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No-Fault Divorce in Pennsylvania: How the Waiting Periods Work
Pennsylvania lets spouses divorce without proving fault. Learn how the 90 day and one year no-fault paths work, and what can affect your timeline.
Patricia A. Ames, Esq.
3 days ago2 min read


Changing Your Name After Divorce in Pennsylvania: What to Know
Want your old name back after divorce? Learn how resuming a prior surname works in Pennsylvania, when a full name change petition is needed, and what to expect.
Patricia A. Ames, Esq.
Oct 292 min read


Do Grandparents Have Custody or Visitation Rights in Pennsylvania?
Grandparents can sometimes seek custody or time with a grandchild in Pennsylvania, but only in specific situations. Here is how the law works.
Patricia A. Ames, Esq.
Oct 263 min read


Can a Creditor Garnish Your Wages in Pennsylvania?
Facing a collection lawsuit? Learn how Pennsylvania generally protects wages from consumer creditors, and where the exceptions and bank accounts come in.
Patricia A. Ames, Esq.
Oct 223 min read


Can Chapter 13 Stop a Foreclosure in Pennsylvania or New Jersey?
Facing foreclosure? Learn how Chapter 13 can pause a sale and help you catch up on missed mortgage payments, and where its limits are.
Patricia A. Ames, Esq.
Oct 152 min read


You Disputed a Credit Report Error. Did the Bureau Really Investigate?
Got a letter saying your credit dispute was verified? Here is what the FCRA and the courts say a credit bureau must actually do.
Patricia A. Ames, Esq.
Oct 123 min read


Tortious Interference in New Jersey: When a Third Party Derails a Business Opportunity
Explore New Jersey tortious interference with contracts and prospective economic advantage, and what evidence to bring to an attorney.
Patricia A. Ames, Esq.
Sep 132 min read


Tortious Interference in Pennsylvania: Did Someone Disrupt Your Contract or Business Deal?
Learn what records help evaluate interference with an existing contract or prospective business deal in Pennsylvania, including proof of improper conduct and loss.
Patricia A. Ames, Esq.
Sep 102 min read


Business Defamation and Product Disparagement in New Jersey: What Is the Difference?
A harmful statement about a New Jersey company or its product may involve different claims. Preserve the words, publication, and evidence of loss.
Patricia A. Ames, Esq.
Sep 72 min read


Can a False Review Defame a Pennsylvania Business? Elements and Evidence
False reviews can damage a Pennsylvania business. Learn the defamation elements, how opinions can imply hidden facts, and what evidence supports action.
Patricia A. Ames, Esq.
Sep 42 min read


Defamation in New Jersey: What Should You Save Before Seeking Legal Advice?
Learn what to preserve when someone makes an allegedly false and harmful statement in New Jersey, including the words, audience, and publication date.
Patricia A. Ames, Esq.
Sep 12 min read


Pennsylvania Defamation: False Statements, Implied Facts, and the Elements of a Claim
A harmful Pennsylvania statement may be actionable even when phrased as opinion. Review the legal elements, implied facts, and evidence to preserve.
Patricia A. Ames, Esq.
Aug 292 min read


Before You Agree to a Divorce Home Buyout: Start the Appraisal Conversation Early
Before agreeing to a divorce home buyout, address the appraisal, valuation date, loan balances, financing, and fallback terms with your attorney.
Patricia A. Ames, Esq.
Aug 262 min read


What Does Limited-Scope Legal Representation Include?
Understand limited-scope legal help, including document review, drafting, hearing coverage, deadlines, and the tasks assigned in an engagement agreement.
Patricia A. Ames, Esq.
Aug 232 min read


Getting Married Again? What to Discuss Before Signing a Prenup
Planning a second marriage? Discuss financial disclosure, children, property, debts, and independent advice before signing a Pennsylvania or NJ prenup.
Patricia A. Ames, Esq.
Aug 202 min read


I Already Have a Default Judgment: What Should I Bring to an Attorney?
Gather the judgment, service records, court docket, and collection notices for a prompt review of a Pennsylvania or New Jersey default judgment.
Patricia A. Ames, Esq.
Aug 172 min read


A Debt Buyer Is Suing Me: Why Don’t I Recognize the Company?
An unfamiliar company on a debt lawsuit may be a debt buyer. Learn what documents to gather and why the court response deadline still matters.
Patricia A. Ames, Esq.
Aug 142 min read


Can I Keep My Car If I File Bankruptcy?
Review vehicle equity, loan status, exemptions, and reaffirmation questions before filing bankruptcy in Pennsylvania or New Jersey.
Patricia A. Ames, Esq.
Aug 112 min read


Chapter 7 or Chapter 13: What Information Helps an Attorney Evaluate Your Options?
Prepare income, debt, property, and expense records for a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 consultation with Ames Law Group in Pennsylvania or New Jersey.
Patricia A. Ames, Esq.
Aug 82 min read


Can Alimony Be Modified or Terminated in New Jersey?
Considering a change to New Jersey alimony? Review the agreement, type of award, financial evidence, retirement, and other changed circumstances.
Patricia A. Ames, Esq.
Aug 52 min read
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