Law in the Family

In episode 43 of the Law in the Family podcast, host Aaron D. Weems speaks with former podcast co-host Anthony Hoover about a variety of assets and approaches when dealing with valuations. Anthony Hoover, Levin Hoover Family Law Firm in Lemoyne, has experience in all areas of family law, including divorce, property and debt distribution, spousal support and more. Within the PBA, he is a graduate of the Bar Leadership Institute and member of the Family Law Section and Solo and Small Firm Section. He has been selected as a Pennsylvania Super Lawyers Rising Star and is a frequent speaker and author on the topic of family law. The Law in the Family podcast host, Aaron D. Weems, is a partner and family law attorney at Fox Rothschild LLP in Blue Bell, Pa. *audio editing, voice over & music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nick DeMatteo

In episode 42 of the Law in the Family podcast, host Aaron D. Weems speaks with seasoned family law attorney Peter Bort about collaborative divorces, and how they offer an alternative to litigation and a holistic approach to resolving issues. Peter Bort, principal at Bort Law in Malvern, has been practicing family law for more than 35 years and focusing on collaborative divorce since 2010. He also assists clients with alimony and support arrangements, child custody and prenuptial agreements. Bort is a member of ⁠Collaborative Law Professionals of Southeastern Pennsylvania⁠, an interdisciplinary affiliation of lawyers, financial neutrals and mental health coaches. He has practiced daily mindful meditation for 40 years.  Aaron D. Weems is a partner and family law attorney at Fox Rothschild LLP in Blue Bell, Pa. *audio editing, voice over & music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nick DeMatteo

In episode 41 of the Law in the Family podcast, host Aaron D. Weems speaks with Kate O'Connor about notable domestic relations rule changes in 2023 and proposed rules for 2024 that will impact the practice of family law in Pennsylvania. Kathleen O’Connor, partner at Sweeney & Neary LLP in Media, has practiced family law for over 16 years. She represents clients in all areas of family law, including child custody, divorce, equitable distribution, prenuptial agreements and restraining orders. O'Connor serves as co-chair of the Pennsylvania Bar Association Family Law Section Rules Committee and is a past chair of the Delaware County Bar Association Family Law Section. She earned her bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice and psychology from the University of Maryland and her Juris Doctor from Penn State Dickinson School of Law. The Law in the Family podcast host, Aaron D. Weems, is a partner and family law attorney at Fox Rothschild LLP in Blue Bell, Pa. *audio editing, voice over & music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nick DeMatteo

In episode 40 of the Law in the Family podcast, host Aaron D. Weems speaks with Bill Rookstool about the mortgage industry, impact of interest rates and the hidden opportunities for divorce clients in what could be a challenging real estate market. They also discuss how the market could provide the foundation for long-term financial success. Bill Rookstool has worked in the mortgage industry for 20 years. Based in Doylestown, he is the regional vice president for CrossCountry Mortgage, which is a top-ranked purchase lender in Pennsylvania. As a Certified Divorce Lending Professional, Rookstool assists clients, divorce attorneys and financial planners to help them make informed decisions regarding their home equity solutions. He is also a real estate investor and developer in residential, multifamily and commercial real estate throughout the Philadelphia area. Aaron D. Weems is a partner and family law attorney at Fox Rothschild LLP in Blue Bell, Pa., and a member of the PBA Family Law Section. *audio editing, voice over & music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nick DeMatteo

In episode 39 of the Law in the Family podcast, host Aaron D. Weems speaks with Gregory Gilston about the social media influencer industry and the forms of compensation personalities may receive through their social media platforms. Gregory Gilston is a family law and estate planning attorney and co-managing partner at Gilston Lintzeris PLLC in Plymouth Meeting, Pa. Gilston has a master’s degree in counseling and served as a mental health counselor, facilitator and consultant with Philadelphia-based public service organizations. Aaron D. Weems is a partner and family law attorney at Fox Rothschild LLP in Blue Bell, Pa., and a member of the PBA Family Law Section. *audio editing, voice over & music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nick DeMatteo

