Zoning and Land Use Lawyer

The Legal Consequences of Prescription Drug Abuse Prescription drug abuse, though often overshadowed by illegal drug cases, carries significant legal consequences that can affect every aspect of a person’s life. From...

In addiction-related cases, social media evidence is increasingly used to build narratives about a person’s behavior, intent, or lifestyle. Posts, photos, messages, and even comments can serve as key pieces of...

Substance abuse complicates personal injury claims in ways many don’t expect. When a person is under the influence, they may not think clearly or act in safe ways, which impacts their...

Addressing Substance Abuse in Child Welfare Cases Substance abuse is an issue that affects countless families worldwide. It doesn’t just impact the individual struggling with addiction; it sends ripples through families,...

Custody battles are often emotionally charged and legally complex. When mental health issues enter the equation, the stakes become even higher. Understanding how mental health can affect these proceedings is imperative...

Managing family dynamics is difficult enough without having to deal with the extra complexities of addiction and rehabilitation. The stakes in family court cases can rise dramatically when substance misuse is...

Starting the process of separation brings its own challenges, especially when dividing up the life you’ve built together. Among the practical hurdles, figuring out how to split household items fairly can...

Relocating to a new state can be a thrilling time, full of new opportunities and experiences. However, you must be aware of the legal aspects, particularly concerning personal injury claims in...

Relocating for work presents unique challenges, especially involving child support obligations. In today’s dynamic professional landscape, more individuals find themselves in situations where a move is necessary for career advancement. However,...

Moving across the country is a significant life event that brings new opportunities and challenges. One critical aspect often overlooked during this transition is the need for estate planning adjustments after...

Are you facing the challenging crossroads of financial instability due to addiction and the burden of credit card debt? You’re not alone. This article is here to help you navigate the...

Inventory create a list of all possible assets create a list of all non-physical assets create a list of all digital assets (financial accounts, social media accounts, emails) with passwords Create...

Facing a criminal conviction or sentence in Pennsylvania can be an unpleasant experience, to say the least. However, remember that the legal system allows for a second chance through the appeal...

Are you considering filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy? Understanding this process is key to a fresh financial start. Chapter 7 offers a chance to clear overwhelming debts through a liquidation process....

Facing a divorce can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to dividing your hard-earned assets. It’s not just about splitting possessions. It’s about ensuring you get a fair share in the...

Moving to a new state or country can signify an exciting new chapter in your life. However, this shift in residency also brings forth changes in laws, regulations, and even personal...

In today’s swiftly changing society, family dynamics are continually evolving. As the definition of family reshapes, the well-being of our children remains paramount. Irrespective of the circumstances, their guardians face, every...

The principal ways to avoid probate are: 1. Create a revocable living trust (RLT) and transfer assets into it. The trustee has control over the assets, so naming the owner as...

In the modern world, as families change and adapt, there’s an increased likelihood of children experiencing life in two homes. Whether it’s due to divorce, separation, or other circumstances, it’s essential...

As many of you know, my mother passed away recently. A long time ago I did her estate plan. I had her execute a Will, Living Will and a Power of...

By now you know that the insurance company’s goal is to pay you as little as possible in compensation for your injuries. In pursuit of this goal, the insurance company may...

If you are trying to negotiate your claim with the insurance company, then you may be wondering: Why does the settlement process have to be so difficult? Why is the insurance...

Most personal injury cases have three stages: investigation, negotiation and litigation. Often these stages overlap, and many cases are resolved without the need for litigation at all. Here is a brief...

Personal injury lawsuits can be complicated and time-consuming for all parties involved, regardless of which side of the “v” they’re on. Claimants should be sure to avoid these common pitfalls. 1)...

Buy-Sell Agreements: Funding and Payment Terms A. FUNDING There are numerous ways to fund a buy-sell agreement depending on initial capital, cash flow, number of owners, and other personal or financial...

Settling a Business Dispute Studies show that over 95% of all lawsuits are resolved without a trial. Thus, the overwhelming probability is that a new case will settle. For that reason,...

There are many myths and misconceptions about the criminal justice system. The more a defendant knows about how the system actually works, the better he will be able to assert his...

