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Family Law in Pennsylvania

Adoption Law programs are hosted by Attorney Shawn McLaughlin and by Family Law Attorney, Sydney Benson. All other Family Law programs are hosted by Attorney Shawn P. McLaughlin and by York and Lancaster County Family Law Attorney, Christopher Menges.

Adoption differences from Custody & Guardianship agreements. Categories of adoption in Pennsylvania.

Process of adoption, length.

Lectures/Radio Programs (MP3)

*As heard each week on FM 90.3 WJTL each Saturday at 3:20 p.m.

  • Intro - Part 1
    First program introduction to upcoming programs within this series
  • Intro - Part 2
    Second program introduction to upcoming programs within this series

Auto Insurance in Pennsylvania

Auto Insurance programs are hosted by Attorney Christopher Menges and by York and Lancaster County Personal Injury Attorney, Shawn P. McLaughlin.


Business Law in Pennsylvania

Business Law programs are hosted by Attorney Shawn P. McLaughlin and by York and Lancaster County Business Law Attorney, Matthew Menges.

  • Business Law - Part 1
    Introduction to the basic business structures of a business in Pennsylvania. Unlimited Personal Liability (sole proprietorship and partnership). What does personal liability mean in a business context?
  • Business Law - Part 2
    Partial Personal Liability - (limited partnership, limited liability partnership and limited liability companies) - How do these forms of liability structures differ from each other in Pennsylvania?
  • Business Law - Part 3
    No Personal Liability (corporation). How is an LLC different than a corporation in Pennsylvania?
  • Business Law - Part 4
    Do I need an attorney to start a business?


Church Law in Pennsylvania

Politics Church Law program is hosted by Attorney Shawn McLaughlin and by York County Attorney, Syndney C. H. Benson. All other Church Law Programs are hosted by Attorney Matthew Menges and Church Law Attorney, Shawn McLaughlin.

  • Politics and the Church
    Politics & tax exempt status, what the church can and cannot do concerning politics.
  • Hand Held Devices
    Why do Pennsylvania churches need policies for hand held devices and what are the 2 main concerns? How do churches protect against legal issues associated with hand held devices? Documents for free download are on MMK website.
  • Prayer Chain
    What could possibly be the issue with prayer chains? Should prayer chains be stopped? How to protect against legal issues associated with prayer chains in Pennsylvania. Documents for free download are on MMK website.
  • Social Media and the Church - Part 1
    What does Social Media have to do with the church in Pennsylvania? What are some of the problems that can arise from a legal perspective?
  • Social Media and the Church - Part 2
    What specific legal trouble might result to a church based on its usage of social media? Invasion of privacy and copyright law discussed as it relates to the church and its social media site.
  • Social Media and the Church - Part 3
    What steps can a PA church take to make sure that it is operating its social media sites properly? The Church should consider appointing someone to monitor and operate its social media site.
  • Social Media and the Church - Part 4
    What steps can a Pennsylvania church take to make sure that it is operating its social media sites properly? Do not post or provide too much information and do delete anything inappropriate as soon as it is discovered.
  • Social Media and the Church - Part 5
    What steps can a Pennsylvania church take to make sure that it is operating its social media sites properly? Know how the privacy settings work. What access should regular attendees or frequent visitors have to the church's social media site?
  • Social Media and the Church - Part 6
    Maintaining a church social media site takes great commitment. Posting prayer requests on a church social media site; what to be concerned about.


Collections in Pennsylvania

  • Collections-Part 1
    Do the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act protect consumers of collections? How do you respond to the collection agency? What is "Proof of Debt?" How long does the collection agency have to collect the debt?
  • Collections-Part 2
    What mistake do consumers make in dealing with the collection agency? What techniques does the collection agency use to get paid? Can the collection agency take your property?


Credit Reports in Pennsylvania

Credit Report programs are hosted by Attorney Shawn P. McLaughlin and by Consumer Advocate Attorney, Matthew D. Menges.

  • Credit Reports-Part 1
    When is a credit report generated? What is done with the credit score? Is there a relationship between credit report and credit score? How do you check your credit report?
  • Credit Reports-Part 2
    What happens if your credit report is wrong? Credit report errors and disputes. Do all 3 agencies contain the same information? Do you have legal rights if the reports are inaccurate?
  • Credit Reports-Part 3
    How does credit score affect how much you should borrow, etc? How do you improve credit score?


