CGA Law News & Blog

Steer Clear: Avoid DUI and Financial Ruin this Holiday Season 

access_time Posted on: December 28th, 2023

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) not only jeopardizes your life and the lives and safety of others – it’s also a financial nightmare with ruinous consequences. Court fees, costs and restitution are higher than you might think – not to mention potentially enormous damages demanded by victims for property damage and personal injury.  When you factor in the potential loss of your driver’s license or employment, the picture of financial devastation becomes very clear. As part of my bankruptcy practice, I help people get a fresh start from debt. Most of the time, these debts involve situations outside of my… read more »

Important Changes to Pennsylvania Corporate Law: Annual Reporting Obligations

access_time Posted on: December 19th, 2023

Business owners in Pennsylvania should take note of a significant new change to corporate law that will be effective starting in 2024. Act 122 has replaced Pennsylvania’s traditional decennial corporate filing requirements with new annual reporting obligations. Failing to comply with the new regulations may result in administrative repercussions for entities. Below are some frequently asked questions to help you navigate these changes: Pennsylvania’s Act 122 requires annual reports from all organizations including but not limited to: Corporations Limited liability Companies (LLC) Most Partnerships Non-profit corporations Registered foreign entities (out of state companies registered to do business in Pennsylvania). Starting… read more »

Business & Corporate Law Guidance: Caveat Emptor (Buyer Beware)

access_time Posted on: December 12th, 2023

“Caveat emptor” was frequently applied to commercial transactions in the past. Caveat emptor is a Latin phrase that translates to “let the buyer beware”. It was a warning to those buying, primarily goods, that they should do their own research and ask pointed questions of a seller before making a purchase. Modern laws concerning the purchase and sale of goods often provide protection in that regard. However, investigating and asking questions remains valuable, even when obtaining services. These days, many legal services are available online. But they are not as helpful or inexpensive as they might seem. For example, you… read more »

You Should Talk to Your Family About Their Estate Plan This Holiday Season

access_time Posted on: December 5th, 2023

With the holiday season in full swing, it’s likely you’ll see your parents, grandparents, siblings, and other family members in the next few weeks. In addition to food, songs, and other merrymaking, this is also the perfect time to speak with your family about more serious topics, such as their estate plan. How To Bring Up The Topic: Let your family member/s know you’d like to discuss their estate plan during a less-hectic part of the holidays. During your conversation, ask how up-to-date their documents are, and if changes or updates need to be made. These could include new additions… read more »

“My House Was Sold at an Upset Tax Sale”: What To Do?

access_time Posted on: November 30th, 2023

You are a Pennsylvania property owner and you have just received a notice that your property was sold at an upset tax sale… now what? You are now faced with the reality that you will be stripped of your interest in perhaps the most valuable asset you own – your real property – which was sold to the highest bidder at upset tax sale, likely for a price beneath its fair market value. While these circumstances are no doubt upsetting (upset tax sales are aptly-named) and hard to understand, Attorney John R. Wilson of CGA Law Firm has substantial experience… read more »

Christy LaMotte Celebrates 30 Years with CGA

access_time Posted on: November 29th, 2023

CGA Law Firm recognizes Paralegal Christy LaMotte for her incredible 30 years of service. She began her career at CGA working with founding partner Gary Gilbert and then shortly moved to working alongside Family Law chair Thomas O’Shea for 29 of her 30 years at the firm. “She is an excellent paralegal, and I would be lost without her,” stated O’Shea. Christy assists with all divorce, custody, and support cases. She is often the first point of contact with court personnel. Her favorite part of working in family law is handling adoption cases. “Over the last 30 years, Christy’s dedication,… read more »

Debunking Bankruptcy Myths: Separating Fact from Fiction

access_time Posted on: November 14th, 2023

Bankruptcy is often surrounded by myths and misconceptions that cloud people’s understanding of this legal process. It is essential to separate fact from fiction to make informed decisions about financial matters. In this article, we aim to debunk the top five most common bankruptcy myths and provide accurate information to help individuals better understand the process. Fact: Bankruptcy laws include exemptions that protect certain assets from liquidation. These exemptions vary by jurisdiction but typically cover essential items such as your home, vehicle, clothing, and necessary household goods. Most individuals who file for bankruptcy can retain their essential assets while finding… read more »

Social Media, School Boards, and the Supreme Court

access_time Posted on: November 2nd, 2023

Social media is one of the fastest ways to deliver information to a large group of people. Occasionally on social media, it is common to “block” people so that you do not have to see their posts and vice versa. However, when a public official blocks someone and prevents them from receiving information—is this a violation of their First Amendment rights? This November the Supreme Court must determine if public officials engaging in “state action” are constitutionally permitted to block certain parents from their social media accounts used to promote school policies and provide general information to others[1]. Depending on… read more »

Bankruptcy and Divorce: How Bankruptcy Can Simplify the Divorce Process

access_time Posted on: October 19th, 2023

Divorce is often accompanied by emotional and financial turmoil, with disputes over debt being a common source of contention between spouses. However, in certain situations, filing for bankruptcy can alleviate the burden of debt-related conflicts and make the divorce process less contested and easier. This article explores how bankruptcy can simplify divorce cases by removing the need to fight over debt. 1. Debt Discharge: Filing for bankruptcy allows individuals to discharge or eliminate certain types of debt, depending on the bankruptcy chapter chosen (such as Chapter 7 or Chapter 13). Discharging debts can significantly impact a divorce case by eliminating… read more »

Attorney Tom O’Shea Awarded the MidPenn Legal Services Donald F. Smith, Jr., Pro Bono Award

access_time Posted on: October 10th, 2023

CGA Law Firm is pleased to announce that Attorney Thomas O’Shea received the MidPenn Donald F. Smith, Jr., Pro Bono Award during the MidPenn Legal Services Access to Justice Reception. “Tom was chosen for this award, given his many years of support for MidPenn by serving on the Board in various positions and accepting cases as a pro bono volunteer, primarily in the Family law area, which are often some of the most difficult cases to place with volunteer attorneys,” Rhodia D. Thomas, executive director of MidPenn Legal Services, said.  O’Shea has written and directed Bar Stools, a local comedic production with… read more »