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Divorce After Domestic Violence: Legal Protections and Practical Steps for Survivors Domestic violence includes physical, emotional, financial, and psychological abuse. Divorce for survivors isn’t just about ending a marriage, it’s about regaining safety, control, and independence. Survivors may face intimidation both inside and outside of court, and abusers often use legal systems to maintain power. […]

In a Maryland divorce, courts work with couples to divide assets and debts fairly, but not always equally. Learn how marital property is classified, valued, and distributed under Maryland’s equitable division laws.

We live much of our lives online, from storing family photos in the cloud to managing cryptocurrency wallets and online businesses. But when someone passes away, these digital assets often go unclaimed, inaccessible, or even lost forever. Digital estate planning helps ensure that your online accounts and digital property are preserved, protected, or passed on […]

How to File for Divorce in Maryland: Steps, Timelines, and What to Expect Divorce in Maryland follows specific rules and deadlines that can shape the entire outcome of your case. Understanding each step helps you stay organized and ensures that your filing is handled the right way from the beginning. Attorney Melinda Previtera explains how […]

Trusts are often seen as a smart way to avoid probate, protect assets, and ensure a smooth transfer of wealth. But even with the best planning, trust administration can become complicated—and fast. At Petrelli Previtera, we’ve helped families in Philadelphia navigate the challenges of trust administration. Whether you’re acting as a trustee or a beneficiary, […]

While probate is a necessary legal process for many estates, it can be time-consuming, expensive, and emotionally draining. Thankfully, a well-structured trust can help your family avoid probate entirely. At Petrelli Previtera, we work with individuals and families across Philadelphia to avoid probate and simplify the transfer of wealth. We often see costly errors that […]

Before moving out of marital home, know the legal consequences. Find out how it affects custody and property rights in Maryland.

Ignoring Divorce Papers Could Cost You Everything Getting served with divorce papers is overwhelming. It is emotional, confusing, and often shocking. But the one thing you cannot afford to do is nothing. Ignoring a divorce filing can lead to serious legal consequences, including the loss of property, financial support, or even custody of your children. […]

What to Expect When Divorcing a Narcissist Divorcing a narcissist is rarely straightforward. These individuals often approach divorce as a battle, not a legal process. Rather than seek a fair resolution, a narcissistic spouse may turn to lies, manipulation, and psychological warfare to stay in control. Their goal is not just to leave the marriage. […]

Fight False Allegations in Child Custody By Julie Colin, Esq. As a family law attorney with over 30 years of courtroom experience, I’ve seen almost everything. But few things are more devastating, or more dangerous, than when a parent is falsely accused during a custody battle. In high-conflict disputes, the legal system can be weaponized, […]