Blog

A family home is one of the largest assets that a person owns. The emotional ties to the home can dramatically increase the worth to heirs of an estate. Deciding how to include a home in an estate plan can be a complicated process. Working with an experienced estate lawyer can ensure that the...Read More >>

Every year, more than 600,000 new businesses are opened. Although the survival rate for small to mid-sized companies is not high, many do thrive and become lucrative revenue streams. However, when the founder or co-founder of a business files for divorce, complications arise. Courts will consider the business’s assets and liabilities to fairly and...Read More >>

Every year, more than 37 million falls require medical attention and are the second leading cause of accidental injuries worldwide. It goes without saying that falls from great heights are dangerous, but low and ground level falls can be just as risky, especially to elderly or medically-fragile individuals. Fall victims suffer painful and debilitating...Read More >>

Eckell, Sparks, Levy, Auerbach, Monte, Sloane, Matthews & Auslander, P.C. is thrilled to announce that 10 of their attorneys have been recognized by Super Lawyers. Super Lawyers is an independent referral service that chooses the most respected and successful lawyers from each state and area of concentration. Candidates are peer nominated and undergo a...Read More >>

Homeowners are often surprised to find that their property tax bill has increased. If the tax bill has increased for the home, then the value of the home has also increased. However, it is estimated that homes are often overvalued. Homeowners can appeal a home’s assessed value if they believe that their home has been overvalued to...Read More >>

Millions of people attend stadiums every year for sporting events to rock-and-roll concerts. While most individuals will go home with nothing but happy memories, some will be less fortunate as stadiums can sometimes offer dangerous situations and conditions. Determining liability after being hurt at a stadium involves several factors. First, it is important to...Read More >>

Divorce is a common fact of life and happens across all ages and demographic groups. In the United States more than 827,000 people divorced in 2016, according to Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) statistics. Divorce falls broadly into two categories, which are based on the level of agreement or disagreement between the...Read More >>

Charitable giving is a part of many estate plans, whether for philanthropic or tax-reducing purposes. Your giving strategy may vary depending on your financial circumstances and the tax benefits that come with each option for donation. It is therefore important to consider which assets you will donate, and how they will be left when...Read More >>

For many homeowners, news of a property tax hike can be a source of stress and financial uncertainty. Understanding how and why property tax increases occur can help property owners prepare for the financial impact of tax hikes while remaining alert for tax overcharges. Assessing Property Values To determine the amount of local or...Read More >>

Property tax bills may amount to a lot of money and can be a burden for Pennsylvania residents. No one likes to pay high property taxes, and most pay it without thinking about any recourse. According to Forbes, just two percent of homeowners challenge their property tax assessments, even though the National Taxpayers Union...Read More >>

Sometimes known as motorbikes, cycles, bikes, choppers, and even roadsters, motorcycles come out of hibernation when spring approaches. The open road calls out to motorcycle owners this time of year, and the roads get a little louder with two-and-three-wheelers popping up everywhere. Getting Ready to Ride After its winter break, a motorcycle needs a...Read More >>

Determining child custody encompasses many factors and must be handled with delicacy in the dissolution of any marriage involving children. One issue that may complicate matters and create concern over the well-being of the children may be a substance abuse problem afflicting one of the parents. Alcohol or drug abuse may disrupt a parent’s...Read More >>

Many people put off creating an estate plan as long as possible. After all, it may seem like an unpleasant reminder that life does not last forever. As the Delaware County wills and estate lawyers at Eckell Sparks know, estate plans ensure that assets are handled appropriately after the death or incapacitation of a...Read More >>

Personal injury lawsuits usually involve physical injuries. However, some physical injuries are so grave that they are often characterized as “catastrophic injuries.” In these types of lawsuits, the aggrieved parties have suffered injuries that are severe, permanent, and include higher damages due to expensive medical procedures, long-term medical care, and loss of earning capacity....Read More >>

Dividing marital assets is a major component of a divorce agreement, but so is dividing marital debt. When it comes to credit card debt in a Pennsylvania divorce, much depends on whether the credit cards are jointly held or only in the name of one spouse. Credit Card Debt and Divorce If your credit...Read More >>

More and more, our lives revolve around technology. Increasingly, that includes end of life issues, such as creating a will and estate planning. While technology is a valuable tool in many areas of life, it also contains inherent risks. What was cutting edge technology a decade ago – like flip phones – is ancient...Read More >>

Property owners should know that they are legally responsible to protect pedestrians or visitors from unreasonable and dangerous site hazards. Winter hazards such as snow and ice on the premises are a common occurrence. But slip and fall accidents can happen year-round on and at all kinds of business and commercial sites. For those...Read More >>

The Delaware County Tax Reassessment Project, initiated in March 2017, commenced in November with mailers being distributed to residential property owners in several municipalities. The reassessment results will apply for the 2021 tax year and may significantly increase the taxes property owners will have to pay. When homeowners receive the new assessments, they may...Read More >>

When people see a rear-end collision, they will likely assume that the driver of the vehicle in back was at fault. Although this is true in most of these crashes, there are situations where that driver is only partially at fault, or even not liable at all. Rear-end collisions are the most common kind,...Read More >>

When a person dies, assets owned solely in their name become part of their estate – and so do their debts. Should the latter exceed the former, the estate may prove insolvent. For most estates, the assets will exceed the debts; but heirs cannot receive assets left to them until the debts of the...Read More >>

Pennsylvania winters bring snarled traffic, school delays, and snowy sidewalks and roads for pedestrians to navigate. Unfortunately, even with proper care and caution, people slip and fall on icy surfaces resulting in serious injuries. Winter brings regular calls to law offices with the frequent question: should I pursue legal action for my slip and...Read More >>

