Lady Justice statue in front of bookshelves

Proving Damages in a Defamation Case

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In defamation cases, one of the most challenging elements of the case is proving damages. Every tort case—and defamation is a “tort”—requires the proving of damages. “Damages” are the financial and personal damage done to someone…
Blue garage doors from a self-storage facility

Self-Storage Unit Laws in Pennsylvania

Self-storage units have become popular across Pennsylvania. Individuals and businesses use these spaces to store belongings, inventory and equipment. Whether you’re a renting a unit or a running a facility, there are certain rights and regulations…
A Lady Justice statue holding some scales

What to do when a Process Server Serves You with a Lawsuit

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What happens if a process server shows up at your house? In Pennsylvania, this is usually a sheriff. Sometimes, if you’re in federal court, it can be a private party who shows up and serves you with some paperwork. To watch a brief video by…
Someone reading a Notice to Defend

What do you do with a Notice to Defend?

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When you have been served with a lawsuit in Pennsylvania, one thing that you commonly see on the front page is something that is called a “Notice to Defend.” A Notice to Defend is a one or two page document directed toward the defendant…
A puppy in a field with a basket behind it

Puppy Lemon Law in Pennsylvania

You may already be familiar with Pennsylvania’s Lemon Law for cars, but did you know there are protections for dog owners? Sometimes known as Puppy Lemon Law, the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law includes a provision for…
Two black dogs sitting by a creek on a sunny day

Updated Dog Law in Pennsylvania

On October 23, 2023, Gov. Josh Shapiro signed into law Senate Bill 746, which increases penalties for dog owners with dogs that have attacked people or other animals. The stated purpose of this bill is to: improve public safety, improve…
Close up of a dictionary definition for "Justice of the peace"

Common Legal Terms

Almost every field comes with its own set of jargon that really only makes sense to the people in that field. The law is certainly no exception. We’d like to demystify some of that jargon. Below is a list of 50 common legal terms you might…
The inside of a home's front room. There is a staircase and a set of doors with nice windows.

Foreclosure and Rent-to-Own Agreements

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Rent-to-Own Agreements have become more popular in Pennsylvania in the last several years as an alternative method of financing for buyers who are unable to get traditional mortgages. Sellers sometimes offer these agreements as a way to obtain…
A close up of a set of scales on a wooden table

Six Dos and Don'ts when Getting Sued

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Knock, knock! The Sheriff shows up at your door and hands you papers. “You’re being sued,” he quietly explains, and perhaps asks you to sign something noting you were served. As you close the door behind you, a number of thoughts may drift…
A person walking a dog

Dangerous Dogs in Pennsylvania

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Pennsylvania’s Dangerous Dogs Statute aims to take the bite out of potentially dangerous encounters with canines. A common misconception about dogs is that only certain breeds of dogs pose a threat of serious bodily injury, or that a dog must…
Columns of a courthouse

My Case is Easy: Do I need a Lawyer?

Shouldn’t law just be common sense? We hear this question all the time. If your case is easy and straightforward, do you still need a lawyer? The answer is yes. If you are going to court, you should have a lawyer by your side. But what if…
A photo of a courthouse

What is the penalty for filing a false PFA in Pennsylvania?

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When someone lies in a Protection from Abuse petition, an incredible amount of consequences follow for everyone involved. The person who is named as the defendant in a PFA temporarily loses access to their guns and is often evicted from their…