Law in the Family

In episode 56 of Law in the Family, host Amanda Frett speaks with Brian S. Quinn, Esquire, who currently serves as the Education and Outreach Coordinator for Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers of Pennsylvania, Inc. (“LCL”). LCL is a Lawyers Assistance program established in 1988 for the purpose of helping lawyers, judges, and law students recover from alcoholism, drug addiction and mental health disorders. Brian discusses the many stresses of the legal practice, while injecting his own personal experiences and unique perspective, and how LCL can help those in the legal profession and their family members in distress.Find out more:Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers of PennsylvaniaBrian S. Quinn, Esquire is a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania who currently serves as the Education and Outreach Coordinator for Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers of Pennsylvania, Inc., a Lawyers Assistance Program established in 1988 for the purpose of helping lawyers, judges and law students recover from alcoholism, drug addiction and mental health disorders.Host Amanda Frett is an attorney at Obermayer Rebmann Maxwell & Hippel in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. *audio editing, voice over & music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nick DeMatteo

In episode 55 of Law in the Family, host Jen Ryan sits down with Maria Testa and Kimberly Dudick to explore their vital work as Guardian Ad Litems (GALs). Together, they discuss the responsibilities, challenges, and emotional impact of advocating for children and vulnerable individuals within the legal system. The conversation also offers practical insights for attorneys representing parents—highlighting how collaboration and clear communication with GALs can lead to better outcomes for families. This episode is a must-listen for family law attorneys looking to strengthen their working relationships with GALs and better serve their clients.Maria N. Testa is the Founding Partner of Testa & Pagnanelli, LLC. With nearly two decades of Family Law experience, Maria has consistently been named a Super Lawyer in this practice area. Ms. Testa is dedicated to providing quality and effective representation for her clients.Kimberly A. Dudick is a dedicated family law attorney at Royer Cooper Cohen Braunfeld, LLC. She has been a family law attorney for nearly 16 years and focuses her practice in Montgomery, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Philadelphia Counties. More info on Kimberly Host Jennifer R. Ryan is a partner at Boyd & Early Family Law, servicing Montgomery, Bucks, Chester, Philadelphia and Delaware counties. *audio editing, voice over & music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nick DeMatteo

In episode 54 of Law in the Family, hosts Jen Ryan and Amanda Frett speak with licensed Clinical Psychologist Dr. Adam Assoian, Founder of Ally Psychological Services, about Imposter Syndrome, and how it affects attorneys. Dr. Adam sheds light on how the high-stakes, high-performance culture within the legal profession often fosters feelings of inadequacy—even among successful, competent attorneys, and shares tips and advice on how to deal with the anxieties and challenges that arise for attorneys dealing with Imposter Syndrome, so they can best represent their clients and maintain their own mental well-being. The discussion underscores that recognizing and addressing Imposter Syndrome is not just a personal benefit—it’s essential for attorneys to function at their best and serve their clients with confidence and clarity.Ally Psychological Services of Bucks County, PADr. Adam Assoian is a licensed Clinical Psychologist and the Owner and Clinical Director of Ally Psychological Services in Doylestown. Before opening his practice in 2019, he worked in a variety of settings, including a Community Mental Health Center for low-income individuals, a College Counseling Center, a Psychiatric Hospital, two different private practices, a Residential Treatment Facility for adolescents, and an Outpatient facility that provided therapeutic services for adults and adolescents involved in the legal system for behavioral problems. Outside of his work, Dr. Adam spent several years volunteering as the Clinical Director for Mental Health initiatives within the Special Olympics of Pennsylvania and currently serves as the President of the Central Bucks School District Education Foundation.Host Jennifer R. Ryan is a partner at Boyd & Early Family Law, servicing Montgomery, Bucks, Chester, Philadelphia and Delaware counties. Host Amanda Frett is an attorney at Obermayer Rebmann Maxwell & Hippel in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. *audio editing, voice over & music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nick DeMatteo

