Law in the Family

Latest Episodes:

Episode 61 - A Discussion with New PBA Family Law Section Chair Candice Komar | Candice Komar Jul 02, 2026

Show notes

In episode 61 of Law in the Family, hosts and family law attorneys Effie Alexander and Carla Schiff Donnelly interview incoming chair of the PBA Family Law Section, Candice Komar, about her goals and agenda for the upcoming year, including educating the section about alternative dispute resolution, her legislative priorities, and the benefits of PBA Family Law Section membership.

Candice Komar is a founding member of the Pittsburgh law firm of Pollock Begg. She is the next PBA FLS Chair commencing July 2026.

Host Carla Schiff Donnelly is a partner with the Pittsburgh law firm of Pietragallo Gordon Alfano Bosick & Raspanti LLP. For more than 25 years, she has focused her practice on divorce, custody and other complex family law issues, including prenuptial agreements. In addition, she serves as a mediator, arbitrator and parent coordinator.

Host Effie G. Alexander is a shareholder of Dickie, McCamey & Chilcote, P.C. and serves as Co-Chair of the firm’s Family Law Group. She concentrates her practice in the areas of collaborative family law, divorce and custody, and domestic relations, with a particular emphasis in family law. She possesses over three decades of experience working on all aspects of support and child custody matters, and divorce and equitable distribution issues. Ms. Alexander is a certified collaborative lawyer enabling her to provide specialized cooperative resolutions in divorce actions.

*audio editing, voice over & music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nick DeMatteo

Episode 60 - Navigating Family Law Arbitration | Candice Komar & Shelly Grossman Jun 18, 2026

Show notes

In episode 60 of Law in the Family, host Jen Ryan speaks with Shelly Grossman and Candice Komar about the growing use of arbitration as an alternative to traditional court proceedings in Pennsylvania family law matters. Attorneys Grossman, Komar and Ryan provide firsthand insights into the arbitration process, common misconceptions, and best practices for attorneys representing clients in arbitration. Topics include: the advantages of arbitration, procedural considerations, and strategies for achieving efficient, client-focused resolutions and offer valuable guidance for family law practitioners looking to expand their dispute resolution toolkit.

Candice Komar is a founding member of the Pittsburgh law firm of Pollock Begg. She is the next PBA FLS Chair commencing July 2026.

Shelly Grossman, Esquire, founded the Center for Family Resolution to provide alternative dispute resolution services to parties seeking to resolve their domestic relations issues outside of the court system. Having spent 15 years in private practice before serving more than 14 years as a Family Court Master in Chester County, Pennsylvania, where she presided over hundreds of equitable distribution matters and custody disputes, Attorney Grossman brings over 30 years of family law experience to her practice.

Host Jennifer R. Ryan is a partner at Boyd & Early Family Law, servicing Montgomery, Bucks, Chester, Philadelphia and Delaware counties.

*audio editing, voice over & music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nick DeMatteo

Episode 59 - What’s Changing in Pennsylvania Child Support Under the New Guidelines | Andrew Taylor, Esquire Jan 22, 2026

Show notes

In episode 59 of Law in the Family, hosts Aaron Weems speaks with attorney Andrew Taylor aboutr recent revisions to the Support Guidelines that went into effect January 1st.

Andrew D. Taylor joined Shemtob Draganosky Taylor Stein, PC in 2014. Drew has practiced family law exclusively since 2005. He is experienced in all aspects of family law, including equitable distribution, alimony, child support, child custody and abuse matters. He regularly argues appeals before the Pennsylvania Superior Court involving complex family law issues and argued before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

Host Aaron D. Weems, is a partner and family law attorney at Fox Rothschild LLP in Blue Bell, Pa.

*audio editing, voice over & music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nick DeMatteo

Episode 58 - Family Section Chair Jerry Shoemaker Dec 04, 2025

Show notes

In episode 58 of Law in the Family, hosts Aaron Weems and Jennifer Ryan speak with current chair Jerry Shoemaker. He speaks about his goals and initiatives for his year and the upcoming Winter Meeting in Philadelphia and the Summer Section meeting in Chicago.

