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Richard J. Bedford Associate Attorney Richard J. Bedford joined Fiffik Law Group in 2023. His 40+ years of practicing law have given him experience in a wide range of legal areas. After earning his B.A. from Pennsylvania State University and his Juris Doctor from Ohio Northern University’s Pettit College of Law, Richard began his professional career in Somerset, Pennsylvania. He has handled such diverse matters as bankruptcy, real estate, contracts, wills and estates, personal injury, litigation, administrative law, family law, landlord-tenant matters, to name a few. Richard’s experience in bankruptcy law included representation of debtors in consumer bankruptcy cases (chapters 7 and 13), serving as a chapter 7 panel trustee, and 25 years representing chapter 13 bankruptcy trustees in Western Pennsylvania. Richard is admitted to practice in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, as well as in the federal Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit, and in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. Richard has practiced extensively before state and federal courts. As part of his appellate practice, Richard has argued cases before the Pennsylvania Superior, Commonwealth and Supreme Courts, and before the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals. BAR ADMISSIONS & EDUCATION Pennsylvania, 1977 Federal Court of Appeals, 3rd Circuit, 1977 Federal District Court, Western Pennsylvania, 1977 J.D. Ohio Northern University, 1976B.A. Pennsylvania State University, 1973 AREAS OF PRACTICE Bankruptcy , Real Estate , Estate Planning , Personal Injury , Litigation, Family Law

Planning for the succession of a business is one of the most overlooked aspects of business planning. Your business needs a plan for every situation you could encounter in your future. Succession Planning and Dissolution Every successful business owner has to deal with the subject of succession planning sooner or later. Who will take the reins when you leave? In business succession planning, time is either your ally or your enemy. You can spend time planning for succession during your active business lifetime, or postpone planning and wait until the more chaotic, uncertain, and expensive succession planning that typically occurs after a life-changing event or post-mortem when the choice is no longer yours. Think that succession planning is just a matter of selling your business? Think again. Finding a willing and able buyer for any business is rarely just a matter of hanging up a "for sale" sign. Our attorneys have worked with a wide range of businesses, including family-owned enterprises, to plan for succession or sale. We can help you strategically position your business to maximize its value and ensure a smooth transition during ownership changes. Local businesses sold to national retailers Joint ventures and real estate acquisitions for commercial properties Sales involving co-branding arrangements Business sales with complex contracts and real estate Purchases of bars and restaurants Transactions involving national franchises Partner buy-outs and subsequent business sales Business and real estate sales following litigation settlements

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Are you facing a custody dispute? Fiffik Law Group, PC child custody attorneys can help protect the best interests of you and your child. We have the experience and dedication that get results. Child Custody and Support Issues surrounding children — custody and support in particular — can be some of the most contentious elements in a divorce, but it serves your children best if you can work things out. We’ll help you understand things like how child support is calculated and how judges make decisions about parenting time. We'll also help you prepare for your hearing, conduct yourself during the hearing, and work together with the other parent to achieve the best possible arrangement for you and your children. Child Custody Experience We have effectively represented hundreds of clients in actions involving both contested and amicable child custody cases. Our child custody attorneys understand these cases are often highly emotional and can be profoundly consequential to our clients and their children. Our attorneys ensure that each client understands the strengths and weaknesses of their particular case so they can make the best parental custody decision for themselves and their families. During the last three decades, our custody attorneys have represented hundreds of clients in cases involving: Visitation Custody Shared Custody Supervised Visitation Relocation to Different County or State Allegations of Child Abuse and Neglect Paternity Special Needs Children Grandparent Visitation Non-Parent Visitation If you are thinking about filing a divorce, parenting plan modification, non-parental