Planned gifting and estate planning allow people to allocate their money and valuable assets to individuals or charitable organizations that they hold near to their heart. Careful planning can help alleviate stress and financial tax burdens on beneficiaries while allowing donors to continue to benefit from interest and dividends while they are still alive....Read More >>

Your last will and testament is supposed to contain your final wishes as to the disposition of your estate. This legal document is one of the most important plans you will ever make, and you should take considerable care when devising it. The following are some matters that you should take into account when...Read More >>

Sometimes accidents or wrongdoings occur that result in harm to another. Personal injury law, a part of civil law, works to provide monetary compensation to those who have been injured by another. There may be one or more parties injured or responsible for the harm. A plaintiff, who is the individual harmed, may be...Read More >>

No one enjoys making decisions about the end of their lives. But if people do not act when they are still relatively healthy and mentally competent, they could end up in the kind of situation they would want to avoid. A few lucky people die at a ripe old age in their sleep –...Read More >>

Though most people do not think about getting hurt when they are out eating dinner, accidents do happen. Restaurants are public places, and tend to be filled with people throughout the day. Busy servers, impatient patrons, and other factors can lead to unsafe conditions that people might not even think about. Slip and fall...Read More >>

The answer to this question varies with the circumstances of each divorcing couple, and often depends on how willing they are to compromise on matters like the division of assets, alimony, child support, and child custody arrangements. Spouses who end things amicably have more options than those that do not. However, consulting a Chester...Read More >>

Human error is frequently cited as the cause of most car accidents. However, for the ridesharing powerhouse Uber, this time it was software that caused a serious accident. Though self-driving software is designed to eliminate everyday human error, just one glitch or hack can cause a severe accident, and could be the difference between...Read More >>

The Media, Pennsylvania law firm of Eckell, Sparks, Levy, Auerbach, Monte, Sloane, Matthews & Auslander, P.C. is proud to announce that attorney Craig B. Huffman has been named President of the Delaware County Bar Association. Craig B. Huffman, attorney with Eckell, Sparks, Levy, Auerbach, Monte, Sloane, Matthews & Auslander, P.C. in Media, Pennsylvania has...Read More >>

Planning for the future is important. It is no less important when considering legacy planning, which is financial planning for future generations. Legacy planning is thoughtful management of wealth and assets both during life and beyond. This includes estate planning where one or more trusted individuals is put in charge of your assets so...Read More >>

Driving comes with inherent risks. The operation of heavy machines moving at high-speeds opens itself up to severe injuries and consequences. Because humans operate these vehicles, there exists a wide margin for error, especially when merging. When driving on a road with more than one lane going in the same direction, it is common...Read More >>

After a motor vehicle accident occurs, its survivors can become very disoriented. Although physical trauma may not be immediately apparent or mentally registered by the victims, it can be very real. The resulting chaos from a truck accident can be much worse than in a car crash, since trucks are bigger, more powerful, and...Read More >>

When divorced couples marry new partners and there are children involved, they become blended families. These kids can be from one or both new spouse’s previous marriages. The term, blended family, was unfamiliar to most people many decades ago, but statistics show that their numbers are increasing. Close to half of the married couples...Read More >>

Pedestrians do not always get along well with motor vehicles. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), close to 6,000 pedestrians were fatally injured in car accidents in 2017. Almost 129,000 pedestrians were treated in emergency rooms after getting hit, equaling out to one pedestrian accident for every four minutes. During the...Read More >>

Child custody agreements can be among the more daunting aspects of undergoing a divorce. For men with children, there are many questions about how child custody is viewed by the legal system. In the past, child custody was traditionally awarded to the mother, but today, that assumption has begun to change. The general rule...Read More >>

Estate planning is important to everyone and it does not have to be a complex or expensive undertaking. It can be performed all at once or piece by piece over time. The important thing is to avoid inaction because of confusion or misunderstanding. The following is a brief description of the main issues involved...Read More >>

Like any other state, Pennsylvania’s roads and highways need ongoing repairs and upkeep to maintain their safety. Although there is federal funding, every state has a specific budget that is set for ongoing, necessary maintenance, repair work, and construction. Even though taxes are used for road work, it is difficult to keep up with...Read More >>

Determining who is responsible for a truck accident is not always an easy task. This is because accidents involving trucks and tractor-trailers are often more complicated than an accident involving two smaller vehicles. For example, if a truck driver drifts out of the proper lane and hits a vehicle driving alongside the truck, most...Read More >>

Many of us think that creating a will is something that we do when we are older. Others may believe they have nothing substantial to leave behind, therefore a will is pointless. However, these misconceptions can lead to many unfortunate consequences, including the fact that the laws of the state where the deceased resides...Read More >>

A recent University of Delaware study predicts driverless car technology could bring big changes to American roadways. With improved traffic coordination and fuel efficiency capacities, driverless cars may reduce the need for traffic lights and eliminate speeding tickets in the future. Researchers used simulation software and driving simulation facilities to explore the most current...Read More >>

Too many people neglect to take care of proper estate planning while they are still of sound mind. Others may not realize that designating an executor for their estate is one of the most important tools for assuring that their final wishes will be carried out. There is a lot more to getting your...Read More >>

Pennsylvania work zones just became safer for drivers and workers, thanks to a new law signed by Governor Tom Wolf last month. Targeted at reducing speeding in work zone areas, the recently passed Automated Speed Enforcement bill allows select state agencies to use radar and other recording equipment to monitor the speed of vehicles...Read More >>

When a loved one dies, family members are left with the task of handling the financial affairs of the deceased individual, referred to as the decedent. This includes settling debts, paying owed taxes, distributing the decedent’s property, and closing out bank accounts. These activities fall under the legal process called probate. State laws vary...Read More >>