In Episode 38 of the Law in the Family podcast, host and family law attorney Aaron Weems speaks with lawyer and Temple Law professor Elizabeth Lippy, about the utility of courtroom technology and the increasing responsibility on lawyers to be familiar with how to apply it for the benefit of their clients and the court. Elizabeth Lippy is the Director of Trial Advocacy at Temple University James E. Beasley School of Law in Philadelphia. She also maintains a private practice as a founding member of the law firm of Fairlie & Lippy, P.C., where she focuses her practice on criminal defense and civil litigation. Aaron D. Weems is a partner and family law attorney at Fox Rothschild LLP in Blue Bell, Pa., and a member of the PBA Family Law Section. *audio editing, voice over & music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nick DeMatteo

In Episode 37 of the Law in the Family podcast, host and family law attorney Aaron Weems speaks to Carla Schiff Donnelly, a Pittsburgh family law attorney about the initial meetings and discussions with a prenuptial agreement client. Carla Schiff Donnelly is a partner with the Pittsburgh law firm of Pietragallo Gordon Alfano Bosick & Raspanti LLP. For more than 20 years, she has focused her practice on divorce, custody and other complex family law issues, including prenuptial agreements. *audio editing, voice over & music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nick DeMatteo

In episode 36 of the Law in the Family podcast, host and family law attorney Aaron Weems talks with Hillary Moonay, chair of the PBA Family Law Section, about her goals and agenda for the year. Hillary Moonay is a partner at Obermayer Rebmann Maxwell & Hippel, LLP, in Doylestown, PA, where she serves as co-chair of the Family Law Department. She specializes in several areas of alternative dispute resolution, including arbitration, mediation and collaborative law. In addition to her role as chair of the PBA Family Law Section, Moonay is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and co-chair of the Bucks County Bar Association Family Law Section. Moonay earned her Juris Doctor from University of Michigan Law School and her bachelor’s degree in psychology and criminal justice, graduating cum laude, from the University of Maryland.   *audio editing, voice over & music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nick DeMatteo

In episode 35 of the Law in the Family podcast, host and family law attorney Aaron Weems talks with Melissa Kucinski of MK Family Law. She provides insight into the remedies and prevention measures clients can take to avoid parental abduction cases. Melissa Kucinski, founder of MK Family Law in Washington, D.C., focuses on international family law cases and specializes in high-conflict, cross-cultural mediation and negotiation. She is a fellow of the American Bar Foundation, co-chair of the International Family Law committees for the American Bar Association International Law Section and New York State Bar Association, and consultant for the Hague Conference on Private International Law. Kucinski is a member of the U.S. Department of State Advisory Committee on Private International Law and Uniform Law Commission Joint Editorial Board for Uniform Family Law. Learn more about Kucinski: https://mkfamily.law/about/ *audio editing, voice over & music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nick DeMatteo

In episode 34 of the Law in the Family podcast, host and family law attorney Aaron Weems talks with Jonathan Cramer of Conrad Siegel. They discuss four (of 90) important changes in the recent SECURE 2.0 Act dealing with American retirement accounts. Jonathan Cramer is a partner and consulting actuary at Conrad Siegel in Harrisburg. With a focus on retirement consulting, Cramer assists family law attorneys with valuations and division of retirement benefits in marital dissolution situations. He has prepared defined benefit and defined contribution plans for employers in the private and public sector. Cramer has lectured at PBA, PBI and county bar association events. *audio editing, voice over & music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Nick DeMatteo

In episode 33 of the Law in the Family podcast, host and family law attorney Aaron Weems talks with PBA Law Practice Management Coordinator Ellen Freedman. They discuss the issues, concerns and recommendations involved with establishing a surrogacy plan that protects your clients (and you), and how to approach the day you close out your career. Freedman assists PBA members with management issues and decisions on the business side of their practice, including technology, financial management and profitability, human resources, marketing, risk management, setting up a practice and more. PBA members can contact her at lawpractice@pabar.org or 800-932-0311, ext. 2228. *audio editing, voice over & music by ⁠⁠⁠Nick DeMatteo