custody action, paternity case, or other family law action involving child custody, we invite you to contact our firm for a consultation appointment with a custody attorney. To get you started with the process, you can download and send in our child custody questionnaire below. CHILD CUSTODY QUESTIONNAIRE To learn more about how to file for custody, what to do to prepare for court hearings, how the court makes custody decisions, and more, download our Pennsylvania Child Custody Guide. CHILD CUSTODY GUIDE Experience & Ex. Calculating Child Support in Pennsylvania Child support in Pennsylvania is calculated by a mathematical formula set forth in the law, although the court may deviate from the formula based on special circumstances. There are four main factors that affect the amount of child support payable in Pennsylvania: The physical custody schedule of the child(ren) The number of children covered by the support order The monthly after-tax income of each party Certain additional expenses the parties may incur for the care of the child(ren) To calculate child support, first, determine the combined monthly net income of both parents and use that figure to determine each parent's percent contribution to the combined monthly income. Take that percentage, use the Pennsylvania Basic Child Support Obligation Guidelines to find the applicable Basic Child Support Obligation based on the number of children subject to the order. Then, multiply the Basic Child Support Obligation by the obligor's percentage of the combined monthly income to determine the preliminary monthly basic child support obligation. For example, if the father (obligor) has a monthly net income of $5,000 and the mother (obligee) has a monthly net income of $3,000, the combined monthly net income of both parents is $8,000 ($5,000 + $3,000 = $8,000). The percentage of each parent’s contribution to the combined monthly income would then be 58% for the father ($5,000 / $8,000 = 58%) and 42% for the mother ($3,000 / $8,000 = 42%). In our example, we will assume that this couple has two children, which means that the Basic Child Support Obligation would be $1,795. To determine how much the obligor parent is required to pay in child support to the obligee parent, multiply the Basic Child Support Obligation ($1,795) by the obligor’s percentage of the combined income. In our example, the father is the obligor, so the Basic Child Support Obligation is multiplied by the father’s percentage of the combined income ($1,795 x .58 = $1,041.10). You can use this tool from the Pennsylvania Child Support Program to help estimate child support.

Planning for the succession of a business is one of the most overlooked aspects of business planning. Your business needs a plan for every situation you could encounter in your future. Business Subscription Legal Plans Our subscription plans are designed for entrepreneurs from start-up to millions in annual revenue who are ready to add strategic, guided legal support focused on brand and business development. If one of these applies to you, please consider one of our plans: You think the only time you need a lawyer is for a lawsuit. If you avoid working with a lawyer until you’re in a lawsuit, that’s like solving all your medical problems in the emergency room. The fear of high billable rates gets in the way of getting the advice you need. You don’t know who to call about a particular issue. You don’t have enough time to figure out who to call for a legal issue. You’d like your employees to be able to call an attorney and not bother you with every legal issue. You get all your legal advice from Google or free online forms. (You get what you pay for). Our clients operate a diverse range of ventures including commercial & residential real estate investors, restaurants, entertainment venues, medical practices, medical service providers, dental practices, independent consultants, accounting practices, retail stores, construction firms, trucking companies, crane operators, childcare providers and many franchises. Each subscription plan offers unlimited legal advice, business coaching and strategy, document review, and other benefits for a monthly, predictable investment to support the growth of your brand and business. We can also customize a plan to fit your specific needs. Its time to make better, more informed decisions for your business. SCHEDULE YOUR CONSULTATION Start-Up/Early Stage Business Advisor $500/Month 1 Business Entity Single Member; Owned by Spouses Located in PA No Employees LEARN MORE Real Estate Business Advisor $1,000/Month 1 Business Entity Single Member; Owned by Spouses Located in PA No Employees LEARN MORE Growth Stage Business Advisor $1,250/Month Up to 3 Business Entities Multiple Owners Located in PA Up to 10 Employees LEARN MORE Mature Stage Business Advisor Up to 5 Business Entities Multiple Owners Located in PA Up to 50 Employees $2,500/Month LEARN MORE All Plans Include: ✔ Unlimited Calls ✔ Review Business Legal Documents ✔ Letters on Behalf of Business ✔ Business Formations ✔ Employment/HR Advice ✔ 10% Discount on Additional Services Terms & Conditions

