Recent Family Law Success Stories
MMD&C is pleased to recognize Lucas A. Clark, IV, Esquire for his recent success in a series of custody and relocation trials. Through diligent preparation, strategic advocacy, and effective courtroom representation, Luke achieved favorable results on behalf of his clients in three separate matters. MMD&C would also like to congratulate Robyn E. Musi, Esquire, who provided valued assistance to Luke throughout these proceedings, contributing to the firm’s continued record of excellence in family law litigation.
In one recent case, Luke and Robyn successfully represented the mother of three children in a highly contested and protracted custody matter that involved numerous petitions and extensive litigation. The mother sought to relocate with the children to northern New Jersey to be closer to her extended family and better employment. Evidence at trial demonstrated that the children spent substantial time in New Jersey, already forming strong social and familial ties there. Throughout the proceedings, the father opposed the relocation vehemently. Meanwhile, on the mother’s behalf, Luke and Robyn presented evidence that she had secured better housing and superior educational opportunities for the children in New Jersey, and that the move would provide them with a more supportive and nurturing environment. Accordingly, the Court found that the relocation would increase the children’s quality of life. As a result, the mother was granted permission to relocate with the children, as well as retain primary physical custody. This successful outcome for our client is a positive step forward for the family’s stability and well-being.
In another recent matter, Luke and Robyn successfully represented a father in a custody and relocation dispute involving two children. The mother sought to relocate with the children to Delaware to reside with her boyfriend, a move father opposed due to concerns about stability and disruption to the children’s established routines. At trial, Luke and Robyn presented a strong case, emphasizing the importance of maintaining consistency in the children’s home, school, and community. The evidence did in fact demonstrate that granting the relocation would significantly reduce the father’s involvement in the children’s daily lives, undermine the parenting structure that the children had become accustomed to, and decrease quality of education. After reviewing the evidence, the Court agreed with Luke and Robyn’s arguments, finding that a move to Delaware would effectively limit the father’s ability to parent. Accordingly, the Court denied the mother’s request for relocation, ordered that the children begin to attend school in the father’s district, and further determined that if the mother chooses to relocate in the future, primary custody would transfer to the father.
Additionally, Luke and Robyn successfully represented another mother of three children after the father filed a notice of relocation that she opposed. Evidence presented by Luke and Robyn at trial showed that the father exercised minimal custody time with the children—frequently missing scheduled exchanges, relying on others to complete them, and even going months without attending his weekly dinners. Luke and Robyn established that the mother had served as the children’s primary caregiver for the past two years, consistently providing stability and meeting their day-to-day needs. After considering the evidence, the Court denied the father’s request to relocate, finding that it was in the children’s best interests for the mother to continue exercising primary physical custody. The Court further ordered that father’s custodial time be reduced to accurately reflect the limited time he actually had been exercising.
MMD&C congratulates Luke and Robyn on these recent successes, as they are a testament to their dedication, skillful advocacy, and unwavering commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for their clients. If you or a loved one are in need of assistance, please contact us today at 610-891-8806 to schedule an appointment.