The Law & Mediation Offices of Deborah L. Lesko

06/09/2026

Worried About Custody, Support Or Division Of Assets?

Concerns surrounding child custody, child support, spousal support or division of marital assets are often at the center of family law disputes. Many clients worry about how decisions made today will affect loved ones and their financial future.

Learn more here: https://www.leskolawandmediation.com/family-divorce-law/

06/04/2026

Are Estate Planning Or Administration Worries Making Your Family’s Future More Stressful To Deal With?

Contemplating a time when you or a loved one is no longer healthy or alive and what that will mean can be uncomfortable or unpleasant. That may explain why so many people procrastinate about estate planning. However, the consequences of ignoring responsible and timely estate planning become all too apparent once a loved one falls ill or dies and you’re left to manage their affairs or administer their estate.
Learn more here: https://www.leskolawandmediation.com/estate-planning-administration/

05/20/2026

Adopting Across State Lines? Western PA Adoption Lawyer Explains The ICPC Process –

Watch here: https://vimeo.com/1090721539

leskolawandmediation.com The Law and Mediation offices of Deborah L. Lesko, P.C. 373 Vanadium Road Pittsburgh, PA 15243 United States  (412) 276-4200 The Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children, also known as the ICPC, is an agreement between states that regulates out-of-state adoptions. Th...

05/13/2026

What Should Families Know When Considering Private Adoption In Pennsylvania?

The first thing is to understand what we mean when we say “private adoption.” In Pennsylvania, a private adoption is a term we use for situations where the adoptive family and birth family connect outside of a licensed adoption agency. If an agency is involved in making the match, it’s considered an agency adoption. Otherwise, all others are considered private.

Learn more here: https://www.leskolawandmediation.com/private-adoption-in-pennsylvania-a-guide-for-growing-families/

05/05/2026

What Inspires Families To Begin The Journey Of Stepparent Adoption?

In most stepparent adoptions, the journey begins because the stepparent has already found themselves stepping into that parenting role and filling a gap that was left by an absent biological parent.

For example, let’s say a biological mother has two children from a previous relationship and later marries. If the biological father has abandoned the children (providing no contact, no support, and no presence), then the stepfather often becomes the one who provides that love, structure, and support over the years.

Learn more here: https://www.leskolawandmediation.com/adopting-your-stepchild-in-pennsylvania-a-heartfelt-path-to-legal-parenthood/

05/04/2026

Discover the latest updates from Deborah Lesko in our April 2026 Newsletter.
Learn more:

https://clients.speakeasymarketinginc.com//userview/ViewNewsletter/Deborah-Lesko/4/2026/479659676

04/23/2026

What Qualifies As A “Small Estate” Under Pennsylvania’s Small Estate Law?

In Pennsylvania, a “small estate” is any probate estate with a value of $50,000 or less. If your loved one’s estate qualifies and if assets are accessible, then there is a streamlined process that is much less expensive than traditional probate.

Learn more here: https://www.leskolawandmediation.com/small-estate-options-in-pennsylvania-can-you-simplify-probate/

04/16/2026

What Debts Continue After A Person’s Death Under Pennsylvania Law?

Nearly all valid debts will continue after a person passes away, and their estate will be responsible for paying those debts using estate funds or property. It is one of the executor’s responsibilities to identify which debts exist that are valid and still owed by the estate so creditors can be paid before beneficiaries receive anything. It’s a crucial step and, if skipped, means that creditors can come after the executor for the money they’re owed. Learn more here: https://www.leskolawandmediation.com/are-you-liable-for-a-deceased-loved-ones-debts-in-pennsylvania/

04/13/2026

What Are The Legal Responsibilities Of An Executor Handling An Estate In Pennsylvania?

An executor (or administrator) of an estate has a fiduciary duty to the estate, and that is the highest standard of care. They are going to be responsible for identifying assets and debts, securing and protecting the assets, and ensuring all expenses and debts are paid.

Learn more here: https://www.leskolawandmediation.com/the-guilt-of-getting-it-wrong-how-to-avoid-costly-executor-mistakes/

03/30/2026

What Are The Key Legal Differences Between Kinship Adoption, Foster Care, And Guardianship?

An adoption, whether it’s kinship, agency, or stepparent adoption, always involves terminating the biological parents’ rights and creating a new legal family relationship.

In contrast, foster care is usually a temporary arrangement, often overseen by an agency, where a family or individual cares for a child without gaining legal parental rights. Foster parents provide care while the agency works with the biological parents to either help them improve their situation or make decisions about terminating their parental rights and possibly moving forward with adoption.

Learn more here: https://www.leskolawandmediation.com/kinship-adoption-in-pennsylvania-legal-steps-for-grandparents-and-relatives/