Legal Insights
Can a Landlord Evict a Tenant for Late Rent?
In Pennsylvania, it's a landlord's right to file an order for possession in Magisterial District Court if a tenant fails to make timely rental payments. Once a landlord receives an eviction judgment from the court, and no appeal is filed, the landlord has the right to request an order for possession of the property from […]
Real Estate Transfer Tax in Philadelphia
Do you have to pay real estate transfer tax in Philadelphia? If you’re dealing with commercial real estate, residential real estate or real estate development in Philadelphia the price could get steep. Here’s what you need to know. In Pennsylvania, there is a real estate transfer tax imposed by the state as well as the […]
Dead Tree Removal Laws in PA
With the rapid infestation of invasive tree pests like the Spotted Lanternfly and Emerald Ash Borer in Pennsylvania, many residents are being forced to ask about dead tree removal laws along property lines and public right-of-ways. Pennsylvanians need to understand their rights and liabilities concerning hazard trees and property line laws. Below is a primer […]
Child Tax Credit
How can the Child Tax Credit affect your divorce or separation in Pennsylvania? Most everyone going through a divorce is aware of the one major implication the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 has on their divorce – the Child Tax Credit. Read on for tips on how to negotiate it into your settlement. […]
FUCT at the Trademark Office – Not So Fast!
On Monday, June 24, 2019 the United States Supreme Court ruled that FUCT branded clothing was entitled to trademark protection. In so doing, the Supreme Court struck down a long standing Disparagement Clause of the Lanham Act (AKA the Trademark Act) that banned registration of proposed trademarks that are scandalous or immoral. Hopefully you have […]
The Mental Health Procedures Act
The Mental Health Procedures Act (MHPA), despite its limitations, presents a way for teenagers to seek treatment for mental health issues. Up until a child reaches the age of eighteen, parents typically make all of the decisions for their children, including where they live, where they go to school and what their medical treatment is. […]
PA Municipalities worried about the Airbnb trend can rest easier
In a recent decision, the PA Supreme Court reversed the Commonwealth Court’s ruling and in doing so, state that Airbnb-type rentals are against residential zoning laws. Back in March 2018, I wrote about the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s decision to review a case involving a now-prevalent issue confronted by municipalities across the country…the influx of Airbnb’s […]
What does a Parenting Coordinator Do?
WHO are parenting coordinators? Parenting coordination is a tool available to parties in contentious custody cases that aims to help the parties resolve minor disputes in custody without repeated visits to the Court. From 2009 through 2013, parenting coordination was used with mixed popularity and mixed results throughout Pennsylvania to resolve day-to-day custody issues. A […]
High Swartz Initiates Sale of Historic Norristown Building
High Swartz Law Firm sells corner building at 425 DeKalb Street in Norristown to developer, making way for luxury apartments and restaurant café space. The developer sought to reclaim the building's history, while keeping vintage decor intact. The residential situation at the corner of DeKalb and East Airy Streets in Norristown was dire. The apartments […]
What Are the Rules on Retaliation – Can I Discipline an Employee Who Has Previously Complained About Discrimination?
Being an employer requires multiple hats. Aside from day-to-day business operations and long-range planning, employers have to hire and fire employees, investigate workplace complaints, and discipline employees for improper actions. Throughout each of these tasks and others, it is critical to act consistently with state and federal labor and employment laws. Those who don’t follow […]