Although parking lots at shopping malls are packed with cars during the holiday season, many people have turned to shopping online for gifts and supplies. This translates into more delivery trucks on the roads throughout December. They are on all the roads and highways, and these increasing numbers lead to more truck accidents during...Read More >>

A bitter divorce can be the result of many factors, and it is easy for the spouses to lose sight of the big picture. Constant arguing, financial worries, and inconsistent behaviors can affect their loved ones, especially when children are in the picture. Children of divorcing couples can get caught in the middle when...Read More >>

It can be a complicated endeavor to deal with the needs of a parent. Issues like transportation, enabling social interactions to take place, monitoring medication schedules, attending to household tasks, and more will arise. In addition, they may no longer be able to handle paying the bills and other financial matters. The need to...Read More >>

It is important for parents to establish guardianship for their minor children. Although it is difficult to think about, if something happens to you and your child’s other parent, you should ensure that someone you trust will take care of your child. Naming a guardian in your will or testament greatly increases your chances...Read More >>

Traffic circles, roundabouts, and rotaries can be a little intimidating for drivers. Yet, even though complaints are made, proponents of these rounded intersections make a good case for their safety. Studies have shown that roundabouts show a 10 percent decrease in bicycle accidents, 30 to 40 percent reduction in pedestrian accidents, 75 percent less...Read More >>

Thanksgiving is the time to gather with family and old friends and celebrate our blessings. Unfortunately, it is also one of the worst times of year for car accidents because more people are on the road, making driving extra dangerous. AAA estimated that over 54 million Americans will be on the roads over the...Read More >>

When you think of car accidents, you probably picture one car crashing into another. What you may not realize is that, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 5,000 pedestrians are fatally injured in motor vehicle related accidents. This commonly occurs when a pedestrian tries to cross a highway. When a pedestrian...Read More >>

Holidays can bring both joys and stress in the best of times, but the first Thanksgiving after a divorce is far more complicated. Divorce is a life-altering experience, and adapting around the holidays during the first year is key to making it as smooth as possible for the children. Thanksgiving usually means that for...Read More >>

It is an appealing idea to shut out the sound of traffic while driving and focus on your favorite music through headphones or earbuds. It gives you pleasure without annoying other people in the car. However, there is a problem. Earphones and headphones are among the most dangerous forms of distracted driving and have...Read More >>

Although AAA and other road safety organizations have worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the risks of distracted driving, drivers in this country still seem reluctant to put down their cell phone. In 2015, more than 3,400 fatalities were caused by distracted driving. Current research shows that nearly half of drivers admit to looking...Read More >>

Achieving financial goals is more attenable for people that carefully plan out specific steps and put them into action. It is good to save money, but the constant rise in the cost of living necessitates investing, documentation, and tax planning. October is Financial Planning Month, and it is a great time to either get...Read More >>

Going through a divorce can be extremely challenging. With so much emotion and so many decisions to make, it can often be a recipe for disaster – or at least overwhelm even the most put together individuals. There can be a great deal of contention over distribution of assets, not to mention child custody...Read More >>

Uber and Lyft are becoming a popular alternative to calling a local cab company. As many of us utilize this service to safely transport ourselves and our family members to the airport, special events, and other locations, we may not even consider the fact that the vehicle we are trusting to take us where...Read More >>

Recently, Guy F. Matthews, attorney at Eckell Sparks, led the Estate Planning 101 seminar sponsored by the Retirement Prosperity Group. Mr. Matthews offered guidance on wills, trusts, probate, powers of attorney, and more to a standing room only crowd. As part of the event, attendees were offered free consultations on the varied aspects of...Read More >>

With the rise in popularity and use of cryptocurrency comes the need to include such investments in estate planning. However, cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin are more secretive in nature than traditional investments, resulting in the need for awareness and creativity on the part of estate planning lawyers. Currently, cryptocurrency exchanges do not require your...Read More >>

For many young adults, college is more than the pursuit of higher education. It is the first time they leave home and experience newfound independence. For some students, this freedom leads to experimentation with alcohol and drugs. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism call harmful and underage college drinking “significant public health...Read More >>

The tax bill passed by Congress in December of last year, known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), was the first revamp of the tax code in many years. One of the major changes made was an increase to the exemption amount allowed from estate tax. Prior to bill’s enactment, heirs to...Read More >>

With companies like Uber, Google, and Tesla competing to produce self-driving cars, it is no surprise that autonomous trucks are now being tested. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) recently held a demonstration of an autonomous truck in one of their work safety zones. The truck, valued at $350,000, was manufactured by Royal Trucking,...Read More >>

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reports that aggressive driving is a common occurrence in the United States. Unsurprisingly, 80 percent of drivers surveyed expressed some level of anger, road rage, or aggression behind the wheel in the last year. In fact, aggressive driving was a factor in 1,840 crashes and 31 fatalities in...Read More >>

No driver wants to experience the aftermath of a car accident. The toll a car accident can have on one’s physical and mental health can be devastating. Severe injuries, including loss of limbs, internal bleeding, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and even death, can result from motor vehicle accidents caused by unsafe cars. Many...Read More >>

Anyone with a smart phone most likely uses one social media site or another. Social media surely has its benefits, helping to connect us to friends and family near and far. It also has its pitfalls. “Oversharing” is a common social media problem – and when it comes to divorce, oversharing can be downright...Read More >>

The legal team at Eckell Sparks is proud to announce that the prestigious publication, Main Line Today, a magazine that serves Philadelphia and the Western Suburbs, has named 19 Eckell Sparks attorneys as “Top Lawyers” for 2018. The attorneys who were honored were nominated through peer balloting, then vetted through the publication’s editorial process....Read More >>