Pennsylvania DUI attorneys at Fiffik Law Group, PC have been eliminating or reducing charges for clients facing DUI charges for the past 30+ years with a high success rate. Our Pennsylvania DUI attorneys are ready to fight for you. DUI Defense Being arrested for drunk driving is an unexpected and often traumatic experience. Individuals charged with or convicted of impaired and intoxicated are often stigmatized and portrayed as irresponsible, dangerous criminals; however, the truth is that the people faced with these charges are often everyday, law-abiding citizens who simply made a mistake. There are more arrests in Pennsylvania for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) than any other single category of crimes, with Pennsylvania among the top 15 states for DUI arrest rate. Many DUI charges are defensible, based on the evidence surrounding your charges and any missteps that may have been made by law enforcement along the way. Let our experienced DUI defense lawyers build a defense and ensure you know what to expect at each step of the legal process. Consequences of DUI FIRST DUI OFFENSE PENALTIES The severity of a First Offense DUI conviction depends on your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) level, controlled substances in your system, or your decision to refuse blood or breath testing. The higher your BAC, the higher the penalties. Drugs in your system or a refusal to submit to breath or blood testing place you in the highest tier. Under Pennsylvania law, there are 3 tiers of punishment depending upon your BAC level: BAC between .08 and .099%: Six months probation, no license suspension, no mandatory jail time, no ignition interlock device, a fine of $300, CRN evaluation (drug & alcohol assessment), treatment when ordered by the court, and alcohol highway safety school BAC between .10 and .159%: Prison sentence of between two days and six months, license suspension for 12 months (eligibility to apply for occupational limited license (OLL) after 60 days), fines between $500 and $5,000, CRN evaluation, treatment when ordered by the court, and alcohol highway safety school, no ignition interlock device required BAC of .16% or higher, controlled substance, or refusal to submit to testing: Prison sentence of a minimum of three days to a maximum of six months, license suspension for 12 months (eligibility to apply for an OLL after 60 days), fines between $1,000 and $5,000, treatment when ordered by the court, and alcohol highway safety school, no ignition interlock device required DUI DRIVER'S LICENSE SUSPENSION Aside from the penalties above for a first DUI offense, second and third offenses will result in your license being suspended for one year. This is the most damaging and destructive outcome of receiving a DUI. Losing the ability to drive can have a massive ripple effect on other areas of your life. Most importantly, losing your license can cause you to lose your job. Not being able to drive means it will be very difficult to report to work on time every day. Not being able to report to work often leads to termination. Even if you find another job, it will be just as difficult to get to and from a new job without a license. You might end up unemployed until you get your license reinstated. Some people are lucky enough to get help from friends or family, but it is still nearly impossible to fulfill your obligations without your own means of transportation. And, if you refuse to give breath or blood, you may receive an additional one year drivers license suspension from PennDOT. SECOND DUI OFFENSE PENALTIES Drivers convicted of a second DUI within ten years of a prior DUI face serious criminal and financial consequences. Not only will you face a mandatory term of incarceration, but you are likely to face additional penalties as well. The higher the BAC, the more severe your penalties are likely to be. For example, the amount in fines that you will be ordered to pay if convicted of DUI will vary depending on your BAC level: BAC between .08 and .09%: Minimum of 5 days and maximum of 6 months in jail, $300 to $2,500 in fines, license suspended for 12 months BAC .10 and .159%: Minimum of 30 days and maximum of 6 months in jail, $750 to $5,000 in fines, license suspended for 12 months BAC .16% and above: Minimum of 90 days and maximum of 5 years in jail, $1,500 to $10,000 in fines, license suspended for 18 months Any BAC: Ignition interlock device installed for 1 year, up to 150 hours of community service, alcohol highway safety school, alcohol & drug treatment THIRD DUI OFFENSE PENALTIES If you have been convicted of two prior DUI's in the past 10 years, the next offense