Zoning laws play a critical role in shaping how land is used and developed throughout Pennsylvania. Whether you are a homeowner planning an addition, a business owner expanding operations, or a developer pursuing a new project, understanding local zoning requirements is essential to avoiding costly delays and legal complications. Zoning regulations vary by municipality, and are strictly enforced. As such, early identification of potential zoning issues, as well as experienced legal guidance, can make the difference between a successful project and one that stalls before it begins. In Pennsylvania, zoning authority is primarily governed by the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC). Municipalities adopt zoning ordinances in accordance with the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC). These ordinances regulate land use within the township, borough or city, and control permitted uses, building height, lot size, setbacks, density, parking requirements, and other development standards. Each municipality adopts its own zoning map and ordinance, meaning the rules applicable to one property may differ significantly from those governing a neighboring community. Compliance with the local zoning ordinance is required before most land development, construction, or changes in property use can proceed. A critical first step in any land development or improvement project is identifying potential…
Family law in Pennsylvania just got a few important updates that could affect parents, couples, and families across the state. These new changes touch on some of the most common issues we see in family court – including how custody is decided, how property is divided during a divorce, and how support is calculated. From new custody considerations under 23 Pa.C.S.A. § 5328, to a law that now allows pets to be a part of equitable distribution, Pennsylvania is taking steps to better reflect modern family life. These updates may sound technical, but they have very real effects on everyday families. Whether you’re going through a divorce, dealing with custody issues, or adjusting support arrangements, understanding these changes is an important part of knowing your rights and options. Below, we’ll break down each update in plain language and explain what it could mean for you. Beginning on August 29, 2025, Pennsylvania underwent a slight change in custody factors under 23 Pa.C.S.A. § 5328. The list of factors judges consider when deciding what’s in a child’s best interest has been shortened from sixteen factors to only twelve. The goal is to make the process easier to understand and less repetitive, while…
At Musi, Mattson, Daubenberger & Clark, LLP, we take great pride in the results our attorneys achieve for our clients. A recent case handled by Richard C. Daubenberger, Esquire, is a perfect example of that dedication in action. Mr. Daubenberger recently secured a highly favorable sentencing outcome for a Delaware County professional facing serious insurance-related charges. The case involved a licensed doctor accused of submitting improper billing claims to multiple insurance companies over a period of several years totaling well over half a million dollars in alleged theft. According to investigators, the billing practices allegedly resulted in overpayments tied to insurance codes used for therapeutic services. The original charges included fraudulent insurance claims and theft by deception, both felonies under Pennsylvania law. Authorities claimed that certain services provided at our client’s office were billed under procedure codes typically reserved for other covered treatments, resulting in insurance reimbursement that should not have been paid. These services primarily involved massage therapy provided to our client’s patients. The allegations spanned a period of several years and involved multiple insurers. Detectives even conducted undercover visits to the client’s office as part of the investigation. As is often the case in complex insurance matters, the…
Disagreements and disputes with a contractor on a home repair project can quickly spiral out of control. Such disputes may lead to serious issues that can impact or even halt the sale or marketing of your property. It is important to act quickly when potential issues with contractors arise, as they will already be familiar with the legal tools at their disposal. When contractors are faced with disputes over payments for work, labor, and materials used in a project, one of the most common tools they will use is a mechanics’ lien. This is a statutory tool designed for debt collection by the contractor. The lien is a claim against the property itself rather than the owner of the property stalling potential sales as the property would be burdened by a third-party claim. Because these liens offer contractors strong protection to ensure payment for their work, the process for filing a mechanics’ lien is strict. Such strictness is to ensure that unlawful claims can be terminated before the homeowner is harmed. Sections 1502 and 1503 (49 P.S. §1502 and §1503) set forth the requirements for time of filing, venue, service, proof of service, and other requirements a lienor must fulfill…
Attorney Lindsay J. Killian of Musi, Mattson, Daubenberger & Clark LLC recently brought a complex, high-stakes criminal matter to a successful conclusion for her client. The case, which spanned more than two years, involved theft in the millions of dollars and was deeply intertwined with issues stemming from illicit drug abuse and the disease of addiction. The client, a mother of two, had struggled with substance abuse that contributed to the circumstances leading to her charges. Through hard work and perseverance by Lindsay and her client, Lindsay was able to present a compelling narrative to the court—one that not only addressed the legal aspects of the case but also humanized her client and underscored her rehabilitation. As a result of her efforts, the court imposed a probationary sentence, sparing the client from incarceration and allowing her to remain with her children. This case was not just about financial crime; it was about a life derailed by addiction and the difficult road to redemption. The client, who had battled a long-term substance abuse disorder, became entangled in a situation that led to significant criminal exposure. Despite the seriousness of the charges, Lindsay saw beyond the allegations. She saw a person struggling…