Jerry Shoemaker is a Shareholder in the Plymouth Meeting office of Hangley Aronchick Segal Pudlin & Schiller PC. He focuses his practice on all areas of domestic relations law.

Host Aaron D. Weems, is a partner and family law attorney at Fox Rothschild LLP in Blue Bell, Pa.

Host Jennifer R. Ryan is a partner at Boyd & Early Family Law, servicing Montgomery, Bucks, Chester, Philadelphia and Delaware counties.

*audio editing, voice over & music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nick DeMatteo

Episode 57 - Marriage Equality – Recent Supreme Court Petition Raises Concerns of Fresh Attacks | Helen Casale and Rebecca Levin Nayak Sep 11, 2025

Show notes

In episode 57 of Law in the Family, hosts Aaron Weems and Jen Ryan speak with attorneys Helen Casale and Rebecca Levin Nayak about a potential attack on marriage equality from a familiar source, and what if any risks there are now and in the future to marriage equality on the state and federal level.

Helen Casale is an advocate for her clients, often taking on the most complicated cases in domestic relations law. She concentrates her practice on all aspects of family law, including divorce, child support, custody, spousal support, asset protection, complex property division, date of separation issues, protection from abuse matters, and more.

Rebecca Levin Nayak guides her clients through the complexities of adoption, assisted reproduction, surrogacy, and other means of creating and protecting families. Particularly experienced in parentage law, she strives to ensure that the legal relationships between children and the adults who love and provide for them are secure.

Host Aaron D. Weems, is a partner and family law attorney at Fox Rothschild LLP in Blue Bell, Pa.

Host Jennifer R. Ryan is a partner at Boyd & Early Family Law, servicing Montgomery, Bucks, Chester, Philadelphia and Delaware counties.

*audio editing, voice over & music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nick DeMatteo

Episode 56 - How To Help Lawyers With Mental Health/Substance Use Challenges | Brian Quinn Aug 28, 2025

Show notes

In episode 56 of Law in the Family, host Amanda Frett speaks with Brian S. Quinn, Esquire, who currently serves as the Education and Outreach Coordinator for Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers of Pennsylvania, Inc. (“LCL”). LCL is a Lawyers Assistance program established in 1988 for the purpose of helping lawyers, judges, and law students recover from alcoholism, drug addiction and mental health disorders. Brian discusses the many stresses of the legal practice, while injecting his own personal experiences and unique perspective, and how LCL can help those in the legal profession and their family members in distress.

Find out more:

Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers of Pennsylvania

Brian S. Quinn, Esquire is a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania who currently serves as the Education and Outreach Coordinator for Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers of Pennsylvania, Inc., a Lawyers Assistance Program established in 1988 for the purpose of helping lawyers, judges and law students recover from alcoholism, drug addiction and mental health disorders.

Host Amanda Frett is an attorney at Obermayer Rebmann Maxwell & Hippel in Doylestown, Pennsylvania.

*audio editing, voice over & music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nick DeMatteo

Episode 55 - From the GALs Perspective: Insights for Family Lawyers | Maria Testa and Kimberly Dudick Aug 14, 2025

Show notes

In episode 55 of Law in the Family, host Jen Ryan sits down with Maria Testa and Kimberly Dudick to explore their vital work as Guardian Ad Litems (GALs). Together, they discuss the responsibilities, challenges, and emotional impact of advocating for children and vulnerable individuals within the legal system. The conversation also offers practical insights for attorneys representing parents—highlighting how collaboration and clear communication with GALs can lead to better outcomes for families. This episode is a must-listen for family law attorneys looking to strengthen their working relationships with GALs and better serve their clients.

Maria N. Testa is the Founding Partner of Testa & Pagnanelli, LLC. With nearly two decades of Family Law experience, Maria has consistently been named a Super Lawyer in this practice area. Ms. Testa is dedicated to providing quality and effective representation for her clients.

Kimberly A. Dudick is a dedicated family law attorney at Royer Cooper Cohen Braunfeld, LLC. She has been a family law attorney for nearly 16 years and focuses her practice in Montgomery, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Philadelphia Counties.

