Technically, you can handle some basic estate planning on your own, but doing so carries real risks. DIY options like online will templates may seem like a simple, affordable solution, but a single error or missing detail can make documents legally invalid. Because estate laws vary by state and change over time, working with…
Teen drivers participating in viral TikTok challenges while driving represent a rapidly growing car accident risk because these online stunts cause extreme physical, visual, and cognitive distraction. This carelessness results in full legal liability for any resulting accidents, allowing injured claimants to pursue financial compensation from the responsible party. What Is a TikTok Challenge?…
No one expects to become involved in a police chase, although these incidents may unfold suddenly on busy roads and intersections. The fleeing driver may ignore traffic signals, speed through neighborhoods, or collide with nearby vehicles while attempting to escape law enforcement. When innocent motorists suffer injuries or vehicle damage during these pursuits, questions…
Pennsylvania law requires motorists to maintain complete control of their vehicles at all times, regardless of the current environmental hazards. When heavy rain covers the roadway, a driver must slow down below the posted speed limit to maintain safe stopping distances. A motorist who causes a car accident because of hydroplaning can still be…
Child custody decisions significantly alter daily family routines, shaping everything from school schedules to holiday transportation logistics. While negotiating these delicate arrangements, parents going through a divorce frequently face intense emotional and financial questions. Because every family dynamic remains unique, Pennsylvania courts meticulously evaluate numerous factors before dictating how a final custody agreement should…
A day or night out at a restaurant, sports bar, or anywhere else alcohol is served can take a tragic turn when an intoxicated driver causes a car accident. While many people focus only on the driver who caused the collision, Pennsylvania law may also allow claims against businesses that served alcohol under certain…
By Melanie Tunaitis, Esq. The Old Rule When a child was born during a marriage, Pennsylvania law automatically treated the husband as the legal father, and courts could almost never order DNA testing to challenge that. The presumption was close to ironclad. What Changed In Sitler v. Jones, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court lifted what…
Blended families bring immense joy, but combining children, homes, and financial histories from previous relationships also introduces unique legal complexities. In Pennsylvania, balancing the protection of a current spouse with the inheritance rights of children from a prior marriage requires intentional strategy. Because state laws rarely align with modern family structures, taking a proactive…
Human error, poor weather, and hazardous road conditions are the main causes of car accidents, but those are not the only ones. Animal-vehicle collisions are not uncommon on Pennsylvania roads; we are referring to deer and other wildlife, as well as cats or dogs. These animals appear without warning most of the time, but…
Eckell, Sparks, Levy, Auerbach, Monte, Sloane, Matthews & Auslander, P.C. is pleased to announce that seven of our firm’s attorneys have been selected to the 2026 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists across multiple practice areas. This recognition reflects outstanding professional achievement and significant peer recognition within the legal community. Selection to Super…
