February 13, 2024

Navigating the Divorce Maze: 5 Tips to Choosing YOUR Divorce Lawyer

Choosing the right divorce lawyer is a decision that can significantly impact the outcome of your divorce proceedings, and even your mental health. At a time when emotions are often (and understandably) running high, you’re also thrust into the complexities of a legal process.   You need a guide, an ally, a true partner – someone […]

January 27, 2016

Divorce Financial Disclosures

A key issue at the commencement of a divorce proceeding is accounting for the assets acquired and the debts accumulated by a couple during the course of a marriage. Although divorce laws do vary somewhat from one U.S. state to another, overall these statutes are remarkably similar. For example, all state laws, including Pennsylvania, have […]

December 24, 2015

Three Things a Prenup Cannot Accomplish

Prenup agreements garner a good deal of attention in the media as well as in films and on television. A great deal of the information floating about regarding prenuptial agreements is factually and legally incorrect. A good deal of confusion stems from what a prenup can and cannot do when it comes to the provisions […]

November 26, 2015

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 […]

November 25, 2015

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 […]

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, […]

January 4, 2014

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 […]

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 […]

November 8, 2013

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 […]

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 […]

July 17, 2013

Five Mistakes to Avoid During Your Divorce

We compiled a small list to help you navigate through this tough time in your life. Researching finances, understanding marital and non-marital property, as well as choosing the right attorney can change the course of your divorce action. 1. Research your money Don’t just skim over your checking account; delve into all the dark and […]

June 29, 2013

Divorce Settlements – Possible or not?

Divorce Settlement Initially, some couples consider entering their own negotiations toward a settlement. Hoping to streamline the process and avoid litigation or attorney’s fees, couples assume they know their own situation well enough to divvy things up and move on Overall, the goal should be to consider your immediate situation, and plan for the future. […]

July 31, 2012

Lawsuit Settlement Funds and Equitable Distribution in PA

MARITAL PROPERTY – Tort Claims Focht v. Focht, 32 A.3d 668 (Pa. 2011). The wife sought review of an order from the Superior Court that vacated a trial court’s equitable distribution award in the parties’ divorce action. The trial court had affirmed a special master’s equitable distribution award, based on a determination that proceeds from an accident […]