In episode 53 of Law in the Family, host Alex Bondy speaks with Sarah Katz about child abuse investigations and their impact on custody litigation. With the passing of Kayden’s Law, child abuse claims are increasingly relevant in custody practice. Sarah tells us what to look for, and gives some practice tips, when faced with this issue.Sarah Katz is a Clinical Professor of Law at Temple University Beasley School of Law and a current Senior Fellow with the Stoneleigh Foundation. She directs and teaches the newly created Family Justice Clinic at Temple Law, which advocates in partnership and solidarity with families whose family stability and integrity have been impacted by state intervention. Prior to her arrival at Temple, Katz was a supervising attorney in the Family Advocacy Unit at Community Legal Services in Philadelphia, Pa, where her responsibilities included representation of parents in civil child abuse and neglect cases.Law in the Family host, Alex Bondy, is an associate at Hofstein Meyer Rocco Finger & Weiner, P.C. in Philadelphia.*audio editing, voice over & music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nick DeMatteo

In episode 52 of Law in the Family, host Aaron D. Weems speaks with Fox Rothschild family law partner Jessica Kitain about tax tips and considerations family law attorneys should make regarding their clients' tax filings.Jessica began her legal career in the litigation department at Fox Rothschild and focuses her practice exclusively on family law matters. She has experience representing high net worth clients in all family law matters and effectively addressing their unique and complex financial needs. Her clients have included professional athletes, business owners, entrepreneurs, executives, physicians, members of the judiciary and lawyers. Jessica has advised parents, grandparents, parents of special needs children and third-party caregivers in custody matters.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 51 of the Law in the Family podcast, host Aaron D. Weems speaks with Parenting coordinators Elizabeth Early of Boyd & Early Family Law, and David Melchiorre of the Law Offices of David Melchiorre, about how the effectiveness of the current iteration of parenting coordination, some of the challenges and trends they’re confronting, and parenting coordinators, can best be utilized.Elizabeth (“Liz”) Early's practice areas include divorce, custody, support, equitable distribution, pre and post-nuptial agreements, and abuse matters. She is a certified parenting coordinator in addition to serving as a court-appointed child advocate and guardian for minor children. Liz serves as an arbitrator for civil cases in the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas and handles private mediation and arbitration cases involving family law issues. She has previously served as a court-appointed mediator in Philadelphia and New Jersey civil cases.Dave Melchiorre’s areas of practice are: Family Law, Mediation, Arbitration, Divorce, Custody, Child Support, Prenuptial Agreements. He is a member of the Pennsylvania and Chester County Bar Associations and Doris Jonas Freed Inn of Court. He has also lectured on Family Law issues to Pennsylvania’s legal community through the Chester County and Pennsylvania Bar Family Law Sections. He is a graduate of Villanova University and Widener School of Law.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 50 of the Law in the Family podcast, host Aaron D. Weems speaks with Andrew Kelly from RSM about the ins and outs of business valuations, and how lawyers can maximize the value of the work product, the process, and how to collaborate with your expert.Andrew Kelly is a Director on RSM US LLP’s Financial Investigations and Dispute Advisory Services team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In his current role, Andrew serves as a financial forensics expert witness and litigation consultant with concentrations on valuation, financial analysis, and forensic accounting services. His services include valuing privately owned businesses for family law matters. He has provided expert witness testimony in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, State of New Jersey, State of Delaware, and State of Texas. 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 49 of the Law in the Family podcast, host Aaron D. Weems speaks with attorney Bob Salzer about issues he has encountered with older litigants, and the unique challenges facing the Baby Boomer generation in divorces.Robert Salzer, Esquire is a partner with Williams Family Law in Doylestown, Bucks County. Bob is a fellow with the American Academy of Matrimonial Attorneys and frequent speaker on family law issues, when he’s not playing hockey or spending time with his family.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 48 of the Law in the Family podcast, co-hosts Aaron D. Weems and Jennifer Ryan speak with current Chair of the PBA Family Law Section Missy Boyd. She talks about her goals for her tenure, and the upcoming Winter and Summer Section meetings. Missy Boyd is a founding partner of Boyd & Early Family Law. She is the current Chair of the Pennsylvania Bar Association Family Law Section, as well as the Chair of the Family Justice Advisory Board of Montgomery County, which works to improve the Family Court system. Missy is certified as a Family Law Arbitrator by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. ABOUT THE HOSTS Aaron D. Weems, is a partner and family law attorney at Fox Rothschild LLP in Blue Bell, PA. Jennifer Ryan is a partner at Boyd & Early Family Law in Blue Bell, PA. She focuses her practice on all aspects of family and matrimonial law including pre and post-nuptial agreements, divorce, custody, support, equitable distribution, alimony and protection from abuse matters. *audio editing, voice over & music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nick DeMatteo