In episode 32 of the Law in the Family podcast, host and family law attorney Aaron Weems talks withAdam H. Tanker, a partner at Obermayer Rebmann Maxwell & Hippel LLP in Doylestown. They discuss recent swings in the cryptocurrencies market, how the industry continues to evolve and what changes he expects next. ⁠https://www.obermayerfamilymatters.com/2023/01/uncovering-hidden-digital-assets-in-divorce/ Tanker focuses his practice on family law litigation, including child and spousal support, custody, divorce, domestic abuse and mediation. He is a former deputy district attorney for the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office, where he served as chief of the Asset Forfeiture Unit; member of the Gangs, Guns and Drug Unit; and community liaison for gang violence. *audio editing, voice over & music by ⁠⁠⁠Nick DeMatteo

In episode 31 of the Law in the Family podcast, host and family law attorney Aaron Weems talks with family law attorney Eliana Baer, a partner at Fox Rothschild in New Jersey. Eliana is an expert on the rabbinical court system, and discusses the nuance of this niche form of seeking resolutions within the Jewish faith, and the risks associated with it. Eliana explores this and other issues intersecting family law within the Jewish community in her podcast, “Jewish Divorce Talk.” *audio editing, voice over & music by ⁠⁠⁠Nick DeMatteo

In episode 30 of the Law in the Family podcast, host and family law attorney Aaron Weems talks with Mark Momjian. They discuss the evolving views of animal law and pets in divorce cases, as framed by the 20 year old case of DeSanctis v. Pritchard, whose decision and appeal have often been misunderstood when dealing with pets in family law cases. Mark A. Momjian is co-founder of Philadelphia-based Momjian Anderer, LLC, as well as co-author of Pennsylvania Family Law Annotated (published by Thomson Reuters and currently in its 15th edition).  He is an adjunct professor of law at Villanova University’s Charles Widger School of Law, where he teaches family law, and he is an adjunct professor of psychiatry at the Drexel University College of Medicine, where he teaches mental health law.  Mr. Momjian has been a regular guest on the syndicated radio program, Animals Today, where he discusses major developments in Animal Law in the United States.  His recent article —“Bone of Legal Contention:  A Reappraisal of DeSanctis v. Pritchard”— was published in the March/April issue of The Pennsylvania Lawyer.  He can be reached at mmomjian@momjiananderer.com.    DeSanctis v. Pritchard article in The Pennsylvania Lawyer Mark's appearance on Animals Today Radio  *audio editing, voice over & music by ⁠⁠Nick DeMatteo

In episode 29 of the Law in the Family podcast, host and family law attorney Aaron Weems talks with Aleeza Furman, a Philadelphia-based reporter covering litigation and courts for ALM Media LLC⁠. They discuss the candidates for Pennsylvania’s appellate court judicial races. Follow Aleeza on LinkedIn and Twitter, and view her articles on Law.com. *audio editing, voice over & music by ⁠Nick DeMatteo

In episode 28 of the Law in the Family podcast, host and family law attorney Aaron Weems talks with Helen Casale. They discuss the Pennsylvania Superior Court decision in Glover v. Junior, which addresses issues of asserting parentage and assisted reproductive technology contracts. Helen Casale is a shareholder at Hangley Aronchick Segal Pudlin & Schiller in Norristown. She concentrates her practice on all aspects of family law, including divorce, child support, custody, spousal support, asset protection and more. Casale is an American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Fellow. She has been listed among the top 50 female attorneys in Pennsylvania every year since 2011 by Pennsylvania Super Lawyers, received the Philadelphia Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 award and was named a Lawyer on the Fast Track by The Legal Intelligencer.  *audio editing, voice over & music by ⁠⁠Nick DeMatteo

In episode 27 of the Law in the Family podcast, host and family law attorney Aaron Weems talks with Mark McCreary. Mark gives an overview of the legal and ethical issues surrounding artificial intelligence, including privacy, liability, and intellectual property. He explains how AI can impact the legal profession, especially regarding its potential for automation and its use in the decision-making process, how the ethical considerations intersect with the law, and how the law is adapting to these issues. Co-Chair of the Privacy & Data Security Practice, Mark focuses on helping clients to comply with privacy-related laws, rules and regulations and respond effectively in the event of a data breach. He is CIPP/US and CIPT certified by the International Association of Privacy Professionals and is the founder of the firm’s 45+ attorney Privacy & Data Security group. Mark writes for numerous legal and technology publications and is a frequent media source on data privacy and cybersecurity issues. https://www.foxrothschild.com/mark-g-mccreary-cipp-us *audio editing, voice over & music by Nick DeMatteo

