Divorce is a major life event that can bring a whirlwind of emotions and legal challenges. Whether you’ve been thinking about it for a while or it’s a sudden decision, understanding both the emotional and legal aspects of divorce is key to managing the process with clarity and confidence. The Emotional Rollercoaster 1. Shock and […]
When served with a Protection From Abuse (PFA) order in Pennsylvania, it’s crucial to take it seriously and follow these steps: 1. **Review the Order**: Read the PFA order thoroughly to understand the details, restrictions, and requirements imposed by the court. 2. **Comply with the Order**: Abide by all conditions outlined in the PFA order, […]
5 MORE Tips to Choosing Your Divorce Lawyer
Continuing Our Series on Navigating the Divorce Maze ICYMI: We reviewed tips 1-5 here. We recommend reading those tips first. 6. Experience and Expertise Divorce cases can vary widely in complexity, so it’s crucial to choose a divorce lawyer with relevant experience in handling cases like yours. Inquire about their track record and success rate […]
Premarital Real Estate and Divorce
There are divorce cases in which one or both parties owned premarital real estate. Premarital real estate is real property owned by one or another of the spouses before the couple married. As a general rule, premarital assets are not subject to division in divorce proceedings. However, this general rule can get tested in a […]
Real Estate and Divorce
Dividing property, including real estate, tends to be a hot topic in a typical Pennsylvania divorce case. A number of different legal requirements and considerations come into play when real estate is involved in a divorce proceeding. Marital Real Estate Legally speaking, the only real estate subject to division in a divorce case is what […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Selling the Marital Home in PA: Tax Exemptions
What to think about before listing the marital home for sale Among the many important decisions you and your spouse will have to make during your divorce, dividing marital assets is surely one of the top priorities. Both parties have much to gain or lose from this transaction, and lately, the economy has been causing […]
Digital Assets in Divorce: Dividing & Valuing
The tough economy has put many marriages in a pressure cooker. Financial problems take their toll on relationships, and often can make it difficult to work out marriage troubles. Some don’t want to stay married, but can’t afford to get a divorce, either. With the economy looking a little less bleak, it’s possible that an […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]