As a small business owner, you probably feel that your business is your baby. You may find it hard to think about what will happen to it when you are no...

Losing a loved one is a tragedy that requires space to grieve, and the last thing a family needs at that time is to deal with unexpected costs. However, there are...

Does it seem like the insurance adjuster is dragging his feet on your personal injury claim? It may be that the adjuster is stonewalling you – that is, deliberately delaying the...

Every year, thousands of Pennsylvania residents either file a complaint or defend themselves in Small Claims Court. Often called a Justice of the Peace, Small Claims Courts in Pennsylvania are disigned...

It’s Friday night. It’s been a long hard week. You go out with some friends and have a little too much to drink. You can’t get a ride home and you...

One of the most often asked questions in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy is “what will happen to my property?” The answer depends on whether the property is “secured” or “unsecured.” Unsecured...

“I don’t need a Will right now. I’ll get to it when I’m older.” Is this something that has gone through your mind? If so you are not alone. The majority...

School is fully back in session now. Sadly, drivers are not paying attention. In Pennsylvania, two school zone traffic laws have been cited more than 26,671 times over the past five...

Did a doctor ever give you a diagnosis and you had no idea what it meant? Its frustrating communicating with someone and not knowing what the other is saying. Clients meeting...

If you have been injured and are seeking compensation it will speed things along if you can properly communicate with each other. If you ever have tried to negotiate with an...

Most people only associate the word “investment” when they hear about financial planning. Financial planning is a whole lot more. Because people only associate the word “investment” with planning, they fail...

If you are trying to negotiate your claim with the insurance company, then you may be wondering: Why does the settlement process have to be so difficult? Why is the insurance...

In the United States, credit card use is a common occurrence. The problem? When you find yourself looking at a balance due that is far larger than you can pay off...

A car accident or other traumatic injury-accident can result in an array of physical injuries: deep cuts or bruises; a broken bone; whiplash or another soft-tissue injury. The mental and emotional...

Your personal injury case has come to an end. The papers have been signed. Your attorney’s fees and medical liens have been paid. The settlement check is finally in your hand....

As you exit the courthouse, you feel drained but relieved. The judge ordered your child’s other parent to pay you a weekly child support amount calculated according to your state guidelines....

Your thoughtfully constructed estate plan could be disrupted by a challenge from a relative or friend who is unhappy with his or her inheritance (or lack of one). Here are 13...

Unfortunately, in many cases, the person or persons responsible for the inci­dent may not tell the complete truth about the incident. It is human nature for many people to deny liability,...

The collateral consequences of a criminal conviction can last for years and have a detrimental effect on a person’s voting rights; gun rights; immigration status; eligibility for federal assistance programs (e.g.,...

Life is expensive. If you are like most recipients of disability benefits, your budget is tight. You are always on the lookout for ways to make the most of every dollar...

You got probation and can breathe a huge sigh of relief now that you know you aren’t going to jail. But don’t forget, you aren’t free yet. Probation comes with conditions...

The prospect of negotiating a business deal can make even the most confident among us nervous. You want to make the best deal for the company, but you don’t like confrontation,...

Bad things occasionally happen to good contract parties. Let’s assume you’ve done everything right in the negotiation process. You’ve been transparent about risk; honest about your capabilities; and pellucid in setting...

After the incident which caused your injury, the person, persons or company that you claim may be responsible for your injury was contacted by the insurance company. Either the person who...

If you think that the insurance company covering the at fault driver will just pain you for your pain and suffering, think again. At it’s core, an insurance company is a...

WHY BUDGET? You may have yawned (or cringed) when you read the title of this article, but please keep reading. This information is important for anyone who has ever worried about...

Nothing can be more stressful than finding out that the IRS wants to audit your taxes. In recent years the number of IRS audits have been declining. In 2019 only .45%...

It had been two years since we had a family vacation. Everyone needed a break and a change of scenery. Our family had vaccinated months prior and we had weathered the...

This is an unprecedent period of time as the COVID 19 virus continues to affect lives and businesses across our nation. There are many people who count on you every day;...

Penglase & Benson Named a 2021 Law Firm 500 Honoree for Fastest Growing Law Firms in the U.S. – Two Years Running. Over the past 16 years, our team at Penglase...

