In Pennsylvania, Can I Voluntarily Move Out Without “Abandoning” or “Deserting” My Spouse?

By Matthew T. Hovey, Esquire Potential clients often call in and want to know: my marriage is over, but we still live together -- can I move out or will that be abandonment or desertion?  This is a legitimate concern for many spouses faced with a divorce.  They fear being penalized for acknowledging that the … Continue reading In Pennsylvania, Can I Voluntarily Move Out Without “Abandoning” or “Deserting” My Spouse?

In Pennsylvania, How Can I Force My Spouse to Move Out of the House?

By Matthew T. Hovey, Esquire A common scenario after a husband and wife separate is neither party wants to move out of the marital residence/home.  For a variety reasons (e.g., financial, children, proximity to work, hope for reconciliation, spite, etc.), the parties remain in the same home, as roommates and attempt to maintain as much … Continue reading In Pennsylvania, How Can I Force My Spouse to Move Out of the House?

Free Knux! — but not in Pennsylvania. Can you file for custody of a pet?

By Matthew T. Hovey, Esquire A story in the national headlines this week raises the interesting question of whether you can file for custody of a pet in Pennsylvania.  According to msnbc.com, Craig Dershowitz of New York, reportedly, spent over $60,000 in legal fees attempting to gain custody of the dog he shared with his … Continue reading Free Knux! — but not in Pennsylvania. Can you file for custody of a pet?

Syracuse Child Sex Abuse Allegations: Is It Legal to Record Telephone Conversations in Pennsylvania?

By Matthew T. Hovey, Esquire The Child Sex Abuse Scandal surrounding the associate head coach of Syracuse University's men's basketball, Bernie Fine, presented an unexpected twist this weekend with the release of a taped telephone conversation between one of the alleged victims and Fine's wife, Laurie.  The recorded telephone call seems to establish that Laurie … Continue reading Syracuse Child Sex Abuse Allegations: Is It Legal to Record Telephone Conversations in Pennsylvania?

Places in PA that Individuals are Prohibited from Carrying at or in, even with a License to Carry Firearms

The question frequently arises as to where an individual with a valid License to Carry Firearms (LTCF) may not carry his/her firearm. For purposes of this article, I will focus strictly on State law places and not the federal place that are prohibited. 1. Court Facilities – Pursuant to 18 Pa.C.S. 913 and individual may not carry … Continue reading Places in PA that Individuals are Prohibited from Carrying at or in, even with a License to Carry Firearms

My Landlord Will Not Make Repairs! What Can I Do? (PART III)

By Matthew T. Hovey, Esquire This week I am providing a three-part series on the Implied Warranty of Habitability. Part I, posted on Monday, explained what the Implied Warranty of Habitability is and provided examples of actionable violations. Part II, posted on Wednesday, explained what someone can do if they are a victim of a … Continue reading My Landlord Will Not Make Repairs! What Can I Do? (PART III)

My Landlord Will Not Make Repairs! What Can I Do? (PART II)

By Matthew T. Hovey, Esquire This week I am providing a three-part series on the Implied Warranty of Habitability. Part I, posted on Monday, explained what the Implied Warranty of Habitability is and provided examples of actionable violations. Part II, today’s posting, will explain what someone can do if they are a victim of a … Continue reading My Landlord Will Not Make Repairs! What Can I Do? (PART II)

My Landlord Will Not Make Repairs! What Can I Do? (PART I)

By Matthew T. Hovey, Esquire Most of the clients I meet with who are residential tenants are unaware of the fact that in Pennsylvania they are protected by the Implied Warranty of Habitability. In other words, they are unaware of the fact that their landlord has an obligation to make necessary repairs to the property … Continue reading My Landlord Will Not Make Repairs! What Can I Do? (PART I)