Criminal Law in Pennsylvania

Criminal Defense programs are hosted by Attorney Shawn P. McLaughlin and by Adams and York Co. Criminal Defense Attorney, Joseph A. Kalasnik.k


Dog Law in Pennsylvania

Dog Law program is hosted by Attorney Christopher Menges and by York and Lancaster County Personal Injury Attorney, Shawn P. McLaughlin.

  • Dog Law
    Is there a 'free bite law', dog owner defined, who is responsible for dog under PA law, reasonable precautions defined.


Employment Law in Pennsylvania

Employment Law programs are hosted by Attorney Christopher Menges and by York and Lancaster County Employment Law Attorney, Shawn P. McLaughlin.

  • Employment Law Intro
    What does the area of employment law encompass in PA? A Christian perspective of being an employer or an employee.
  • Employment Law - At-Will (Exceptions)-1
    What does At-Will employment mean in PA? Is all employment in Pennsylvania considered At-Will employment? Are there exceptions to At-Will employment?
  • Empoyment Law - At-Will (Exceptions)-2
    Attorney Shawn McLaughlin discusses illegal discrimination, protected classifications and violation of public policy. What does someone do if they feel they have been discriminated against?
  • Employment Law - Discrimination 1
    How does an employee file a discrimination claim? Once a Pennsylvania discrimination claim has been filed, what does the process look like? Protective Classifications.
  • Employment Law - Discrimination 2
    When a discrimination claim is filed, does the employer or employee bear the burden of proof? What is the fact-finding process before the PA Human Relations Commission?
  • Employment Law - Discrimination 3
    The fact-finding conference and probable cause discussed. Why is it important to seek the counsel of an attorney before a fact-finding conference? What are Bona Fide Occupational Qualifications? Is sexual orientation a protected classification?
  • Employment Law - Discrimination 4
    • Can an employer discriminate based on the Bona Fide Occupational Qualification? Are there limitations or exceptions to the BFOQ? Are there differences (concerning the BFOQ), based on Local, State, and Federal levels? What is an employer required to do relative to disability?


Elder Law in Pennsylvania

Elder Law programs are hosted by Attorney Shawn P. McLaughlin and by York and Lancaster County Elder Law Attorney, Matthew D. Menges.

  • Medicaid
    What is the difference between Medicaid and Medicare? When should seniors decide on how to pay for nursing home care in PA? What is long term care insurance? What is meant by financial need? The "community spouse." How do you get Medicaid? What does Medicaid cover that Medicare does not? Can you get both Medicaid and Medicare at the same time?
  • Nursing Homes - Part 1
    The controversy of Pennsylvania Nursing Home Care. Is there a way to avoid relying on Government assistance for Nursing Home care? What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?
  • Nursing Homes - Part 2
    Is there a way to receive Government assistance and pass on wealth to your children? At what point should one start planning for nursing care? Is it a good time to discuss Nursing Home care when discussing your Will with your lawyer? Long Term Care Insurance planning.
  • Nursing Homes - Part 3
    Is the selection of a Nursing Home up for the family to choose? Look for the Nursing home before the situation rises to an emergency level? Can a Pennsylvania Nursing home evict a resident because of refusal to sign admission paperwork? What are the most common problems with nursing home admissions contracts in Pennsylvania?
  • Nursing Homes - Part 4
    Admission contract - responsibility for injuries. Do some admissions contracts allow a person to be evicted for reasons not allowed under the law? Are there arbitration provisions under Pennsylvania nursing home admissions contracts? When you see an arbitration provision, how should you respond (by challenging etc.)?
  • Nursing Homes - Part 5
    What are the six reasons that a Nursing Home can evict a resident (Facility closes, Residents condition has improved, Resident is transferred or discharged, Resident endangers the health of individual in the facility, Resident endangers the safety of individual in the facility, Resident can't pay or doesn't apply for Medicaid to pay.)
  • Nursing Homes - Part 6
    What are some of the nursing home residents rights? Does each Resident have a medication care plan? What level of care is required for your loved one? What happens if a Resident's right is violated?
  • Family Caregiver Agreements
    Nursing home caregiver agreements in Pennsylvania: requirements.


Estate Law in Pennsylvania

Estate Law programs are hosted by Attorney Shawn P. McLaughlin and by York and Lancaster County Estate Law Attorney, Matthew D. Menges.