could involve a serious conviction. Depending on your BAC level at the time of arrest, you may face consequences that include: BAC between .08 and .09%: 2nd-degree misdemeanor charges, minimum of 10 days and maximum of 2 years in prison, 12-month license suspension, $500 to $5,000 in fines BAC between .10 and .159%: 1st-degree misdemeanor charges, minimum of 1 year and maximum of 5 years in prison, 18-month license suspension, $1,500 to $10,000 in fines BAC .16% and above: 1st-degree misdemeanor charges and penalties similar to above Any BAC: Drug & alcohol treatment, alcohol highway safety school, ignition interlock device installed for at least 1 year Underage DUI A DUI UNDER THE AGE OF 21 LANDS YOU IN THE "HIGH BAC" RATE IN PENNSYLVANIA In Pennsylvania, minors are not allowed to consume any amount of alcohol and drive. Underage driving under the influence of alcohol carries very harsh penalties. Not only are the legal penalties increased, but the effects on car insurance and future employment are also severe. And driver under the age of 21 who is arrested for DUI in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is automatically charged under the state's "high" BAC rate. That means that even if it is the first offense, even if the amount of alcohol is minimal, the punishment is going to be severe. The minimum penalties for high-level impairment include at least two days in prison with a maximum sentence of 6 months behind bars if convicted. There's a minimum fine of $500 and as much as $5,000, as well as a license suspension of 12 months. Required alcohol driving safety classes could also be required. LONG-TERM CONSEQUENCES OF UNDERAGE DUI The long-term consequences of an underage DUI are significant. The cost of auto insurance will increase. On average in 2017, an underage DUI raised car insurance rates by 77%. The financial impact of the violation can linger for three to five years in most states. Depending on the driving history, auto insurance could be denied completely. The impact of the DUI conviction won't be limited to auto insurance - a DUI conviction automatically becomes part of the permanent criminal record. This means that employers, colleges, universities, banks, friends, and even strangers will all be able to see a DUI conviction with a simple background check. If your child has been arrested for underage DUI, it is important to take legal action as soon as possible. Our experienced underage DUI attorneys can help your child fight the charges and reduce the long term consequences of these charges. Chemical Testing - Blood and Breath Tests The police must conduct a breath test within two hours of the initial arrest or the results of the test may be deemed inadmissible in court. An officer will read you the Implied Consent Law, which states that all drivers agree to submit to a breath or blood test if suspected of DUI. However, a suspect still has the right to refuse any chemical testing. Whether you agree to be tested or refuse, the police are almost assuredly going to follow through with the arrest for DUI. If there is a refusal, however, the police will view that as an admission of guilt as an unwillingness to be tested comes across as acceptance of failing the test. Breath refusal still carries its own penalties, including: First Offense: 1-year drivers' license suspension Second Offense: 18-month license suspension Third Offense: 18-month license suspension While those breath refusal penalties are in addition to other DUI penalties, there may be reasons why a test could not be conducted or a breath sample couldn't be validated. The District Attorney is tasked with proving a refusal, so refusal cases are worth fighting because they're defensible cases. Police generally only request blood tests if there is suspicion of drug use based on the smell of marijuana or recovery of narcotics from the vehicle. Despite the inference that police and prosecution will try to draw a verdict from a refusal, many choose to refuse for other reasons that can be explained at trial. All drivers should be aware, however, that their driving privileges will likely be suspended for at least one year for a refusal regardless of the outcome of the criminal matter. Field Sobriety Tests The Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST) is a battery of three tests performed during a traffic stop in order to determine if a driver is impaired and if probable cause for an arrest is present. According to researchers, officers trained to conduct SFST's correctly identified alcohol-impaired drivers over 90% of the time using the results of SFST's. The three tests that make up the SFST are the horizontal gaze nystagmus (HGN), the walk-and-turn, and the one-leg stand tests. The HGN test is performed to observe whether the driver's eyes involuntarily jerk as a stimulus is moved side to side. Both the walk-and-turn and one-leg stand tests