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that an estimated 3,500 people die in car accidents because of distracted driving every year, and it is estimated that some 400,000 are injured. Many of those who suffer due to distracted drivers are bicyclists and pedestrians. In an effort to combat this epidemic, car manufacturers...Read More >>

Parents and young children alike are excited about the challenges of school starting. However, it is important to include safety during this time of planning. For parents, safety is a never-ending process. As a careful parent, you must pay attention to the clothes your child is wearing; whether the backpack straps fit properly; whether...Read More >>

Alimony is a series of payments that one spouse makes to the other to provide financial support after divorce. Spouses may negotiate a spousal support plan on their own; however, if they cannot come to an agreement, the court may enter a support order if it finds that one spouse owes a duty of...Read More >>

When warm weather arrives, motorcycle enthusiasts hit the road. While riding a motorcycle is exhilarating, it is also dangerous. Crashes between motorcycles and cars are frequent, and the accident is generally the fault of the automobile driver. Historically, two-thirds of motorcycle/auto collisions occur because the driver of the car did not yield the right...Read More >>

Even if you believe that you do not have the assets to justify creating a final will and testament, establishing an estate plan can save you a lot of trouble in the long run. Not only will it allow you to make informed decisions concerning your assets, but it will allow you to avoid...Read More >>

With Google, Tesla, and Uber rolling out self-driving cars, autonomous technology seems to be the way of the future. Yet, according to new research conducted by the American Automobile Association (AAA), Americans are not fully convinced that self-driving cars are safe. In a recent study, 73 percent of citizens polled said they were “too...Read More >>

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) studied traumatic brain injury (TBI) statistics in the United States for the year 2013. They found that many TBIs occur as a result of motor vehicle crashes. That year, car accidents were the third leading cause of TBI hospital visits and fatalities among Americans of all...Read More >>

No one wants to talk about divorce. But, if you have children, you need to work through the discomfort and explain to them, in terms they can understand, what is going on. Children need to talk about it, they need to appreciate the situation, and they need to be reassured that things will be...Read More >>

A car accident in Plumstead, Pennsylvania caused a fatality and multiple injuries on Tuesday morning. Around 11 am, the crash occurred at the intersection of Easton and Old Easton Roads when a pickup truck slammed into a minivan. An elderly woman who was a passenger in the minivan succumbed to her fatal injuries at...Read More >>

Nothing can ruin summer fun like an unexpected injury caused by a slip and fall accident. Yet, every year, over one million people visit hospital emergency rooms to deal with the aftermath of a slip and fall, with many of these accidents occurring during the summer months. Summer weather can increase the likelihood of...Read More >>

Emotions can run high following the death of a loved one. In some circumstances, surviving family members of a deceased individual may question the validity of the deceased’s will. Whether the survivors believe the will is incorrect as a result of a drafting mistake or the consequence of a wrongdoing, they may seek to...Read More >>

The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) recently published a report that focuses on the increase of drugs in motor vehicle accident fatalities. The GHSA represents state highway safety offices that employ federal grant programs to improve behavioral highway safety. The report states that 22.3 percent of the victims that were tested showed positive for marijuana in 2016. This could...Read More >>

America is amid a nationwide truck driver shortage. As companies like Amazon and Walmart’s delivery services continue to expand, the trucking industry cannot keep up. Experts say that nearly 15,000 more drivers are needed to fill the shortage. The truck industry estimates that over the next 10 years, trucking companies will need to hire...Read More >>

When warm summer temperatures arrive, many people will flock to public and private pools to cool off and enjoy their free time swimming. As the season continues, it is a good time to remember that safety issues at pools must always be taken seriously, especially when it comes to small children. Drowning According to...Read More >>

It is no secret that divorce is expensive. But for many people, that is a reality that they are willing to accept to move forward with a new and better life. Nearly every divorcing couple will face major financial changes. After a divorce, you can no longer pool your resources to share household expenses....Read More >>

Power of attorney is an important legal document that everyone should have, regardless of age or financial circumstances. It is not just for the elderly or those with significant assets. A power of attorney gives the person you have designated, known as your agent, the legal right to make decisions for you should you...Read More >>

The summer can be an especially dangerous time for teen drivers. With more celebrations and the freedom that comes from not being in school, teens are more likely to be behind the wheel and thus more likely to be injured in a car accident. According to the highway safety advocacy group We Save Lives,...Read More >>

A bicycle accident with a car claimed the life of the bicyclist in Derry Township, Pennsylvania. On Monday night, around 11:24 pm, the fatal accident occurred on Hersheypark Drive when the bicycle and car collided. The bicyclist succumbed to fatal injuries at the scene of the Derry Township bicycle accident. Half of bicycle accidents...Read More >>

According to the AAA Foundation for Safety, 2016 saw a record breaking number of fatalities due to hit and run accidents. Although most of us think of a hit and run as one car hitting another and then speeding away, most hit and run deaths involve pedestrians, bicyclists, and highway workers. With an average...Read More >>

As the weather continues to warm, motorcycle enthusiasts will enjoy taking to the roads more often. However, they should be aware that Pennsylvania has one of the highest rates of motorcycle accidents. In 2016, the state had a total over 3,500 motorcycle crashes in which 192 people lost their lives. Those who intend to...Read More >>

Backup cameras are an extremely popular feature these days. Also known as “reversing cameras” or a “rear-view camera,” they are attached to the rear of a vehicle so that the driver can see behind them while backing up. Backup cameras can help prevent a driver from striking a child, pet, or object that is...Read More >>

When someone that you care care about passes away, not only do you have to process the emotional pain caused by your loss, but you may also be responsible for managing their affairs. After a person passes away, a personal representative is responsible for managing their financial and other affairs. This person can be...Read More >>

Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer and is one of the most heavily-trafficked weekends of the year. According to AAA estimates, more than 34 million people drove to their Memorial Day destinations last year. More traffic means an increased risk of motor vehicle accidents. Consider these safe driving tips to ensure...Read More >>

Eckell Sparks proudly announces a landmark year for their practice. Seven members of our legal team have earned the distinction of Super Lawyers for 2018. Partners Leonard A. Sloane, Guy F. Matthews, and David E. Auerbach were recognized. In addition,  Craig B. Huffman, Joseph E. Lastowka, Jr., Jonathan E. Becker, and Michael J. Davey...Read More >>

Approximately 6,000 runners, walkers, and other pedestrians are fatally injured in traffic accidents each year, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association. Sadly, there is no sign of a decline any time soon. One reason for this could be the increasing occurrence of distracted driving. When a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, motorcycle,...Read More >>

Highway construction zones are a high-risk area for everybody, but especially for big trucks. The sheer size and weight of a truck makes for slower reaction times and increases the need for stopping distance compared to smaller vehicles. All of these issues become amplified in the confined lanes of a construction zone, leading to...Read More >>

Many bicycle accidents fall into one of a few common categories. Learning these situations and how to avoid them can help bicyclists stay safe and reduce the risk of injury. Bicyclists need to take care at intersections as 45 percent of all bike accidents with cars happen at an intersection. The following are common...Read More >>

After the occurrence of a motor vehicle crash in Bristol Township, Pennsylvania, both drivers sustained serious injuries. The car accident took place on Route 413/Veterans Highway and Ford Road on Monday morning around 5:30 am. Victims of the motor vehicle crash who required the help of rescue crews to extricate the individuals from their...Read More >>

The National Safety Council estimates there were 40,100 automotive fatalities in the U.S. in 2017. For the second consecutive year, this number reached over 40,000; in 2016 the estimated total was 40,327. Despite this small decline, statistics show that overall car crash deaths are on the rise. The 2017 estimate is six percent higher...Read More >>

Distracted driving continues to be a growing problem for Pennsylvania law enforcement according to new data from the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts. Since 2013, citations for distracted driving have increased 172 percent. In 2017 alone, citations were up by 52 percent. Distracted driving is a broad category that includes any activity that takes...Read More >>

Probate is the legal process that takes place to determine the validity of a deceased person’s will and how that person’s assets will be distributed. Estate administration and planning can be a complicated process and sometimes people make mistakes. For this reason, it is critical to hire an experienced and reputable wills and estates...Read More >>

Personal injury is a broad category covering everything from car and motorcycle accidents to medical malpractice and wrongful death. A personal injury case does not just involve compensation for physical injury. You may have missed work, have future medical costs and needs, or suffered emotional trauma from your accident. Whatever your legal needs are,...Read More >>

Ending a marriage is stressful under the best of conditions where both parties are parting amicably. But a contentious or high-conflict divorce can exhaust both your finances and your emotional well-being. It is always best when a divorce can be settled without litigation. Litigation is costly for both sides and prolongs the entire process....Read More >>

The legal team at Eckell Sparks is pleased and proud to announce that eight of our attorneys have been named among the best in Delaware County in the annual Daily Times Reader’s Choice Best Lawyers List for 2018. This honor reflects the hard work and dedication our lawyers show to every client we represent....Read More >>

Americans do not want have to think about their own death or plan for it as evidenced by the AARP statistic that two out of every five adults over the age of 45 in the U.S. do not have a will. If you do not plan for what happens to your estate after you...Read More >>

On Thursday evening, a multi-vehicle accident took place in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania and involved a police car and about five other vehicles. Around 5:45 pm, the multi-vehicle crash occurred on Route 202 and Henderson Road when a driver who was suffering from a medical emergency rear-ended a police car that was stopped at...Read More >>

The Philadelphia area is no stranger to bad traffic, but the advent of GPS apps has added another twist to the litany of traffic problems here – trucks crashing into bridges in the surrounding suburbs injuring people and snarling traffic for miles around. Most GPS apps plot a route without taking into consideration the...Read More >>

Alcohol-related car accidents claim the lives of more than 10,000 people in the U.S. annually. A new report by a panel from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine offers recommendations for preventing more drunk driving fatalities, including lowering the blood alcohol content threshold nationwide. Alcohol impaired driving accidents are responsible for 28...Read More >>

Numerous studies suggest that more fatal car accidents occur in the days following the change of clocks for daylight saving time. Every March, we set our clocks forward one hour and then move them back again in November. This shift in time, however slight, requires the body to adjust its sleep cycle — a...Read More >>

Screening for sleep apnea could have prevented two recent train crashes – the September 2016 NJ Transit train crash in Hoboken, New Jersey, and a Long Island Railroad (LIRR) crash in Brooklyn that happened in January 2017. A report by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) officially cited failure to screen for sleep apnea,...Read More >>

Construction is a hazardous industry. One in five worker fatalities happen in construction. There are four types of accidents responsible for more than 60 percent of construction worker deaths. These are the so-called Fatal Four: falls, struck-by object, electrocution, and caught-in/between accidents. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), eliminating the Fatal...Read More >>

The recently-passed Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the Act) provides taxpayers with historic estate planning opportunities. The Act, which became effective on January 1, 2018, grants record high exemption amounts and other advantages for a limited time until December 31, 2025. The Act may also have unintended consequences on existing wills and trusts. Individuals...Read More >>

On Tuesday morning, a SEPTA bus and tractor trailer collided, causing multiple injuries for victims. Around 5:30 am, the crash occurred when the SEPTA bus hit the tractor trailer as it was turning from Orthodox Street in the Frankford section of Philadelphia. Passengers from the bus sustained a range of injuries and were taken...Read More >>