  • Estate Administration - Part 1
    When do you need a will in Pennsylvania? Does a will address your children? Why do you need a will? Should I have a lawyer or should I use an on-line "cost savings" kit?
  • Estate Administration - Part 2
    Is there a requirement in Pennsylvania to have the Will read? Is there a requirement that those named in the Will, to be notified? Who keeps the Will? Why is it important to know about estate administration process? What is an estate? What is an executor?
  • Estate Administration - Part 3
    What kinds of things does the executor or personal representative of the estate do? Does the executor always get paid under PA estate law? What happens with a person's Will and opening the estate? What is probate? What is Letters Testamentary?
  • Estate Administration - Part 4
    What is Pennsylvania probate (recap)? Does one need a lawyer to help with the process? Does the administrator have to give an accounting to the court on what they are doing? Is there a different process involved if minors are involved?
  • Wills - Part 1
    Why you need a will. Trusts and beneficiaries. Will kits vs. getting an attorney. Is there a cost savings?
  • Wills - Part 2
    Wills and why you need an attorney in Pennsylvania estate and will matters.
  • Wills (Living Wills)
    Definition of, Medical power of attorney, hospital living will forms, regular power of attorney under Pennsylvania estate law.


Family Law in Pennsylvania

Adoption Law programs are hosted by Attorney Shawn McLaughlin and by Family Law Attorney, Sydney Benson. All other Family Law programs are hosted by Attorney Shawn P. McLaughlin and by York and Lancaster County Family Law Attorney, Christopher Menges.

  • Adoption - Part 1
    Adoption differences from Custody & Guardianship agreements. Categories of adoption in Pennsylvania.
  • Adoption - Part 2
    Process of adoption, length.
  • Alimony - Property Distribution
    How is the property divided. Need based division of property.
  • Children and Youth Services - Part 1
    When does PA Children and Youth Services have right to come in and take children? What process does Children and Youth Services have to do before children are taken? Do parents need to be involved in the investigation? If abuse is suspected by any party, it must be reported.
  • Children and Youth Services - Part 2
    When does corporal punishment become abuse under Pennsylvania law and involve CYS? Are there times that CYS makes mistakes and take the children with no basis?
  • Children and Youth Services - Part 3
    Who does CYS recommend watching the children after they have been taken? Is CYS required (by Pennsylvania law) to place the children with relatives? Does CYS ever get involved with abuse or neglect cases with persons other than a parent?
  • Custody - Part 1
    Is there a unified court system that handles all of the topics (support, alimony, etc.)? When does court determine where the children will go?
  • Custody - Part 2
    Do Pennsylvania courts and judges prefer mother or father? How is the 50/50 custody viewed by others?
  • Custody - Grandparents Rights
    Do Grandparents have custody rights and can they be part of a custody order? Visitation statutes. Do they ever have majority custody rights? How about other relatives' rights? Are grandparents on "equal footing" (with Mom and Dad)? Grandparents' Custody Rights Law in Pennsylvania.
  • Delinquency - Juvenile
    What happens if a child commits a crime? What circumstances can cause the child to become incarcerated? Can one attorney represent both the child and the parents? PA juvenile delinquency law.
  • Divorce - Part 1
    How long does the divorce process take? Why do so many seem to take so long? Legislation to keep divorce difficult. Difference between fault and no fault divorce.
  • Divorce - Part 2
    2 year vs. 90 day time period to obtain a divorce in PA. Recap on fault v no fault. Pennsylvania divorce law. Definition of alimony. Factors that affect alimony.
  • Separation
    How does the attorney at MMK handle Christians who want to divorce. Is there a separation statute in PA?
  • Spiritual Issues
    How to handle someone who believes the Lord doesn't want them to divorce? Can one party stop the divorce? When should the party seek more substantial legal counsel? Christians should have a Christian attorney.

Guardianship Law in Pennsylvania

Guardianship program is hosted by Attorney Shawn P. McLaughlin and by York and Lancaster County Elder Law Attorney, Matthew D. Menges.

  • Guardianships - What is a Guardian?
    What is the difference between a Guardianship and Power of Attorney in Pennsylvania? When is a Guardian appointed? What is the difference between a Guardian of a person and a Guardian of a property in PA?

Real Estate Law in Pennsylvania

Real Estate programs are hosted by Attorney Shawn P. McLaughlin and by York and Lancaster County Real Estate Attorney, Christopher Menges.