In episode 47 of the Law in the Family podcast, host Aaron D. Weems speaks with attorney William Phelan about US v. Rahimi, the recent US Supreme Court case, and how it may impact existing gun laws and restrictions related to Protection from Abuse Orders (PFAs). William J. (Bill) Phelan, IV is a partner at Cordell & Cordell, where he handles all manner of family law cases and appeals. He obtained his law degree from The Catholic University of America’s Columbus School of Law. Bill is also a former staff attorney for the American Bar Association Commission on Disability Rights. 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 46 of the Law in the Family podcast, host Aaron D. Weems speaks with Matthew Rogers about Kayden's Law. Kayden’s Law was signed in as a new law by Gov. Josh Shapiro on April 15, 2024. This law, drafted and passed in the aftermath of the murder of Kayden Mancuso, is intended to create greater safeguards for children by placing a greater emphasis on considering a party’s history of abuse or convictions of certain crimes. This law creates a rebuttable presumption where a history of abuse exists, and introduces a greater reliance on supervised custody arrangements and supervised custody providers. Rogers and Weems discuss the broader changes Kayden’s Law brings to the custody code, and what we should expect as it becomes integrated into custody cases. Matthew Rogers is a partner at Obermayer Rebmann Maxwell & Hippel and is located in the firm’s Pittsburgh office. He concentrates his practice on all aspects of family law and estate planning and administration. Rogers is experienced in navigating the complexities of family law, ensuring that emotions are appropriately addressed while focusing on achieving favorable outcomes. 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 45 of the Law in the Family podcast, host Aaron D. Weems speaks with attorneys Carolyn Zack and Robb Bunde about Pennsylvania’s Family Law Arbitration Act, which provides clear guidance and rules for arbitrating family law cases. They co-chaired the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s ARD committee, which was instrumental in creating and shepherding the FLAA into law over a number of years. Carolyn Moran Zack is a partner at Momjian Anderer LLC, a Philadelphia-based law firm focusing exclusively on family law. She is an arbitrator certified by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, a mediator, and a parenting coordinator. Robb Bunde is a founding shareholder of the Pittsburgh family law firm of Bunde & Roberts PC. Bunde has practiced exclusively in family law since his admission to the bar in 1990. He has been a Fellow in the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers since 2007. He is certified in Family Law Arbitration by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. 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 44 of the Law in the Family podcast, in recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, host Aaron D. Weems speaks with Lisa Kane Brown to gain practical information about how ChildLine works and the background on Pennsylvania’s child abuse statutes. Lisa Kane Brown, owner of The Law Offices of Lisa Kane Brown LLC in Norristown, PA, has been an active attorney in the five-county area, providing independent and objective analysis on issues surrounding child abuse and trauma. She is regularly appointed as a trusted member of the bar to conduct independent investigations, represent child survivors of sexual assault, and represent foster care children. The breadth of her experience also includes providing expert commentary both in the courtroom and in the community. Lisa is also a volunteer child advocate with the Montgomery Child Advocacy Project. 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 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