A recent report from the AAA concludes that installing safety technology on all large trucks could prevent more than 60,000 crashes each year and save lives. More than 3.5 million trucks travel U.S. highways. The study, titled “Leveraging Large Truck Technology and Engineering to Realize Safety Gains,” examined four types of advanced safety technology...Read More >>

The new tax law introduces sweeping changes to the American tax code, including the way alimony payments are treated. For 75 years, the system enabled those paying alimony to deduct the payments from their taxable income. Beginning in 2019, that will no longer be the case. At present, the alimony deduction saves both spouses...Read More >>

The National Safety Council (NSC) had a clear reaction to car maker General Motor’s unveiling of its new onboard Marketplace app. In an interview with Bloomberg Technology, NSC president, Deborah Hersman said the app will contribute to the problem of distracted driving. Last year in the U.S., fatalities from auto accidents rose by 5.6...Read More >>

On Tuesday night, a man sustained fatal injuries during a head-on collision in Ruscombmanor Township, Pennsylvania. Around 10:03 pm, the car accident occurred when a 19-year-old man from Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania lost control of his vehicle in the ice and snow and hit a car. During the head-on collision, the passenger in the car that...Read More >>

On January 4, 2018, Leonard A. Sloane, Esquire, senior partner and chair of the Firm’s Litigation and Personal Injury Department, attended the swearing in of Justice Sallie Mundy to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.  Justice Mundy was initially appointed to the Supreme Court on June 13, 2016 and was then elected to a ten year...Read More >>

As the first blizzard of the winter season hits the east coast, snow plows take to the roads, clearing the way for others to travel safely. Snow removal is an important job that is not without risk. Snow plow accidents can be particularly serious, especially when pedestrians and other vehicles are involved. As the...Read More >>

Blended families face special challenges when it comes to estate planning. The term “blended family” can mean a number of different things. Usually, it refers to a married couple where one or both spouses have children from a prior marriage. However, it can also refer to families whose children are remarried with children from...Read More >>

The legal team at Eckell Sparks proudly recognizes attorneys Michael Davey, Rachael Kemmey, and Matthew Bilker for their participation in a fundraiser for the Drexel Neumann Academy in Chester. The attorneys, along with other members of the Young Lawyers Section of the Delaware County Bar Association, held a Monte Carlo Night to raise funds...Read More >>

According to a recent report, the number of divorce filings is highest between January and March of each year. The rate of filings begins to spike in January, reaching a peak in February and March. It is a fact that given the option, most people choose to wait until after the holidays to institute...Read More >>

Winter weather conditions make slip and fall accidents more common. While some may think first of the elderly needing to exercise particular caution, the truth is a slip and fall can happen to anyone. When snow and ice are present the risk of a slip and fall increases, but whether or not the property...Read More >>

There are many reasons why some parents are unable to care for their child or children, either temporarily or on a permanent basis. In many of these situations, grandparents will step in to raise the child. In Pennsylvania, where there is an opioid epidemic, grandparent child custody is becoming increasingly common. Unfortunately, the current...Read More >>

Dealing with a family member’s death is difficult enough without the added pressure of complex and burdensome court proceedings. Once a person becomes incapacitated or passes away, their assets and estates must be distributed to their rightfully named recipients. If a living trust is created beforehand, this process can be far easier for all...Read More >>

The holiday season is a time of celebrations and gatherings with friends and family. And of course, the office parties too. Many of these festivities involve alcoholic beverages with party goers getting into their cars afterwards to drive home. This makes the risk of being involved in a drunk driving accident much higher than...Read More >>

Facing the unknown as a newly single person can be overwhelming – but it can also be wonderful. Every separation is different, but there are things you can do to not only survive after divorce – but to thrive during this transition. Mourn your loss: Even if you initiated the divorce, you may still...Read More >>

A multi-vehicle crash on the Pennsylvania Turnpike resulted in injuries to two people. On Tuesday morning, around 5:45 am, the multi-vehicle accident took place between the Bensalem, Pennsylvania and the Willow Grow, Pennsylvania interchanges, involving a dump truck, a tractor-trailer, and roughly three other vehicles. A hundred gallons of diesel fuel spilled from the...Read More >>

A slip and fall can turn a trip to the grocery store or shopping mall into a lifetime of chronic pain if your injury results in nerve damage that does not heal. Safety hazards that are not removed or marked with proper signage can be an even bigger risk when holiday crowds arrive on...Read More >>

The legal team at Eckell Sparks proudly announces that the firm has been honored as one of the “Best Law Firms” by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers for 2017. The firm received a First Tier ranking in Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs, and was also highly ranked in Commercial Litigation. The...Read More >>

Every year for over four decades, child safety group World Against Toys Causing Harm (W.A.T.C.H.) publishes a list of the top ten most hazardous toys. According to the President of W.A.T.C.H., national toy safety standards are inadequate, as evidenced by the large number of toys that are recalled every year. The top ten most...Read More >>

Over time, a family’s situation is likely to change — you or your former spouse may get a better job, lose their job, have a desire to relocate, any number of things can occur. If you are divorced and have a parenting plan in place, know that it is not set in stone. However,...Read More >>

When one or both spouses have significant assets, complicated issues may arise during a divorce. As you begin to make a plan in favor of equitable distribution of assets in high net worth cases, unreported income and hidden assets may come to the forefront during divorce proceedings. For business owners and high-net worth families,...Read More >>

Millions of Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home during the Thanksgiving holiday. Driving is the transportation of choice for many travelers, resulting in busy roads because everyone is in a hurry. The increase in highway travelers comes with a risk in car accident rates. The busiest travel days are Wednesday and...Read More >>

