Author Archive

One of the most important and foundational experiences that sets children up for success is receiving a strong education. And across Pennsylvania, parents are increasingly turning to Charter Schools to play that pivotal role. Charter Schools are considered public schools in Pennsylvania, but they can actually be formed by members of the community. This Article is meant to better explain how a community can come together and open a Charter School if they desire. It will not include every important detail but it will give a broad overview of the process. Forming a Charter School is not something that is… read more »

Consumers facing the decision to file bankruptcy have several choices to make. Should I file? If so, which chapter should I file under? What are the implications? Can I ever dig out from the impact it will make on my credit rating? Each of these considerations are important since consequences may go along with each decision. The Bankruptcy Code is a federal law meant to give a fresh start to filers but is also meant to treat each creditor fairly. Filers have a choice between filing under chapter 7 (assets, if any, are sold and the proceeds paid to creditors);… read more »

Bankruptcy isn’t the horror story you might think. For most people, it’s a path to relief that helps them escape the real monsters — crushing debt, endless phone calls, and sleepless nights. Not true.  Most people keep all their property — including their home, car, and personal belongings. Bankruptcy laws provide generous exemptions that protect the things you need to live and work. Unless you own a Lamborghini or a castle, you probably won’t have to give up anything. False. If you’re thinking about bankruptcy, your credit has probably already taken a hit. Filing can actually be the first step… read more »

By James K. Jones, Esq On August 28, 2025, Judge Karoline Mehalchick sanctioned a pro se plaintiff for citing a non-existent case hallucinated by an artificial intelligence (AI) source.[1] Upon notice by the defendant that a Third Circuit opinion cited in plaintiff’s brief could not be found, Judge Mehalchick issued a rule to show cause relating to the suspect citation. Plaintiff admitted that it was generated by AI in an apparent mix-up between a plaintiff in one case and a defendant in another case. Plaintiff’s claim that the cited authority was from another similarly titled case was debunked by the… read more »

Life is stressful enough without having to live with persistent debt. Since most schools do not teach the options under bankruptcy, and most on the street do not adequately understand what is involved, you should seek experienced counsel when making such a consideration. This article is thus intended to provide you with ten circumstances under which you should consider using the power of the federal Bankruptcy Code.  Here goes:             1) Threats of foreclosure or repossession: The primary purpose of filing bankruptcy is to protect your assets. If you have fallen behind on your mortgage, vehicle, or other payments, your… read more »

It is not easy to be a farmer these days. As with any business, you are responsible for several tasks, whether you perform them or not. You are also ultimately responsible for dealing with matters over which you have little or no control. One wrong turn in any of these moving parts can upset the whole apple cart. While capitalism generally favors the stronger competitor, our society does not abandon those who can use a hand. Capital to pursue a business is available from several sources. Each source develops its lending criteria and generates loans within certain requirements. Such requirements… read more »

Each year, counties in Pennsylvania hold tax sales to pay unpaid real estate taxes. Generally held in September,[1] these sales are scheduled once the taxes are at least two years overdue. The real estate is sold to the highest bidder and the proceeds from the sale are applied to these taxes. The owner of the real estate loses all claims to the property and most counties do not provide for any redemption period. Although each county has its own procedures for taking care of these delinquent taxes, such arrangements are not always suitable for an owner. All is not lost,… read more »

Imagine one day you are opening your business mail and you discover that your company owes thousands of dollars to the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue. You think back and you are sure that you filed all of your company’s tax returns and paid in full any balance owing. That is, of course, until you realize that the notice regards unpaid Pennsylvania use tax. A sibling to sales tax, the use tax levies a 6% tax upon purchasers of all applicable goods and services not taxed by the seller. Thus, while purchases made from out-of-state suppliers or over the internet may… read more »