Let’s face it: The prenup seems so utterly unromantic – or just plain wrong – but it’s also become so right for so many these days: those keenly aware that a marriage may end up in a legal separation, divorce or death. Most prenups tackle financial issues such as real estate, division of bank…
Divorce litigation, especially when there is contested custody, is rarely a straightforward negotiation process. Issues of divorce and custody can be negotiated out of court when certain conditions are present to move the couple to resolution of the issues. Mediated settlements are increasingly popular with both divorcing spouses and the judicial system. To read…
Impartiality/Neutrality Mediators do not take sides. Rather, mediators work on behalf of both spouses and remaining neutral fosters trust in the process. This allows the mediator to reframe issues effectively, and facilitate more constructive communication. Confidentiality Mediation is confidential. Everything discussed in mediation will be kept private. Mediators cannot be subpoenaed or called to testify…
Alimony payments, typically codified in the terms of a divorce settlement, are separate from child support. They are the payments that someone gives to an ex-spouse who earns less money. The alimony deduction repeal would affect divorces carried out after December 31, 2018. The new rule wouldn’t affect anyone already paying alimony. But it…
Some states are accelerating the trend toward co-parenting, with legislatures in more than 20 states this year considering bills that would encourage shared parenting or make it a legal presumption — even when parents disagree. To read more, see here. Please note, Pennsylvania is not considered one of the states in this article. December 11,…
An uncontested divorce can offer a means of simple and inexpensive closure of your marriage. In an uncontested divorce, you and your spouse can agree to a martial settlement, which will cover issues such as distribution of marital assets and liabilities, designation of non-marital assets and liabilities, time-sharing of children, a parenting plan, spousal support,…
The following are five general tips to assist you in your custody case: Be active in your child’s life Monitor your online presence Support your child’s relationship with the other parent Address issues of parental fitness (i.e. alcohol abuse, drug abuse, etc.) Listen to your attorney To read more about these tips, please see…
When going through a divorce in in Pennsylvania, it is helpful to have some key information. Below you will find some of the most important facts everyone getting a divorce in the state of Pennsylvania should know. To read more, see here.
Paternity Law is the legal area dealing with establishing or disputing fatherhood (also known as “paternity”). Common reasons for paternity disputes usually include determining a potential father’s rights and obligations with regard to a child or establishing rights related to inheritance after a death. Traditionally, a child born to the wife during a marriage under…
Pennsylvania is an equitable distribution state. Upon request of either party in an action for divorce, the court shall equitably and fairly divide, distribute or assign the marital property between the parties, without regard to marital misconduct, in such percentages and in such manner as the court deems fair after consideration of all factors. Marital…