  • Real Estate - Part 1
    Buying or selling a house in PA...do I need a lawyer? Lawyer's responsibilities.
  • Real Estate - Part 2
    Help with Pennsylvania real estate agent and lenders, etc.
  • Mortgage Foreclosures-Part 1
    How to avoid mortgage foreclosure in Pennsylvania. What are the warning signs before a foreclosure action is filed? What if you can't afford to stay in your house? At what point should a person get professional assistance?
  • Mortgage Foreclosures-Part 2
    What are the alternatives to PA mortgage foreclosure? What is a modification plan? What if there is a short term loss of income where you get behind payments? Can you work out a program with the lender on your own? How long does a Pennsylvania mortgage foreclosure action take?

Self Help Legal Documents

  • Self Help Legal Documents
    Pitfalls of relying on documents created yourself. Computer based legal programs. Why do people avoid lawyers and try to do the documents themselves?

Social Security Law in Pennsylvania

Social Security Law programs are hosted by Attorney Christopher Menges and by York and Lancaster County Social Security Disability Law Attorney, Shawn P. McLaughlin.

  • Social Security - Part 1
    Social Security Disability, Social Security Disability (SSD) & Supplemental Security Income (SSI), qualifications.
  • Social Security - Part 2
    Social Security Disability, Social Security Disability (SSD) & Supplemental Security Income (SSI), similarities, definition of disability, eligibility
  • Social Security - Part 3
    Social Security Disability, proof of, doctor evaluation
  • Social Security - Part 4
    Social Security Disability, how to make a claim, appeals & hearings, when to get an attorney.

Unemployment Compensation Law in Pennsylvania

Unemployment Compensation Law programs are hosted by PA Unemployment Compensation Law Attorney, Shawn P. McLaughlin.

  • Unemployment Compensation 1
    Is there anything an employee can do if they are fired for a bas reason or no reason at all? How does an employee file a claim for Pennsylvania unemployment compensation? Why would an employer or employee seek legal representation for a PA unemployment compensation hearing?
  • Unemployment Compensation 2
    What are the two most common issues faced in an employment compensation case? Who has the burden of proof? "I quit" vs. "You are fired."
  • Unemployment Compensation 3
    Attorney Shawn McLaughlin discusses the importance of employers having a good handbook of policies and procedures.

Workers Compensation Law in Pennsylvania

Workers Compensation Programs are hosted by Attorney Christopher Menges and by York and Lancaster County Workers Compensation Attorney, Shawn P. McLaughlin

  • Workers Compensation - Part 1
    What is Workers Compensation? What are the limitations to Workers Compensation? Do prior injuries affect a PA workers compensation claim?
  • Workers Compensation - Part 2
    What is the process of filing a Workers Compensation claim in Pennsylvania? Who represents the employer during a Workers Compensation case? At what point does the injured employee see a doctor.
  • Workers Compensation - Part 3
    What are the time periods involved in a Workers Compensation claim? Does a person have to be injured for a certain period of time before they can file a claim? What happens after the PA Workers Compensation claim is filed?
  • Workers Compensation - Part 4
    What happens during Pennsylvania Workers Compensation hearings? What is medical deposition testimony? Does the employer have their own doctor (Evaluator)? What are the trends concerning W.C.?

Zoning Law in Pennsylvania

Zoning Law programs are hosted by Attorney Shawn P. McLaughlin and by Municipal Law Attorney, Joseph A. Kalasnik.

  • Zoning - General
    What is zoning law? Are zoning laws standard? How do you find out about PA zoning laws?
  • Zoning Enforcement - Part 1
    Why are zoning laws necessary? If you check out rules and find you comply is it OK to start project? Do you need permit?
  • Zoning Enforcement - Part 2
    How does the municipality find out about violation and what are they going to do? What happens if you are cited? When should you seek legal counsel? First step of the process.
  • Zoning Enforcement and Appeal - Part 1
    Why do I have to pay the Municipality a Fee? The board makes adverse finding, what are your options and next steps?
  • Zoning Enforcement and Appeal - Part 2
    Setback issues and what happens if you don't comply with the zoning ruling? What are the fines that the District Judge imposes?
  • Zoning Enforcement and Procedure
    What options can you ask for when in violation? Who proves that a violation exists? Can you ask for an exception? Details of a Pennsylvania zoning hearing. Are there fees associated with hearing? When is decision made? If you lose, what are the options?
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