Melanie J. Wender

Melanie J. Wender

Melanie J. Wender is a dedicated and supportive advocate for individuals and families facing the sensitive issues involved in family law matters. Ms. Wender focuses her practice exclusively in all aspects of divorce and family law in Bucks, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties. She is experienced in all issues surrounding the complexities of a divorce, such as equitable distribution, custody, spousal support, child support, and settlement agreements. Ms. Wender has successfully resolved complex custody cases ranging from unmarried same-sex couples to custody agreements between long-distance parents. She is also experienced in adoption issues and has assisted many clients in making this life-changing process as seamless and smooth as possible, allowing the family to focus on welcoming their new child.

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Wednesday, August 03 2022 18:37

OPEN ADOPTION – WHAT IS IT?


In the state of Pennsylvania, there exists the concept of “open adoption.” The term itself sounds a little strange since the purpose of adoption is for the child to become part of a new family that is better able to meet the child’s needs. Why would an adoption be open? The answer is: for a variety of reasons.

One of the main reasons why the Pennsylvania legislature enacted the Act 101 Notice statute (the statute creating open adoptions) was to allow adoptees and adoptive families to have access to the adoptee’s family medical history. 23 Pa. C.S. §2503 specifically states that upon the entry of an order terminating a parent’s parental rights, the court shall advise the parent, in writing, of his/her continuing right to place and update both personal and medical history with the court and the Department of Public Welfare. Being able to obtain an adoptee’s medical history is incredibly beneficial, however, the primary issue with this statute is that it requires the biological parents to provide and update their medical information, which generally does not happen.

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