November 25, 2015

Change Child Custody

Child custody may need to be changed in some situations. A variety of different reasons exist for altering or amending a child custody order. Amending a child custody order necessitates satisfying certain requirements set forth in Pennsylvania family law. Change Child Custody: Material Change of Circumstances A child needs consistency in life. Consequently, the decision […]

What is Parenting Time?

Issues related to child custody represent some of the most emotionally contentious and legally complex aspect of divorce and paternity proceedings. As a consequence, a person facing this type of legal matter is best served by having a basic understanding of the essential elements of child custody issues that can arise in divorce proceedings. In […]

Marital Property in Divorce

Property disputes tend to occur in many divorce cases. When contemplating divorce, a person must understand the basics of how property is handled by the court. For example, a person needs to understand the difference between marital property and separate property in divorce cases. Marital Property Defined Marital property is property of any type that […]

November 24, 2015

Physical and Legal Custody

Legal custody and physical custody are major issues in many Pennsylvania divorce cases. Understanding the elements of child custody law in the commonwealth is crucial. A key factor is the difference between physical and legal custody. Many people find themselves in divorce cases without realizing that there are actually two types of custody. Understanding these […]

Child Custody Factors

Child custody decisions in divorce cases in Pennsylvania focus on what is deemed to be in the best interests of a minor. In an effort to ensure better reasoned and more uniform decisions by judges in regard to child custody issues, a set of best interests factors are to be considered by a judge in […]

November 23, 2015

How to Tell Children about a Divorce

Divorce can be a truly traumatic experience for children. The reality is that divorcing parents can set the tone for the end of a marriage by the way they first reach out to their children. There are certain strategies that can and should be employed when it comes to telling children about a pending divorce. […]

August 17, 2015

Preparing for Custody, Divorce Settlements Instead of Battles

On numerous occasions, our offices have received calls asking if we handle “custody battles”. Of course, we understand what is meant by this question, but it still brings to mind the concept of custody and how to properly handle the divorce process. We handle the existing “battles”, but more importantly, we employ tools to help […]

July 29, 2014

How is bankruptcy handled in PA divorce?

Optimistic statisticians like to broadcast this notion that divorce rates plateaued over the past few years. While this may be true, the trend is not due to any romantic upswing. Financial woes during the Great Recession drove many couples to the brink of divorce, but they couldn’t afford to follow through with the process. As […]

May 14, 2014

Who gets the family pet in divorce cases?

As the family dynamic changes as a result of divorce, clients are forced to make tough decisions that affect their families. Custody arrangements, division or sale of marital property, and who keeps the home. What many don’t consider until the end is what happens with the family pets. We consider pets to be family members, […]

May 1, 2014

How to Protect the Kids During Contested Divorce

The fragile dynamic that forms during divorce can change the outcome of custody, support, or equitable distribution. Just when it seems a settlement is on the horizon, the client and the ex-spouse engage in a deal-breaking conflict that throws the divorce into greater disarray. Following a few simple guidelines will help your kids, your sanity […]

March 4, 2014

When, Why, and How Cohabitation is a Bar to Alimony

Payee cohabitation affects alimony There are many misconceptions about alimony, when it is awarded and when a party is no longer entitled to alimony. Some consider it to be merely a reward for one, and punishment for the other; however, it is intended to serve a critical function when the conditions are proper. Because cohabitation […]

March 3, 2014

Getting the most out of a divorce settlement

How a QDRO can provide peace of mind One of the most frustrating aspects of finalizing a divorce can be ensuring that the other party follows through on the terms of a  divorce settlement. Regardless of the amount, a spouse may be reliant upon the retirement funds for current or future financial needs. Often, women […]

February 16, 2014

Defense of Spousal Support, Overview and Facts

Defense of Spousal Support, Overview and Fact Sheet When a party files for support, the whole tone of a divorce can change dramatically. Money, which may have been the cause of divorce, certainly raises the stakes during a divorce action and can lead to troubled negotiations or discussion. Pennsylvania laws exist to prohibit an undeserving […]

Financial Dishonesty in Divorce

Dealing with “financial infidelity” during the divorce process By now, most of Bucks County has spent a lot of time snowed in with their significant other. Valentine’s Day is approaching and our government just raised the debt ceiling – again. At the moment, conditions are not favorable for struggling marriages and recent survey data shows […]

January 4, 2014

Division of Assets in Pennsylvania Divorce

Avoiding unnecessary costs Once you and your spouse have made the decision to divorce, be sure to stay conscientious and logical about division of assets. Splitting everything during divorce is ultimately a matter of getting each spouse’s name off of the bills agreed upon in the settlement. Keep in mind the following considerations when it […]

Divorcing an Abusive Husband

Divorce and Abusive Husband, Protections and Considerations for Women It is an unfortunate truth that domestic violence is still a threat to women. Those who have decided to leave the marital home and pursue divorce face many fears and often, real danger. Divorce may seem like an impossible luxury to women living with an abusive […]

When the Ex Refuses to Move Out

How to get your ex to move on and move out After the divorce, and during, your ex may not be the best roommate. In today’s economic climate, many couples are forced to maintain a shared residence while separated. But what happens when the ex overstays his or her welcome and shows no signs of […]

Spouse Stopped Paying Support

What to do when your spouse leaves you paying all the expenses This is an all too common occurrence and frequent question in cases of separation and divorce. Husband or wife leaves the home, sometimes without much warning, and the other is left struggling to maintain the bills in his or her absence. Electric bills, […]

Red Flags you Missed Before Signing a Prenup

Love it or hate it, the prenuptial agreement has become a fairly common practice before marriage. Although many people still have their reservations about the business-like approach to marriage, couples of high net worth see the value. It is a great precautionary measure for those who like the security of knowing how their financial futures […]

December 4, 2013

The True Cost of Separation without Divorce

How long-term separations can be more expensive than divorce With divorce comes a lot of intimidating decisions. The prospect of sorting out custody, support, alimony, and division of property can lead many couples to detach from their marriage and walk away. Rather than officially address each major issue, these couples have the best intentions to […]