuptial /Cohabitation Agreement should each have their own attorney review the document and must fully disclose all assets and financial status prior to signing. Failure to do so can nullify the agreement. It is best to sign the Prenuptial Agreement early enough before the wedding date to avoid a later claim of coercion.
Spousal Support
It is crucial that you take an attorney with you to the hearing if spousal support is involved. Spouses who leave the marriage may not be entitled to any spousal support if they cannot show legal cause for leaving. Many payors are relieved of the obligation to support the spouse if they are able to prove the spouse lacked entitlement to spousal support. You should therefore consult an attorney before going to a Domestic Relations hearing. An attorney will advise you if you can handle the matter alone or whether an attorney should be present to assist you.
When charged with a crime, it is important to understand how the system works. Criminal law differs from civil law. This article will provide a broad overview of how crime is defined, what criminal law is, and the general process of a criminal case.
DUI/DWI
The increase in alcohol and medication use isn’t just happening at home. Despite lower traffic levels and bar and restaurant restrictions during the pandemic, DUI arrests have nearly returned to pre-pandemic levels during the summer of 2020.
Traffic Violations
Pennsylvania law defines "reckless driving" as driving a vehicle "in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of person or property." A violation occurs when a person’s driving is so unsafe that a chance of an accident occurring is exceptionally high and that person blatantly disregards the high-risk behavior. Examples include driving at dangerously high speeds while distracted, street racing, or knowingly driving an unsafe vehicle.
Sex Crimes
The attorneys at Lepley, Engelman, Yaw & Wilk, LLC have represented thousands of individuals in nearly every type of criminal charge and won acquittals or reduced sentences in many – DUI, homicide, burglary, aggravated assault, murder, rape and other criminal offenses. Attorney George Lepley has appeared in cases in over one-third of the counties in Pennsylvania as well as appearances in New York, Maryland, New Jersey and in Federal Court. He has 44 years experience in working with professionals in and around the judicial system and has defended over 40 homicide cases.
Robbery
Burglary
Over the past 40 years, our office has handled thousands of DUI cases, thousands of other types of criminal offenses, and in excess of fifty homicide cases. We have won acquittals in DUI, burglary, aggravated assault, murder and rape charges at jury trial.
Theft
Misdemeanors
In the United States, the two major types of crimes are defined as felonies and misdemeanors. Felonies are serious crimes that can be punishable by multiple years of imprisonment and substantial fines. Misdemeanors are less serious crimes with varying penalties, including the possibility of incarceration.
Drug Crimes
I was the lead attorney on appeal in Commonwealth v. Gray, a case in which the Pennsylvania Supreme Court held the standard set forth in Illinois v. Gates (a U.S. Supreme Court decision) did not violate the State Constitution; and therefore a "totality of circumstances" test was applied when analyzing probable cause for a search warrant based on information received from a confidential informant. This ruling has a statewide impact on search and seizure in criminal cases and in particular, drug cases.
Assault
Simple assault is when a person attempts to cause or intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causes bodily injury to another; negligently causes bodily injury to another with a deadly weapon; attempts by physical menace to put another in fear or imminent serious bodily injury.
Murder
All other charges of murder shall be murder of the third degree, which is a felony of the first degree, which carries a penalty of up to 40 years imprisonment.
Homicide
There are a variety of defenses a skilled defense attorney can present when a person is charged with any of the categories of criminal homicide. First, he can prove there is no evidence that you committed the crime. He can also help provide a sufficient reasonable doubt to the jury in the event the case proceeds to criminal trial. There are instances when an attorney can establish that a person is acting in self-defense, which results in the death of an individual.
Restraining Order
Domestic violence can happen to anyone regardless of gender, race, income, or other factors. If you are a victim of abuse by your partner or another family member, the family law attorneys at Lepley, Engelman, Yaw & Wilk can file a petition in court on your behalf for a Protection From Abuse restraining order.
Manslaughter
Voluntary manslaughter occurs when a person kills an individual and at the time of the killing is acting under a sudden and intense passion resulting from serious provocation by the individual killed. Voluntary manslaughter is graded as a felony of the first degree.
Hit and Run
When first learning to drive, one of the first rules you probably learned, after making sure to always wear your seat belt was to never to leave the scene of an accident. Hit-and-run car accidents are a serious matter. Unfortunately, they occur every 43 seconds, and only 10% are solved cases. A hit-and-run, defined by AAA’s Foundation for Traffic Safety, is an accident where at least one person involved in a crash flees the scene before offering any (or sufficient) information or aid to the other involved person(s) or fails to report the collision properly. It could involve a pedestrian, another vehicle, or a fixed object.
Workers' compensation is a form of insurance that workers can access if they are injured or develop an illness due to their work-related activities. It covers medical costs, lost wages, and other benefits for workers who experience workplace injury or occupational diseases. However, obtaining workers comp can be very complex and involve a lot of paperwork, so many seek workers' compensation lawyers to help them understand their rights and ensure they receive all the benefits they are entitled to. Workers' compensation attorneys, like the ones at Lepley Engelman, Law & Wilk, LLC, have specialized knowledge about workers’ rights and how to navigate the workers' comp system. They also provide legal representation for workers in hearings, depositions, and appeals arising from disputes over workers' compensation claims.
A Protection from Abuse (PFA) Order is a court order that lets a person obtain legal protection from physical and/or emotional abuse. This order also authorizes a person to obtain certain rights related to family law, including the right to stay in their home and have contact with children involved in the situation. PFAs are necessary for anyone who is experiencing abuse so that they can receive protection from potential harm or further property damage. In addition, this type of order provides additional safeguards by legally restraining an abuser from making contact, which can help ensure a safe environment.
Personal injury claims stem from injuries that occur as a result of the fault of another party. The bulk of those claims result from automobile accidents, product defects, slip-and-fall claims, and professional negligence. To recover for personal injuries, the injured party must establish liability and damages.
Medical Malpractice
Medical negligence is the third leading cause of death in the U.S. behind heart disease and cancer.* In 2016, over $3.8 billion was paid out for medical malpractice.
Auto Accidents
Social Security Disability
Buying or selling a home, social security disability concerns, prenuptial agreements, civil suits... whatever your legal needs, the award-winning attorneys at Lepley, Engelman, Yaw and Wilk will provide professional, personal assistance to assure that your matters are handled to your utmost satisfaction. Call us today at one of our locations for a quote or more information on our exemplary legal services, or click on one of laywers below to learn more.
Even if there are not significant assets, Prenuptial Agreements can prevent payments of alimony and other financial obligations. Not only can they establish division of assets, but they can help with estate planning issues concerning children's inheritances and welfare, such as setting aside money for college expenses, trusts for minor children, etc.