You have a Will! Congratulations. You are in the minority in the United States. Some surveys show that only 39% of people in the United States have a Will. When we...

After a separation or divorce Child custody schedules specify each parent’s time with their children. Schedules are very detailed and include information about custody during weeknights and weekends, as well as...

People charged with a crime will have one of two experiences. They are either placed in handcuffs and taken before a Judge within a few hours of the event and told...

In almost all personal injury cases, your attorney will be paid by keeping a percentage or portion of the final settlement, court award or verdict resulting from your injury. The percentage...

A wave of people are running for bankruptcy protection. When the U. S. Supreme Court struck down the nationwide moratorium on evictions millions of people who had been living in homes...

A person sentenced to probation has not served any jail or prison time for the crime they plead guilty or were found guilty of. That individual is being offered a jail...

In Pennsylvania, individuals who either plead guilty to a crime or are found guilty of a crime following a trial are often sentenced to a period of incarceration in a jail...

If a person pleads guilty or is found to be guilty following a trial they may be placed on probation as a form of punishment. Quite simply, probation means that the...

No one likes signing forms. especially when they are in paid. However, doctors, hospitals, employers, and other establishments will not release per­sonal information about you without signed written authorizations. It is...

Individuals and businesses can file for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. When an individual files they get rid of their debts and go on with their lives. When a business files, its assets...

You were injured in an auto accident. You hired an attorney for your case against the other driver for pain and suffering. Nothing more to do now, right? Wrong! There are...

It’s easy to make legal mistakes while building your business. It happens all the time. You’re a business owner—not a lawyer. You’re focused on finding customers, making sales, training your team,...

Are bills taking too big a bite out of your paycheck? Are you tired of sinking further and further into debt? Are you scared because the creditors are calling day and...

You have been pulled over for a driving infraction and the officer asks if you have been drinking. You were already nervous from being pulled over; now you are terrified. You...

Many people injured in an accident try to negotiate with the insurance company on their own. They try to save some money by not hiring an attorney. But doing so could...

This past Wednesday actor and comedian Bill Cosby had his 2018 conviction for sexual assault overturned by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and he was released from prison having spent two years...

Typically most people think of alcohol when they hear of the charge DUI. What they don’t realize is that controlled substances and over the counter medication can both lead to a...

One of the most important things for you to do is to keep an accurate record of your medical bills. This is how you do it: a. Ask for a medical...

Depending on your type of business, you have three options for incorporating: C corporation, S corporation, or LLC. Each option requires formal documentation and must be filed with the appropriate state...

Medicare, Welfare and most health insurance companies have the right to be reimbursed for any medical benefits paid on a liability claim in which a third party is at fault and...

All parents consider their children’s well­being a top priority, and it is often the foremost thought on parents’ minds as they separate. Parents who are sensitive to children’s needs and can...

Unlike some states you can and usually will be prosecuted for DUI even if you refuse a blood or breath test. After you have been pulled over and an officer suspects...

People incorporate their business for two reasons: taxes and personal liability protection. When you incorporate your business you have one of two options, to become a Limited Liability Corporation (LLC) or...

Attorney Craig Penglase has been named as the Solicitor for the Bucks County Sheriff’s Office. He will serve in that role though January 2022. As Solicitor Mr. Penglase will act as...

Most insurance companies for the tortfeasor (the person, persons or company who caused your injuries) will not automatically pay medical bills as they occur. There are many reasons for this. One...

Most lawyers have a policy of withholding money from the settlement, court award or verdict to pay those doctors and medical facilities that are willing to wait to be paid when...

In some cases where there is no immediate method to pay medical bills as they are incurred, some doctors, hospitals, and other medical facilities will wait to be paid for their...

How to Stop Spinning your Wheels and Moving Towards Profitability When I was growing up my parents owned their own business; Stewart Homes. They built and remodeled homes in the Central...

Your lawyer will discuss the payment of your medical bills in detail with you. In summary, your medical bills may be paid by one or more of the following methods: a....

The most important thing for you to do, quite simply, is to recover from your injury. The law requires injured people to “mitigate their damages.” In other words, the law requires...