are "divided attention" tests that are easily performed by most sober drivers. They require a subject to listen and follow instructions while performing simple physical movements. Impaired persons have difficulty with tasks requiring their attention to be divided between simple mental and physical tasks. There are many factors that might render a person unable to successfully complete one or more of the SFST's. For instance, regarding the HGN test, the person asked to consent to such a test might suffering from an eye disease or condition that affects his/her ability to see and consequently confound the tests and results. Age, injury, or disease could also affect the ability of a person to perform the one-leg stand test or the walk-and-turn test. As a general rule, an officer should ask the DUI suspect whether they can give any reason why they cannot perform the test and their answer should be carefully noted in the officer's report. Other disabilities, such as deafness, should be taken into consideration and noted as well. ADMISSABILITY OF STANDARDIZED FIELD SOBRIETY TESTS Developed in the 1970s, these tests are scientifically validated, and are admissible as evidence in court in a majority of states. In the case of Commonwealth v. Weaver, the Pennsylvania Superior Court issued a precedential opinion that the results of HGN testing are admissible at any hearings related to a court's consideration of probable cause, but the results are still not admissible at an actual trial. In Pennsylvania's DUI cases, criminal defense lawyers sometimes file pretrial motions seeking the suppression of blood-alcohol evidence and argue that the arresting officer did not have probable cause to arrest the person. The court's decision means that an officer will be permitted to testify about HGN results before a judge considering the pretrial motion, but the officer could not present the same testimony to a jury at a trial. Aside from sobriety tests, officers are also permitted to use portable or preliminary breath tests (PBTs) in DUI investigations. While the officer obtained an alcohol concentration level reading on the breath test device, the actual reading on the device is not admissible at a trial. The results of a PBT test are not sufficiently reliable to show the amount of alcohol consumed. Instead, officers are only permitted to testify to the facts surrounding the administration of the test. However, sometimes the PBT test might help the defense. The results of the test could be used as exculpatory evidence concerning whether the officer has probable cause to make an arrest for DUI. DUI Impact on Auto Insurance Your rates could jump - or they could skyrocket. Companies estimate that your post-DUI rates could increase by anywhere between 40% - 60%, or even more. Auto insurance is seriously impacted by driving records. A DUI on a driving record causes auto insurers to view the driver as high-risk, and charge accordingly. Your car insurance company might drop you completely. Though they can't legally cancel your policy as soon as they know about the incident, they can decide not to renew your coverage once your current policy expires. You might be paying more for years to come. It varies state-by-state, but expect to shell out an increased premium for at least three years. You'll probably have to file an SR-22, FR-44, or FR-19. After a DUI, your state might require you to file one of these forms in order to prove that you're insured before they let you back on the road. SR-22's are also referred to as "statements of financial responsibility", and they're usually filed by your insurance company or agency on your behalf. You may not have to file an SR-22; again, that depends on incidental factors around the accident. Driving After a DUI Conviction DRIVING AFTER DUI CONVICTION: CAN YOU GET A WORK PERMIT? If you plead or are otherwise found guilty of DUI in Pennsylvania, your driving privileges will be suspended. For a first offense DUI, the license will be suspended for one year. Subsequent DUI convictions have more severe penalties. It is possible to get a restricted drivers license to drive to work or school, but it depends on whether your DUI was also associated with a refusal to submit to a field sobriety test. CONSEQUENCES OF REFUSING A BREATHALIZER TEST When you get pulled over in Pennsylvania on suspicion of DUI, the police officer might ask you to take a breathalyzer test. When you become a licensed driver in Pennsylvania, the fine print on your application states that by signing your name, you imply you are giving consent to take a breathalyzer test whenever a law enforcement officer requests it. By refusing this test, you are breaking the law, even if you have not been drinking. When you blow into this handheld device, it gives a reading of your blood alcohol concentration (BAC). The legal limit is 0.08 percent. Depending upon the jurisdiction, the