Latest Blogs

New 2026 Child Support Guidelines: Is Your Current Order Outdated?

Dec 24, 2025

As the final days of 2025 wind down, families across Pennsylvania are preparing for holiday celebrations and looking toward the New Year. However, for parents in Eastern and Southeastern Pennsylvania who are currently paying or receiving child support, there is a major legal shift on the horizon that requires immediate attention. On January 1, 2026, Pennsylvania will officially implement its new quadrennial child support guidelines. At Applebaum Joachim Law Group, we understand that child support...

Domestic Violence Charges in Pennsylvania: How No Contact Orders and Custody Collide

Nov 28, 2025

How No-Contact Bail Conditions and PFAs Can Change Your Custody Rights in Pennsylvania When the police show up at your door after a heated argument, everything can change in a matter of minutes. In Pennsylvania, one domestic incident can suddenly turn into: Criminal charges for assault or terroristic threats Bail conditions that order you to stay away from your own home A separate civil Protection From Abuse order that limits when you can see your...

Can a DUI Conviction Affect Your Child Custody Case in Pennsylvania? What You Should Know

Oct 23, 2025

Facing a DUI charge is stressful. As a parent, that concern feels even heavier: Could this criminal issue limit your ability to see your child? In Pennsylvania, courts do not base custody solely on criminal history. Instead, they examine judgment, stability, your parenting history, and whether you pose a risk. While DUI is explicitly referenced in the custody statute, a conviction is one factor among many, not a deciding one. If you live in southeastern...

Six Critical Questions to Ask Before Starting the Divorce Process in Pennsylvania

Sep 19, 2025

Thinking about divorce is never easy. Many clients who come to Applebaum Joachim Law Group feel anxious about what the future holds. Questions about finances, children, timelines, and rights often weigh heavily on your mind. Getting clear on a few key issues before you file can help you move forward more confidently and protect your interests. In this article, we’ll walk through six critical questions every Pennsylvanian should ask before filing for divorce. The answers...

Can Police Lie to You During an Interrogation in Pennsylvania?

Aug 22, 2025

If you’ve been brought in for questioning by the police, you might assume they’re required to tell the truth. But in Pennsylvania, that isn’t always the case. Law enforcement officers are legally allowed to use certain deceptive tactics during an interrogation to try to get a statement or confession. Many people are surprised to learn this. But courts have ruled that some types of lying are permissible as long as they do not violate your...

Can You Be Charged with DUI If Your Blood Alcohol Is Below 0.08? Understanding Pennsylvania’s Impairment Laws

Aug 15, 2025

Most drivers believe that the legal limit for driving under the influence in Pennsylvania is a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent. While that is the general standard, the law is not as straightforward as many people think. In reality, you can be arrested and charged with DUI even if your BAC is below 0.08, depending on your behavior, the circumstances of your arrest, and whether other substances were involved. At Applebaum Joachim Law...

Emergency Custody in Pennsylvania: What to Do If Your Child Is in Danger

Aug 8, 2025

Whether a recent event has placed your child in harm’s way or you’ve noticed troubling patterns during visitation, understanding how emergency custody works and when it applies is essential. Pennsylvania law gives parents a legal path to act quickly when a child’s safety is in jeopardy, but the process can be daunting without experienced legal guidance. At Applebaum Joachim Law Group, we help parents across Eastern Pennsylvania take urgent legal steps to protect their children...

How a Criminal Conviction Could Affect Your Child Custody Case in PA

Jul 25, 2025

If you're involved in a child custody dispute in Pennsylvania and have a criminal conviction, whether past or pending, you may be worried about how it could impact your ability to parent your child. The truth is, a criminal record can affect your custody case, but how much it affects the outcome depends on several important factors, including the nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and whether it poses any ongoing risk...

Can Police Use Social Media Against You in a Criminal Case in Pennsylvania?

Jul 11, 2025

Yes, police can absolutely use your social media activity as evidence in a criminal investigation or prosecution in Pennsylvania. Whether it’s a public Facebook post, an Instagram story, or a private message that’s been forwarded, what you share online can end up in court. At Applebaum Joachim Law Group, we understand how stressful it can be when your digital life becomes part of a legal case. If you or someone you care about is facing...

First-Time DUI in PA or NJ? Here's What to Expect

Jul 8, 2025

Even if it’s your first offense, driving under the influence is a serious charge that can have a dramatic impact on your life. While you should never drive while intoxicated, it’s impossible to turn back time. Once you’ve received this charge in Pennsylvania or New Jersey, time is of the essence to begin working with a DUI lawyer in Bensalem who can walk you through these stages of handling your case. Avoid Making the Problem...