The Necessity of Special Needs Trusts
Planning for the future of a loved one with a disability can be emotionally and legally complex. For families navigating government benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid, even a well-meaning financial gift or inheritance can unintentionally jeopardize access to critical support. One powerful tool to protect both benefits and quality of life is the Special Needs Trust (SNT) ...
Can You Get Divorced If Your Spouse Refuses to Sign?
It is possible to resolve almost any issue that arises during a divorce through an agreement between spouses. However, if couples were able to cooperate easily, they likely wouldn’t be seeking a divorce in the first place. While a spouse’s refusal to cooperate or refusal to sign divorce papers can delay the process, it cannot stop a divorce from proceeding ...
When Can You Modify a Custody Order?
A parent’s ability to modify a custody order in Delaware depends upon the nature of the modification request, whether the prior custody order was entered by a Judge after a hearing on the merits, and the length of time that has passed between the entry of the prior order and the modification request. Delaware distinguishes between “custody” and “visitation” under ...
Employment Law Update May 2025
In May, a local school district gets hit with an Equal Pay Act jury verdict, and federal judges strike down actions from the previous and current presidential administrations as overreaching. Get the details in this month’s update. Jury Awards $165K to Female Teachers in Equal Pay Act Case Against Central Bucks School District A Pennsylvania jury awarded $165,000 in damages ...
Dealing with Domestic Violence in Family Law
Domestic violence issues arise frequently in Delaware family law. A victim of domestic violence should know that they can seek an immediate Protection from Abuse (PFA) Order to safeguard themselves and their children. In an emergency, a victim can and should request an order barring the abuser from having any contact with them. Emergency PFA Orders in Delaware can grant ...
Why I Work at MacElree Harvey Employee Spotlight – Matthew Cooper
Why did you choose to work at MacElree Harvey? I chose MacElree Harvey because of its deep roots in Chester County and its reputation as a full-service law firm with rich traditions. The firm’s commitment to serving the community and its ability to handle sophisticated legal matters made it an ideal place for me to grow professionally. What makes you ...
Employment Law Update April 2025
April 2025 brought fundamental shifts in employment law brought about by the new presidential administration, and a notable Pennsylvania federal court decision in the area of disability protections relating to medical marijuana. See the latest developments below. Trump Executive Order to End Use of Disparate Impact in Federal Discrimination Cases President Donald Trump signed an executive order dismantling the use ...
Pre-Nuptial Agreements 101
A pre-nuptial agreement in Delaware (also known as a prenup) is a signed legal contract between two spouses that defines or limits statutory rights arising from their marital relationship. These rights often include, but are not limited to, claims to marital property in Delaware, waivers or limitations on future spousal support or alimony, and the waiver or limitation of inheritance ...