With so many Americans losing their jobs or being laid off due to COVID questions about bankruptcy and the need for bankruptcy attorneys may be approaching an all time high. The...

For a year there has been talk on the news and in state and federal legislatures on how to get financial relief to renters who cannot pay their rent due to...

FEDERAL MORATORIUM ON EVICTIONS HAS NOT BEEN EXTENDED As of today the Federal moratorium on Evictions which have kept so millions of people in their homes and apartments during the pandemic...

Most businesses in Pennsylvania will be closed at their physical locations until April 30, 2020. Many interpreted Governor Wolf’s Order to mean that businesses had to close and not conduct ANY...

In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and economic shutdown the Small Business Administration (SBA) is now offering low-interest federal disaster working capital loans through the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program...

Last Week Governor Wolf issued an Order closing all non-essential or non-life sustaining businesses in Pennsylvania. Making matters worse, the Governor later issued a shelter in place Order for Philadelphia and...

Whether it’s Google or the corner grocery store, every business needs a lawyer. “Wait a second,” you might be saying. “I can see why Google would need a lawyer. Facebook, sure....

Whether it’s Google or the corner grocery store, every business needs a lawyer. “Wait a second,” you might be saying. “I can see why Google would need a lawyer. Facebook, sure....

Do you have a landfill lurching over your backyard? Is your next-door neighbor a nightclub? If not, you can thank your local zoning laws.   What is zoning? What is zoning?...

Created more than 3,000 years ago, The Code of Hammurabi was one of humanity’s earliest sets of written laws. Among the things in the code was a provision that said that...

Ask any Doylestown child custody lawyer, and they’ll tell you many of their clients are in a pretty rough emotional state. Divorce is never easy, but it’s important not to lose...

It’s hard for some people to stay organized, even in the best circumstances. And most of us would agree that getting divorced rarely qualifies as “the best circumstances.” It’s a traumatic,...

I hope you have a good lawyer.” Those are usually pretty ominous words. But when you own a business, those are words to live by. It’s not that you’re automatically in...

In an ideal world, every child custody agreement would benefit the children as well as the parents. Yet such a result is less common than most assume. Plenty of parents will...

What’s the Difference Between a Prenup & a Postnup? The main difference between the two contacts, of course, is that while a prenup–also known as an antenuptial agreement or premarital agreement–is...

Marriages may end, but being a parent is a lifetime job. After a divorce, you may be required to pay child support, or you might find that you depend on it...

Here’s a phrase anyone going through a divorce proceeding is likely to hear over and over: “Equitable distribution.” It’s an important term to remember, as it’s something that affects many divorce...

It’s rare that we hear divorce described in a positive light. We use terms like “messy divorce,” “ugly divorce,” “painful divorce.” Then again, why shouldn’t we? The collapse of a marriage...

Divorce is an arduous process, made even more difficult when children are involved. One of the key questions concerning children and divorce is “Who will get custody?” It’s likely to be...

An Amicable Divorce with a Happy Ending Is a Real Possibility As it happens, it’s possible to have a relatively happy ending where divorces are concerned. This is what’s known as...

There’s no “right” way for a divorce to proceed. Some couples handle things amicably. They have no trouble agreeing on how to divide their property and deciding on child custody. The...

Getting arrested for DUI in Pennsylvania can come with serious consequences. Even if it’s your first offense, a conviction can land you in jail, cost you your license for at least...

If you’re a parent who has recently experienced a divorce, it’s certainly understandable that you may feel the need to move: To a new home in your current town, say, or...

DOYLESTOWN, PA, December 22, 2016 — After decades in the North Main Street location, the attorneys at Penglase & Benson have decided to begin 2017 in a new home. But this...

There’s a perfectly good reason why so many otherwise coolheaded divorce proceedings come grinding to an angry, frustrated halt when the question of who gets the family home is raised. A...

It’s a natural question to ask a Bucks County family law attorney: Will the amount of child support I need to pay ever change? And while the short answer is “Yes,”...

For most of us, the experience of being arrested and charged with a crime would easily rank as one of the most frightening and stressful occurrences of our life. Undoubtedly, the...

Going through a divorce will almost always be a painful experience, and adding children into the mix only compounds that pain. If you’re going through a divorce and think you may...