In episode 26 of the Law in the Family podcast, host and family law attorney Aaron Weems talks with psychologist Christina Carson-Sacco. They discuss how to manage challenging personalities in divorce cases. Dr. Carson-Sacco is a clinical psychologist with over 25 years of experience, co-founder of The Center for Neuropsychology and Counseling, a consultant to clinicians and other professionals, and a professional public speaker. Currently, she works as an individual, couples, group, and family therapist for children, adolescents and adults, as well as an educational and legal consultant. In addition, Dr. Carson-Sacco devotes time to managing and growing the private group practice she created with her business partner in 2008. Dr. Carson-Sacco has served on a number of non-profit boards that support the educational and mental health needs of children and families. In her role as a wellness consultant, she brings her decades of experience as a teacher, lecturer, and therapist to businesses with the goal of providing practical information to support employees’ well-being. http://www.thecenterinwarrington.com/contact-us/service-areas/bucks-county/chalfont/ *audio editing, voice over & music by Nick DeMatteo

In episode 25 of the Law in the Family podcast, host and family law attorney Aaron Weems talks with seasoned estate attorney Mary Kay Kelm. They discuss the common crossover of issues between estate litigation and family law, and what concepts family law attorneys need to be aware of for their clients. Mary Kay Kelm practices with Kilcoyne & Kelm, LLC in Montgomeryville, Pennsylvania. She concentrates her practice in civil litigation, zoning, and estate planning & administration. Ms. Kelm also forms small businesses and provides ongoing counsel in corporate matters. Ms. Kelm is a proud graduate of St. Joseph's University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and is a past President of the St. Joseph’s Law Alumni. She is a graduate of the Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law where she served on the Law Review and represented the school in a national moot court competition. She volunteers as an alumni judge for Villanova’s Moot Court program every year. Ms. Kelm is the current Solicitor to the Montgomery Township Zoning Hearing Board and has served as a Montgomery Township volunteer in various capacities for many years. She is a former civics instructor in the Montgomery Township schools, and a former PA Bar Association mock trial coach for Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School. Ms. Kelm considers herself fortunate to be a thirty-year member of the Montgomery Bar Association and currently serves on its Board of Directors. She also serves as a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s House of Delegates. Kilcoyne & Kelm, LLC » Mary Kay Kelm (kelmlaw.com) *audio editing, voice over & music by Nick DeMatteo

In episode 24 of the Law in the Family podcast, host and family law attorney Aaron Weems talks with family law attorney Elizabeth Billies and constitutional law professor Randy Lee. They discuss how family law attorneys may not realize they are applying principles of constitutional law all the time. They also examine the recent Dobbs decision and other family law/constitutional law crossover issues. Randy Lee teaches constitutional law, professional responsibility, torts and various writing and advocacy courses. Professor Lee has taught previously at the Villanova and University of Pittsburgh Law Schools and in the Harvard University Summer Program. The moot court teams Professor Lee has co-coached with Professor Kearney have advanced to the National Appellate Advocacy Championship three times, and their 1993 team was recognized for the third best brief in the nation. Professor Lee is a frequent speaker for the Pennsylvania Bar Institute and has also done programs for the Pennsylvania Office of General Counsel, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, and the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Elizabeth Billies is a Partner at Dischell, Bartle & Dooley, PC, in Lansdale, PA, and concentrates her practice in all aspects of family law. Prior to her current position, she was law clerk for the Honorable Susan Devlin Scott of the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas, the former President Judge and Administrative Judge of Family Court. She has contributed articles to the Pennsylvania Family Lawyer and has presented on various family law topics at the Pennsylvania Bar Association, PBI as well as on family law related podcasts and webinars. You can also find her writings on her blog, The Divorce Lawyer Life. Ms. Billies received her B.A. from University of Wisconsin-Madison and her J.D. from Villanova University School of Law. *audio editing, voice over & music by Nick DeMatteo