officer might not ask you to take a breathalyzer test. Different police departments have different protocols for DUI stops. In some places, the officer might first subject you to a field sobriety test, which involves agility drills to help determine your level of intoxication. Only if you fail these tests can the officer ask you to take a breathalyzer. No matter which tests you are asked to take, refusal to do so may constitute a violation of the implied consent law and result in license suspension. OCCUPATIONAL LIMITED LICENSES An occupational limited license (OLL) authorizes you to drive a designated motor vehicle, under certain conditions, when it is necessary for the driver’s occupation, work, trade, medical treatment, or study. An OLL is often referred to as a work permit or bread and butter license. Unfortunately, if someone does get a breathalyzer refusal and his license is suspended for a 12-month period, there is no chance to get an occupational limited license. In fact, you’ll serve a license suspension in addition to the one assessed for the DUI conviction. Penalties for breathalyzer test refusals are harsher than those for DUI is many ways. For DUI, after a 60 day period into the DUI-related license suspension, that person would be eligible for an occupational limited license. The OLL, once granted, applies to the final 10 months. Depending on your violations you may have to obtain an Ignition Interlock (II) Occupational Limited License (OLL).  So for the first 60 days, you cannot drive and your license is truly suspended. But for the final 10 months of a DUI-related suspension, you would be eligible for an occupational limited license. To Apply for an OLL: 1. You must complete Form DL-15  (PDF) Occupational Limited License Petition. Follow the instructions on the petition. 2. Send it, along with the appropriate fee, to the address listed on the form. Be sure to keep the DL-15A  (PDF) portion with your OLL once received. 3. PennDOT will evaluate the petition and determine your eligibility by reviewing the violations on your driving record. 4. If you do not qualify for an OLL, you will be sent a letter denying your application. 5. If you qualify for an OLL, you will be sent an OLL camera card, which you will need to take to the nearest Photo License Center  to have your photo taken and receive your OLL.

Maria Buren Associate Attorney Maria was admitted to practice law in Pennsylvania in 2025 after earning her Juris Doctor from Widener University Delaware Law School. She joined Fiffik Law Group the same year, bringing with her several years of experience in Plaintiff’s Personal Injury law and litigation. BAR ADMISSIONS & EDUCATION Pennsylvania, 2025 J .D. Widener University Delaware Law School, 2025 B.A. Point Park University, 2019 AREAS OF PRACTICE Litigation, Personal Injury

Fiffik Law Group, PC has been serving the Pennsylvania area since 1980 with measurable success. We pride ourselves on a history of excellence, ensuring only the highest quality service. About Our Firm We empower individuals and businesses to take control of their future through strategic legal counsel. We guide our clients in making informed decisions that align with their values and goals. We believe that if you don't act for yourself, someone else will, and it might not reflect your intentions or be in your best interest. By providing personalized and comprehensive legal services, we ensure that our clients' legacies, businesses, and real estate transactions are thoughtfully structured to meet their unique needs, fostering peace of mind and security for generations to come. Meet Our Team MEET OUR ATTORNEYS MEET OUR STAFF JOIN OUR TEAM

Kevin Keyho Associate Attorney Attorney Kevin Keyho has a general law practice in the areas of criminal defense, family law and traffic cases. Prior to entering private practice, he spent nine years as a Special Agent for the U.S. Department of Defense. Attorney Keyho also spent three years as Assistant Counsel for the Pennsylvania Office of Inspector General. He has also taught as an Adjunct Clinical Professor of Legal Education at Duquesne University School of Law. Most recently he was an Institutional Trust Officer for a major bank. Attorney Keyho has been interviewed by television network news affiliates and the print media in and around the Pittsburgh area. He has appeared on “Good Morning America” and “Fox Wire with Rita Cosby.” Attorney Kevin Keyho attended the University of Pittsburgh where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree as well as a Masters of Public and International Affairs specializing in International Security Studies. He received his Juris Doctor from Duquesne University School of Law. BAR ADMISSIONS & EDUCATION Commonwealth of Pennsylvania PA Federal District Court, Western District United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit United States Supreme Court JD, Duquesne Univsersity School of Law MA, BA, University of Pittsburgh AREAS OF PRACTICE Criminal Defense, Family Law, Traffic

