News
Can You Work While Your Social Security Claim is Pending?
November 16, 2023Working While Your Social Security Disability Claim is Pending
You may have questions as a Claimant for Social Security Disability Insurance (“SSDI”) or Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”) benefits if you are considering working part-time during the long wait for your hearing.
With a free consultation, an attorney at Pyfer, Reese, Straub, Gray & Farhat, P.C. is available to assist you with determining how your work activity will impact your Social Security Disability benefits claim.
Why Naming a Minor Child a Life Insurance Beneficiary is a Bad Idea
November 2, 2023Understanding Life Insurance Beneficiary Provisions
Life insurance companies cannot pay funds directly to a minor beneficiary. If your life insurance beneficiary is a minor when you die and you have not made any type of provisions for a custodian or guardian of the funds, the distribution of funds will be delayed because your County Court will be required to become involved in selecting and appointing a corporate or adult custodian or guardian to manage the funds on behalf of the minor.
Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Laws
October 23, 2023In the heart of Pennsylvania, our Keystone State, the laws surrounding workers’ compensation hold unique implications for both employers and employees. In these local circumstances, the legal team at Pyfer Reese stands ready to guide you through the complexities of workers’ compensation, ensuring that you receive the support and compensation you deserve.
Preliminary Hearings
October 3, 2023After police file criminal charges against someone, the first critical stage of the proceedings against them is a preliminary hearing before a magisterial district judge. In Lancaster County, there are two types of cases that have preliminary hearings in specialized central courts—domestic violence and driving under the influence—those central courts will be discussed in a separate blog. The defendant’s decisions on the day of the preliminary hearing can profoundly affect the trajectory of their case going forward, and those decisions should be guided by a skilled, diligent, and experienced lawyer.
Child Custody Decisions in Pennsylvania
September 8, 2023Understanding Your Choices for the Best Chance at Success
Child custody decisions in Pennsylvania are determined by a court’s assessment of the best interests of the child, considering all relevant factors, including those factors listed in Section 5328 of the child custody statute. Among the 16 factors considered by the court is the “well-reasoned preference of the child, based on the child’s maturity and judgment.” It is important to highlight that the well-reasoned preference of a child is simply one of 16 factors a court must weigh when deciding a physical custody schedule that is in the best interests of a child. Therefore, although a child may express a preference in residing primarily with one parent over the other, that preference is considered along with all other factors, and a court may decide that the child’s preference is outweighed by more significant factors. This means that a court may not agree that the child’s desired preference is in their best interests, regardless of the child’s age or level of maturity.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN ESTATE PLANNING?
August 15, 2023
Qualifications and Eligibility for SSDI Benefits & SSI
August 2, 2023SSDI & SSI: For which disability benefit(s) should you apply?
SSDI benefits and SSI benefits are two disability benefit programs offered by the Social Security Administration (“SSA”). Social Security Disability Insurance (“SSDI”) benefits and Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”) are provided as benefits to individuals that qualify based on a disability that meets SSA statutes. But, which one should you apply for? Should you apply for both or are you not eligible for either SSDI or SSI?
COMMON LAW MARRIAGE IN PENNSYLVANIA
July 18, 2023Common Law Benefits
Pennsylvania stopped recognizing Common Law Marriages as of January 1, 2005; however, if you had established a Common Law Marriage in Pennsylvania prior to that date, Pennsylvania Law preserves the validity of such marriages. An established Common Law Marriage may provide you with certain benefits such as spousal death benefits, Social Security surviving spouse benefits, or zero percent inheritance tax (as opposed to 15% for unrelated persons).
Navigating Pennsylvania Personal Injury Law
July 14, 2023Personal Injury Process
When it comes to personal injury cases, understanding the legal landscape is crucial for both victims and their families. If you find yourself facing the aftermath of an accident in Pennsylvania, it’s essential to be familiar with the state’s personal injury laws. This blog will shed light on the key aspects of Pennsylvania personal injury law, empowering you with the knowledge you need to navigate the legal process and seek the compensation you deserve.
Emergency Protection from Abuse Orders
June 7, 2023Staying Safe & Legally Protected
Generally, a person who claims they were abused by a family member or current or former intimate partner can receive a restraining order (abuse orders) from the Court of Common Pleas. Those restraining orders are issued under the Protection from Abuse Act and are frequently referred to as “PFAs.” But sometimes an alleged victim asks for an order at night or on the weekend. Fortunately, there is a procedure in Pennsylvania that allows Magisterial District Courts (MDJs) to issue emergency orders when the Court of Common Pleas is not available. This article will help you understand the qualifications and process for emergency protection from abuse orders in a general way. For detailed legal help in your specific case, contact our team of experts.