When you’re found guilty of a crime, that conviction can shadow you for the rest of your life. Sometimes, the only way to escape that shadow is through an official pardon....

In many cases, a divorce can be a cantankerous and highly contested proceeding. Combine personal egos with concerns about the two parties’ assets and the questions about custody of the children...

Earlier this year, Pennsylvania passed Act 39, the state’s new wine sale law, which allows alcohol to be sold in more places than in the past. Governor Tom Wolf called it...

Getting divorced. It’s never a pleasant experience. It’s also rarely an easy experience. And why not? Well, in most instances—and certainly in Pennsylvania—it’s due to a legal process known as “equitable...

There’s a lot you can do with $10,000. You could travel, invest in property, remodel part of your home or buy a decent used car. It’s not change-your-life money, but for...

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs: it’s one of the most irresponsible actions you can take as a motorist. Not only can it lead to losing your driver’s license,...

The unexpected death of a loved one is always a terrible experience. If the death happened due to negligence, misconduct, or even an intentional action, it can be even more unsettling...

The unthinkable has happened. After meeting your soul mate, joining together in the union of marriage, and then further cementing that union with the birth of a child, you’ve both decided...

“A man who is his own lawyer has a fool for a client.” It’s an old adage, a clever way of saying “It’s usually a bad idea to represent yourself in...

The end of a marriage is never easy, especially when children are part of the equation. The best you can do is to make sure things as painless as possible for...

During the last week of June, the news was dominated by U.S. Supreme Court rulings on marriage equality, fair housing and health care. But another decision handed down at the state...

More than a million people are arrested each year for driving while under the influence, an offense that can impact not only your ability to drive but also your reputation and...

Almost all of my personal injury clients come to me while they are still in pain. The treatment always seems the same: First, they went to the hospital where limited x-rays...

If you have been in a car accident, you have a lot on your mind. You are probably wondering if you will have to pay for repairs, and whether your insurer...

Summer is here and with it comes vacation plans. Whether you are going to the New Jersey shore or Costa Rica, you should take a few minutes before you go to...

When a marriage ends, financial complications can ensue. In addition to dividing property acquired during the marriage, the courts must make sure provisions are made for any children the couple has,...

In the last couple of years people have been trying to save money by reducing the amount of insurance they carry. Combined with the fact that many people have little money...

We’re all competitive to some degree. We all have standards of where we are in life, how we think our bodies should look, how we should feel. We’re also getting older...

If you are ever driving a vehicle in the state of Pennsylvania and find yourself being pulled over by a police officer, you must know your rights. You must also be...

The reason child support laws exist in Pennsylvania is to ensure that all of a child’s basic needs are taken care of. The court system, perhaps quite wisely, does not believe...

The weather is finally warmer, so people will finally be getting out on their motorcycles for the season. Every year we get a lot of calls from motorcyclists who have been...

Lately I have been seeing this question a lot. I subscribe to a number of sites that allow the general public to ask legal questions. It seems that a lot of...

Now is the time of year that everyone is falling. We must get at least one to two calls a week. Everyone has the same question: “I fell and hurt my...

To file for divorce in Pennsylvania, at least one of the spouses must have lived in the Commonwealth for at least the past six months. How long does it take to...

You have just gotten out of the car following a crash. You’re dazed and confused. What do you do now? We all know the basics; call the police, provide insurance information,...

Q. Are business owners legally responsible for shoveling the sidewalks around their shops or offices? Yes, absolutely. Business owners are responsible for the state of sidewalks around their properties, and that’s...

You’ve been injured: What do you do now? One of the first and most important things you can do is to find the “right” personal injury attorney PA. But how do...

When a person injures you the law calls it a “tort.” When a person breaks a law created by the legislature it is called a crime. Most people who are harmed...

There is no doubt that an injury hurts. The questions become: How much does it hurt? What did it keep you from doing? And perhaps most importantly, How do I prove...

Okay, the auto accident is over … now what? If you’re like most people, you’ll want to get the car repaired as soon as possible. All you can think of is...

YES! Witnesses often leave the scene of a collision once they find out that no one was hurt. As such it will often come down to your word against the other...