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
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