November 26, 2015

Calculating Alimony

Alimony is awarded as a means of providing financial support to a spouse in a divorce proceeding. There are a number of factors that come into play when calculating alimony in a Pennsylvania divorce case. Guidelines for Calculating Alimony There exist no specific guidelines for calculating alimony in a Pennsylvania divorce. Rather, there are a […]

November 25, 2015

Enforcing Parenting Time

Enforcing parenting time order becomes an issue in some cases once divorce decree is granted. Although the facts and circumstances vary from one case to another. However, a common scenario involves a custodial parent failing to follow the court order pertaining to parenting time or visitation. No matter the underlying cause, when a parenting time […]

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. […]

March 20, 2014

Relocating with Children Post-Separation

When clients finish the process of divorce after years of difficulty in marriage, the prospect of starting a new life can be exciting and nerve wracking. That new job, the opportunity for change, and really getting to know yourself are common “bright sides” to divorce. For those with kids, the feeling of full opportunity can […]

March 11, 2014

Contempt Charges in Child Custody Cases

Child custody is often the most emotionally challenging aspect of the separation and divorce process. Custody can become a dangerous and manipulative game – and the best interests of the children fade out of focus. Contempt charges in child custody cases may be filed against a parent in violation of a custody order; sanctions for […]

February 21, 2014

Help with Transportation for Shared Custody from Recent PA Case

  Divorced or separated parents know how difficult it can be to maintain a consistent routine for shared custody. Two households, one school, varying schedules including sports or after school activities – when parents are working, pick-ups and drops offs can be become stressful. For schools, keeping up safety measures of who is taking a […]

January 4, 2014

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 […]

December 4, 2013

Abandonment: Terminating Parental Rights in PA

Pennsylvania requirements for who and how to terminate parental rights When it comes to protecting a child, there is no compromising. Unfortunately, those individuals who are able to cause the most harm to a child can be those who are closest to them. In Pennsylvania, terminating parental rights can be done voluntarily or involuntarily. For […]

November 24, 2013

A Common Regret After Divorce in Pennsylvania

How not hiring a lawyer can lead to regret   Our office knows the extent to which a divorce can exhaust a client, especially when they have sought counsel after being un-represented for much of the proceedings. We also know how satisfied clients feel for having solid guidance during a tough time. Handling divorce in […]

Protecting Your Credit Score in Divorce

What to do, or not do, to maintain a good credit score in divorce Divorce opens the door for happiness and a new beginning for many; however, that can often be quickly tainted by poor credit. Pulling apart one, complex financial life, can be damaging for at least one if not both parties to a […]

October 24, 2013

Late-life Divorce on the Rise

The emerging trend of “gray divorce” and what to consider According to the National Center for Family and Marriage Research at Bowling Green State University, divorce rates for couples over 50 have doubled between 1990 and 2009. Late-life divorce, also known as “gray divorce”, is becoming more common and creating uncertainty about future implications. Financial […]

Mistakes to Avoid When Considering Divorce

5 Common mistakes and how to avoid them Never an easy decision, divorce creates a lot to think about. Thoughts of the family, the affect on the kids, and money can overwhelming . Fortunately, if you are considering a divorce, there are people and resources out there to help make sense of the transition and […]

What happens to inheritance in divorce?

Defining and distributing inheritance in divorce   Divorce clients often fear complete loss or reduction of their inheritance during equitable distribution. The question as to whether or not this asset is a marital property may change the conditions surrounding the inheritance and its role in the divorce. Determining whether or not an inheritance is marital […]

October 11, 2013

How to Protect Your Business During Divorce

It’s your life’s work – protect your business during and after divorce After years of hard work and dedication, the value of a business may run deeper than its bank accounts. Families often become entangled in the ownership and daily operation of a business. With this comes complicated and emotional situations – especially in the […]

September 25, 2013

Withdrawing Funds from Shared Accounts in a Divorce

How to finance divorce with shared accounts It is no secret that filing for divorce costs money, and hiring legal counsel requires the payment of a retainer fee. Individuals considering divorce often grapple with how to approach gathering the money to proceed. The timing, the amount, and whether or not to discuss the withdrawal depends […]