Blog Posts

Grandparents often play a special and irreplaceable role in a child’s life. From helping with daily care to providing emotional support and stability during difficult times, grandparents can be a child’s safe haven. But what happens when circumstances make it necessary for a grandparent to seek legal custody? Whether due to the death of a parent or ongoing safety concerns, some grandparents find themselves in the challenging position of needing to step in legally. It’s important to understand that grandparents do not automatically have the right to custody or visitation in Pennsylvania, and navigating the legal process can be complicated. Knowing the rules and requirements is essential for protecting both the child’s best interests and the grandparent’s legal rights. Before a grandparent can ask a court for custody, they must have standing. Standing is a legal term meaning one’s ability to bring a case in court. Generally, only parents have automatic standing. Biological parents are presumed to have the right to make decisions for their children, while grandparents do not automatically have the right to file for custody just because they are related to the child. In Pennsylvania, grandparents can have standing under specific circumstances. For full physical or legal…

At Musi, Mattson, Daubenberger & Clark, LLP, we take pride in our wide range of practice and expertise in the area of Family Law.  MMDC is proud to share that our Family Law Division is currently in the midst of three appeals to the Superior Court of Pennsylvania.  Family Law Partner, Lucas A. Clark, IV, Esquire is at the forefront of handling these matters. While the Trial Court is tasked with making factual and legal determinations, the Appellate Courts play a crucial role in reviewing whether the Trial Court abused its discretion when rendering a Final Order.  When a party disagrees with any Final Order that the Trial Court enters, a party can file what is called a Notice of Appeal within 30 days of the entry of the Final Order.  In the case of our three current appeals, the Superior Court would have proper jurisdiction since custody and divorce matters fall under the civil litigation umbrella.  Appealing to the Superior Court requires extensive time and commitment to show how the Trial Court abused its discretion, or if one is in the role as Appellee, why the Trial Court rendered the correct decision.  Two of the three cases appealed to…

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…