More info on Kimberly

Host Jennifer R. Ryan is a partner at Boyd & Early Family Law, servicing Montgomery, Bucks, Chester, Philadelphia and Delaware counties.

*audio editing, voice over & music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nick DeMatteo

Episode 54 - The Cure for Imposter Syndrome! | Dr. Adam Assoian Jul 24, 2025

Show notes

In episode 54 of Law in the Family, hosts Jen Ryan and Amanda Frett speak with licensed Clinical Psychologist Dr. Adam Assoian, Founder of Ally Psychological Services, about Imposter Syndrome, and how it affects attorneys. Dr. Adam sheds light on how the high-stakes, high-performance culture within the legal profession often fosters feelings of inadequacy—even among successful, competent attorneys, and shares tips and advice on how to deal with the anxieties and challenges that arise for attorneys dealing with Imposter Syndrome, so they can best represent their clients and maintain their own mental well-being. The discussion underscores that recognizing and addressing Imposter Syndrome is not just a personal benefit—it’s essential for attorneys to function at their best and serve their clients with confidence and clarity.

Ally Psychological Services of Bucks County, PA

Dr. Adam Assoian is a licensed Clinical Psychologist and the Owner and Clinical Director of Ally Psychological Services in Doylestown. Before opening his practice in 2019, he worked in a variety of settings, including a Community Mental Health Center for low-income individuals, a College Counseling Center, a Psychiatric Hospital, two different private practices, a Residential Treatment Facility for adolescents, and an Outpatient facility that provided therapeutic services for adults and adolescents involved in the legal system for behavioral problems. Outside of his work, Dr. Adam spent several years volunteering as the Clinical Director for Mental Health initiatives within the Special Olympics of Pennsylvania and currently serves as the President of the Central Bucks School District Education Foundation.

Host Jennifer R. Ryan is a partner at Boyd & Early Family Law, servicing Montgomery, Bucks, Chester, Philadelphia and Delaware counties.

Host Amanda Frett is an attorney at Obermayer Rebmann Maxwell & Hippel in Doylestown, Pennsylvania.

*audio editing, voice over & music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nick DeMatteo

Episode 53 - Reports of Child Abuse in Custody Cases | Sarah Katz Jul 10, 2025

Show notes

In episode 53 of Law in the Family, host Alex Bondy speaks with Sarah Katz about child abuse investigations and their impact on custody litigation. With the passing of Kayden’s Law, child abuse claims are increasingly relevant in custody practice. Sarah tells us what to look for, and gives some practice tips, when faced with this issue.

Sarah Katz is a Clinical Professor of Law at Temple University Beasley School of Law and a current Senior Fellow with the Stoneleigh Foundation. She directs and teaches the newly created Family Justice Clinic at Temple Law, which advocates in partnership and solidarity with families whose family stability and integrity have been impacted by state intervention. Prior to her arrival at Temple, Katz was a supervising attorney in the Family Advocacy Unit at Community Legal Services in Philadelphia, Pa, where her responsibilities included representation of parents in civil child abuse and neglect cases.

Law in the Family host, Alex Bondy, is an associate at Hofstein Meyer Rocco Finger & Weiner, P.C. in Philadelphia.

*audio editing, voice over & music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nick DeMatteo

Episode 52 - Post-Tax Season Tips and Ideas for Filing on Extension | Jessica Kitain May 01, 2025

Show notes

In episode 52 of Law in the Family, host Aaron D. Weems speaks with Fox Rothschild family law partner Jessica Kitain about tax tips and considerations family law attorneys should make regarding their clients' tax filings.

Jessica began her legal career in the litigation department at Fox Rothschild and focuses her practice exclusively on family law matters. She has experience representing high net worth clients in all family law matters and effectively addressing their unique and complex financial needs. Her clients have included professional athletes, business owners, entrepreneurs, executives, physicians, members of the judiciary and lawyers. Jessica has advised parents, grandparents, parents of special needs children and third-party caregivers in custody matters.

Law in the Family podcast host, Aaron D. Weems, is a partner and family law attorney at Fox Rothschild LLP in Blue Bell, Pa.

*audio editing, voice over & music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nick DeMatteo

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