After a brief discussion on the topic of non-probate assets, Eckell Sparks attorneys Christopher M. Brown and Rachael Kemmey introduce Meghan Tait of the Financial Coach.  Meghan shares her knowledge and insight as she describes the difference between Certified Financial Planners versus Certified Financial Analysts. Visit this link to listen to the podcast: Episode 6...Read More >>

Co-parenting during any time of the year can be challenging, but the holidays present even more scheduling hurdles. Advance planning and thoughtful consideration from all parties involved can make the season less stressful for everyone. Above all, put the children’s needs first and try to keep emotion out of the equation. Make a Plan...Read More >>

Christopher Brown and Rachel Kemmey of Eckell Sparks have released a new episode of their continuing podcast series, The State of Estates. In this lighter episode, Chris and Rachel are joined by litigation attorney Matthew Bilker to discuss the highly controversial (fictional) death of Robert Baratheon, a character on the popular HBO series, Game of...Read More >>

Divorce can be very complicated, particularly when there are children involved. One of the most challenging aspects of a divorce settlement is deciding on a custody arrangement, as it can be difficult to come to a consensus. The rights and responsibilities of the parents may only be part of the equation. Other family members,...Read More >>

On Tuesday afternoon, a motor vehicle accident claimed the life of one driver and injured two others. Around 2 pm, the crash occurred when a Ford Explorer swerved into oncoming traffic and collided with a Nissan Sentra. The crash took place in the intersection of North 2nd Street and Franklin Avenue in Chester, Pennsylvania. The...Read More >>

Halloween is among the most anticipated holidays of the year – for children and adults alike. Candy and costumes bring out the kid in all of us. However, Halloween is also full of potential hazards. Follow these simple safety tips to keep your ghouls and goblins safe on Halloween.  Candy Most children will say...Read More >>

Headlight use at night and during inclement weather is mandated by law in most states. Many lawmakers also feel that drivers should be required to use headlights during the day to improve visibility and prevent accidents. Recent studies suggest that permanent headlight use does make a difference in reducing car accidents, though not all...Read More >>

Child relocation and custody order modification are among the most common issues discussed by family law attorneys. Several notable cases have reached the state Superior Court. One recent case provides important insight regarding both matters. The case involved a couple who had two children during the course of their marriage. Upon separating, the father...Read More >>

A new study shows that drivers continue to use their cell phones at an alarming rate. In fact, drivers are using their cell phones to text, navigate, talk, and engage in social media during 88 percent of their car trips. The company ZenDrive has developed a cell phone app that measures cell phone use...Read More >>

On Monday afternoon, two motorcyclists crashed into a pickup truck, which caused a fatality and serious injuries. When the accident occurred around 3:10 pm in West Brunswick Township, Pennsylvania, the first motorcyclist, a 25-year-old man from Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania, and a second motorcyclist, a 30-year-old man from Auburn, Pennsylvania slammed into a truck that...Read More >>

Attorneys at Eckell Sparks are proud to announce the fourth episode of our continuing podcast series, The State of Estates. In this latest episode, our special guest, Daniel R. Coleman, discusses the critical role of guardian ad litem, the person assigned to advocate for a person alleged in court to be incapacitated. Visit this link...Read More >>

The third podcast episode, Your Trusty Corporate Trustee, in Eckell Sparks’s continuing series, The State of Estates, is now available for listeners. In their latest episode, estates and trusts attorneys, Chris Brown and Rachael Kemmey, interview Univest Trust Officer, Alex Magid, Esq., about the advantages of having a corporate fiduciary act as a trustee...Read More >>

A new study out of Spain centered on the effects of divorce on children. Many couples considering divorce worry about how their children will deal with the separation. Researchers studied 467 children aged two to 18 of both married/living together and divorced couples to track the emotional and physical health of the children and...Read More >>

Eckell Sparks is proud to announce the release of the second podcast in its continuing series, The State of Estates. In this episode, estates and trusts attorneys, Chris Brown and Rachael Kemmey, offer important information on the topic of Power of Attorney. The podcast touches on Living Will Healthcare Power of Attorney, providing insight...Read More >>

Congress established the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in 1972 to protect consumers from dangerous household products. The CPSC recently charged Home Depot U.S.A. Inc. with selling and distributing previously recalled consumer products. The Atlanta-based chain agreed to pay a civil penalty of $5.7 million to settle the charges. The settlement does...Read More >>

When seeking compensation for injuries sustained in a car accident, fault must be determined by the courts regardless of which driver has been ticketed. The current liability laws governing car accidents were sold to legislators under the assumption that insurance rates would be reduced, though this has not been the case. The injured may...Read More >>

When one or both spouses have significant assets, complex legal issues arise when it comes to divorce. Couples with high a net worth typically have a diverse financial profile that requires an in-depth understanding of asset valuation. For this reason, it is critical to have a divorce lawyer who has the experience and the...Read More >>

Eckell Sparks attorneys Chris Brown and Rachael Kemmey of the Estates and Trusts Department introduce the podcast and begin by discussing some basics regarding the Pennsylvania intestacy laws, specifically regarding what happens if you die without a Will. Our lawyers welcome anybody who is looking to learn more about estate law to tune in....Read More >>

Forty-two individuals sustained personal injuries in a train wreck involving a SEPTA train on Tuesday morning. The accident in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, occurred around 12:15 pm when a train traveling from the Norristown High Speed Line crashed into an unoccupied train car at the Upper Darby Transportation Center. The train accident caused 41 passengers...Read More >>