WRONGFUL DEATH If you have lost a loved one due to the negligence of others, the attorneys at Fiffik Law Group can help your family pursue a wrongful death action against those responsible. Wrongful death lawsuits allow families to hold people or businesses accountable for their negligent or careless actions. These suits are often filed by a person’s estate as part of a catastrophic personal injury case where the defendant has died, including automobile accidents, drunk driving accidents, commercial truck accidents and medical malpractice cases. These suits can also be brought independently after the underlying suit has concluded. Many families have conflicts over the distribution of assets when settling the estate, and these battles can prevent them from being able to file a wrongful death action in time. Wrongful death claims have a two-year statute of limitations that begins with the death of your loved one. If the claim is against a city or county, this period of time is even shorter and comes with additional limitations. Our attorneys have extensive experience representing clients in wrongful death suits, and they have the knowledge and ability to help your family recover the damages they deserve. Contact Our Personal Injury Attorney(s) Matthew Bole CALL US

Guardianship for Elderly Parents Caregivers We often hear people say “I promised her I’d never put her in a nursing home.” or “Dad told me he never wanted to live in one of those places.” For a variety of reasons, caregivers may choose to care for their older adult at home. And as long as the situation is safe for everyone involved, keeping aging parents at home is a wonderful thing to do. But it’s important to remember that senior care is one of the toughest and most stressful jobs you’ll ever have. With the proper support, planning, and patience, providing care for your parents in their golden years can be a less stressful and a more rewarding experience. If the person you are caring for is unable to make rational, clear-headed decisions about their health care, finances, or other aspects of life, seeking legal guardianship may be necessary to ensure their safety and quality of life. Guardianship is an option in cases where an older adult has not appointed a power of attorney for health care or finances and is incapacitated due to advancing age, illness or disability. Even if an individual has named a power of attorney (POA), guardianship may still be necessary if their POA is not durable, meaning it ends upon their incapacitation. We most commonly see family caregivers seeking guardianship for adults with dementia who did not make proper legal preparations for the future. To act as someone’s legal guardian or conservator, the individual petitioning for guardianship must go to court to have the person they are caring for declared incompetent based on expert findings. If they are ruled incompetent and the petitioner is a suitable caregiver, then the court transfers the responsibility for managing finances, living arrangements, medical decisions, or any combination of these tasks to the petitioner. This process often takes a good deal of experience to navigate smoothly. If family members disagree about the need for guardianship or who should act as a guardian, the process can be especially painful, prolonged, and costly. That's why an elder law attorney is often required in these situations. Reach out below to find out more.

Our experienced Pennsylvania personal injury attorneys will fight for you until justice is served. If you've been injured or a loved one was hurt in an accident, we can fight for your justice and compensation. Personal Injury Fiffik Law Group, PC has helped thousands of clients suffering from personal injuries get the results that they deserve. No matter what problems you have, you can put your trust in us to get the job done. Our experienced attorneys also handle all insurance-related matters that arise when handling personal injury and auto accident cases. Our attorneys strive to protect our clients’ best interests at all times. Auto Accident Learn More Nursing Home Neglect Learn More Wrongful Death Learn More Mass Torts Learn More What NOT to Say to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company After a Car Accident Fiffik Law Group, PC 3 days ago 5 min read Delayed Car Accident Injuries in Pennsylvania: What You Need to Know Fiffik Law Group, PC Apr 13 5 min read Merging Roadways – Who Has the Right of Way in Pennsylvania? Fiffik Law Group, PC Jan 20 3 min read Do PA Nursing Homes and In-Home Care Agencies Conduct Background Checks on Staff? Fiffik Law Group, PC Oct 13, 2025 4 min read Falls in Nursing Homes: Understanding the Risks, Prevention, and Legal Rights Fiffik Law Group, PC Jul 10, 2025 3 min read