By: Marshall Chriswell, a Pennsylvania child custody attorney As a lawyer handling family law issues in Pennsylvania, divorced or separated parents often ask me if they need a child custody order. My answer is often …
August is National Make a Will Month. I know, I know…these days there is a month for everything, right? In fact, August is National Immunization Month, National Panini Month, National Breastfeeding Month, National Water Quality …
All contractors performing home improvements in Pennsylvania are subject to the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act, 73 P.S. 517-1, et seq. Many contractors are not aware of this law, which carries strict requirements and harsh consequences …
Are You a Home Improvement Contractor? Know the Law. Read More »
This week, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court issued an interesting decision about shale gas that has many Western Pennsylvania landowners breathing a sigh of relief. Nearly everyone in Western Pennsylvania has been affected by, or at …
Plant, Animal, or Mineral? PA Supreme Court Says Shale Gas is None of the Above. Read More »
Estate planning is important for everyone, but particularly for unmarried couples. Proper planning can provide effective and efficient disposition of assets consistent with one’s intentions, tax savings and, of course, peace of mind. A good …
Protect your Partner. 5 Estate Planning Tools for Unmarried Couples. Read More »
When drafting wills and other estate planning documents for clients, we always discuss tangible personal property. What is tangible personal property? It’s all of your “stuff” – cars, furniture, appliances, antiques, wedding bands, tools, equipment, …
When co-owners of real property in Pennsylvania cannot agree on the management or sale of the property, Pennsylvania law gives any owner the right to request a “partition” of the property. What is a Partition? …
Partition of Real Estate in Pennsylvania: When Property Owners Can’t Agree Read More »
What is a Protection From Abuse Order? In Pennsylvania, a victim domestic violence can file for a Protection From Abuse (PFA) Order. A PFA is also known as a “stay away” order or a “restraining …
What You Should Know About Protection From Abuse (PFA) in Pennsylvania Read More »
Part One: Trespassing This time of year in Pennsylvania, outdoor sportsmen clean their rifles, don their blaze orange and camouflage winter gear, and head into the woods. Deer hunting is a time-honored tradition in the …
6 Reasons Why You Should Prepare a Pennsylvania Will I am routinely approached by clients who have put off making a will, often for many years. I understand that confronting the idea of one’s own …
One common question asked by both landlords and tenants is this: What can a landlord legally do with a property that a tenant leaves behind? Until recently, there was not a good answer to this …
Pennsylvania Landlord-Tenant Law: Act 129 Sets New Rules for Tenant’s Abandoned Property Read More »
A Power of Attorney is a written document that gives one person authorization to act on behalf of another. I regularly recommend that my estate planning clients sign Powers of Attorney (including a Financial Power …
Power of Attorney – What is it? 5 Facts You Should Know. Read More »
As a lawyer, I attend legal conferences and participate in telephone and online discussions with colleagues from all over the country. One frequent topic of conversation is the serious problems that can occur when clients purchase …
Hello everyone, my name is Marshall Chriswell, and I am an attorney practicing in Western Pennsylvania. I maintain offices in Indiana and Clearfield, but I am available to meet with clients throughout Western Pennsylvania, including …