Drowsy driving has become a frequent practice among vehicle operators, contributing to a staggering number of accidents and fatalities. Most people are aware of the dangers of drunk driving, but few know that drowsy driving can be equally perilous. Many drivers believe they can still safely operate a vehicle while drowsy, and downplay the...Read More >>

During a car crash on Tuesday afternoon, a teenage bicyclist sustained fatal injuries. Around 2:50 pm, an 18-year-old woman was driving her car when she struck a boy who was crossing the street on his bicycle in Lower Makefield Township, Pennsylvania near the local elementary school. The teenage bicyclist sustained several personal injuries and...Read More >>

We are very proud to announce that 14 lawyers at the law firm of Eckell Sparks were specially recognized as Top Lawyers by Main Line Today (MLT). The publication presented their 2017 Main Line Today’s Top Lawyers list in their August 2017 issue, which honored lawyers from firms in the area who practice various...Read More >>

For most of us, leaving a meaningful legacy for our loved ones after our passing is very important. Yet the process of considering what to leave our family members can be emotional. Estate planning does not have to be a difficult process. Planning your estate now prevents needless anxiety later. A well-planned will gives...Read More >>

A recent campaign called “Drive Human,” conducted by K­ars4kids, determined that Pennsylvania drivers are among the rudest in the nation. Pennsylvania ranked 42 out of 50 states in various poor driving categories, such as failing to properly merge and tailgating. The survey asked drivers from across the country a variety of questions relating to...Read More >>

A fatal wreck claimed a man’s life on Tuesday morning in Muhlenberg Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania. The accident occurred around 5:19 am on Route 61 at Tuckerton Road and involved two vehicles. A man was driving his car and apparently lost control, colliding into another car when he was approaching the intersection. The man...Read More >>

After divorce, people may decide to relocate for many different reasons. Maybe they move for a job, a new love interest, or to make a fresh start. When children are involved, the relocation process is a bit more complicated. Before making a move, parents should know Pennsylvania’s child custody relocation laws. Pennsylvania Child Custody...Read More >>

Does a private citizen have the right to litigate a failure to comply with a township land development ordinance when the township, itself, refuses to enforce the ordinance?  Such was the interesting question recently decided by the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania in the case of Smith, et al., v. Ivy Lee Real Estate, LLC,...Read More >>

The Census Bureau estimates that married couples own around 3.7 million businesses across the country. With the divorce rate currently hovering between 40 and 50 percent, a lot of divorced business partners are left wondering whether the business can survive the end of marriage. Do ex-spouses that own a business together divorce their business...Read More >>

By, Craig B. Huffman, Esquire The United States Supreme Court decided a case involving a military pension which highlights the importance of understanding the nature of retirement benefits in divorce cases. While it is very unusual for the United States Supreme Court to address family law matters, the case of Howell v. Howell, 581 U.S....Read More >>

Life is full of unexpected twists and turns, and sometimes catastrophic events like an unexpected passing happen suddenly. Most people do not want to think about such life-altering events, so they choose to ignore them instead. Ignoring the inevitable can cause massive family rifts in deciding who will be responsible for medical bills for...Read More >>

Fireworks are synonymous with the Fourth of July. The spectacular displays of pyrotechnics thrill crowds all over the country annually, allowing communities to compete to put on the best and most extravagant displays. In many states, consumer fireworks are also legally available for home use, however these legal fireworks cause many injuries, most of...Read More >>

Child custody can be a confusing and difficult process to go through. Many potential problems or concerns may arise during the process of child custody. Luckily, it is not a process that you have to go through alone. Common issues or sources of confusion in child custody cases include certain types and wordings of...Read More >>

A head-on collision caused several personal injuries on Tuesday evening in Horsham, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. The collision occurred around 10:20 pm when a sedan and SUV collided in the intersection of County Line Road and Keith Valley Road. At least two individuals sustained injuries although there is no information about the severity of the...Read More >>

It is difficult to know exactly what steps to take in the heat of the moment just after a car accident. From a simple fender bender to a serious pileup, the situations can vary wildly. However, there are always some basic procedures that should be followed that will help you in the long run....Read More >>

Congratulations to Michael J. Davey, Esquire, who received the Nicholas D. Vadino, Jr. Memorial Award for Significant Contributions by a Young Lawyer to the Organized Bar at the 2017 Delaware County Bar Association’s Annual Bench Bar Conference. Presenting the award to Mr. Davey was the Chair of the Bench Bar Conference Committee, Robert Firkser,...Read More >>

Many know the dangers of drunk driving and distracted driving. However, despite the fact that drowsy driving is the most dangerous of the three, many drivers are unaware of it. If you catch yourself yawning frequently, having to make an effort to keep your eyes open, or find your mind wandering, you could be...Read More >>

  As the summer months approach, more Americans are venturing outdoors to enjoy the activities that come with warmer weather. Water and car accidents are among the most common causes of summertime injuries. Here are some of the reasons why they happen and what you can do to avoid them.  Accidents in the Water...Read More >>

Eckell Sparks, one of the largest full-service law firms in the five-county Philadelphia metropolitan area, has been privileged to serve clients since 1964. All members of the team pride themselves on providing personal attention, compassion, insight, excellent resources, and an unparalleled reputation. These qualities and more are the reasons Eckell Sparks attorneys have been...Read More >>

It is uncomfortable for many people to contemplate what would happen if they got into an accident where they were left unable to care for themselves, or worse, had fatal injuries. However, these are exactly the situations for which families should be prepared with a will, living trust, or at the very least a...Read More >>

During a divorce proceeding, some of the most contentious issues arise out of financial disputes. When the marital estate is sizable and one spouse has always been in charge of a couple’s finances, it may be worth hiring a forensic accountant to aid in determining the value of assets in a divorce. Accountants are...Read More >>