Blog
- Dividing marital property in PA
May 27, 2024
Divorce can be a highly stressful time for anyone, given the uncertainties it brings to your life. This challenging time can become even more overwhelming once the financial aspects of the separation enter the picture. When a marriage ends in Pennsylvania, the couple’s most valuable assets go through a legal process that follows the equitable distribution principle. This means courts split property in a fair way, and this does not always mean a 50/50 split...Read More - Should you consider a postnup when your first child is born?
May 2, 2024
When a baby joins the family, it is a time of joy and excitement. Yet along with the diapers and late-night feedings, there are also practical matters to consider, like finances and future planning. One thing some couples think about is a postnuptial agreement. Understanding postnuptial agreements A postnuptial agreement is a legal document made between spouses after marriage. It outlines how assets and debts will be divided in case of divorce or death. It...Read More - Coping with an empty nest after a divorce
Apr 29, 2024
An empty nest coupled with a divorce can feel like a daunting situation. Most parents, when faced with an empty nest, envision a life of shared adventures with their spouse. They dream of checking off their bucket list, running a marathon, buying a long-coveted dirt bike or hiking the Himalayas. However, an empty nest can take on a different hue after a divorce. Not only are the children out of the house, but the house...Read More - When do courts award child custody to nonparents?
Apr 18, 2024
Parents have a natural right to custody of their children. However, there are instances when courts grant child custody to a nonparent, such as grandparents, siblings or relatives. Whether you are a parent going through separation or divorce and want to protect your parental rights or are family to a child involved in custody case, it can benefit you to know the situations and reasons why nonparental custody awards occur. This allows you to evaluate...Read More - Does it matter who is to blame for a divorce?
Apr 5, 2024
Legally ending your marriage can be painful and overwhelming, but understanding the basic rules and procedures for divorce can make things easier. For instance, in Pennsylvania, there are two main options for filing a divorce: fault-based and no-fault. The traditional path: fault-based divorce A fault-based divorce requires you to prove your spouse’s marital misconduct as the reason for the breakdown of your marriage. This misconduct includes things like adultery, cruelty, abandonment and addiction. This path...Read More - 3 reasons to consider a prenup ahead of a second marriage
Apr 5, 2024
Entering into a second marriage can bring excitement and new beginnings. However, it also presents unique financial considerations that may warrant the consideration of a prenuptial agreement. Prenuptial agreements, or prenups, are legal documents that outline how to divide assets and debts in the event of divorce or death. 1. Protecting assets and inheritances A key reason to consider a prenuptial agreement in a second marriage is to protect assets and inheritances acquired before the...Read More - Protecting your unborn child during a divorce
Mar 28, 2024
Divorce often brings about emotional turmoil and uncertainty. This is especially true when you are going through a split while pregnant. The welfare of the unborn baby remains a concern as great as any other. Divorcing while bearing a child requires thoughtful actions and decisions that prioritize your wellness, as well as that of the angel you are carrying. Ensuring a healthy pregnancy Because divorce can negatively impact both you and your unborn child, maintaining...Read More - 4 reasons why Pennsylvania courts may not award alimony
Mar 22, 2024
While alimony is not automatically granted in every divorce case, there may be specific situations that make the courts not award them at all. Here are some specific circumstances under which Pennsylvania courts might not award alimony: Short-lived marriages: If a marriage was brief, courts may deem alimony unnecessary because each party could return to the financial state they were in before the marriage without undue hardship. Self-supporting spouses: If both parties are capable of...Read More - Can divorcing spouses decide on the property division terms?
Mar 18, 2024
Property division brings multiple issues up for discussion and decisions. Usually, it is the courts that determine the outcome of these matters. However, parties may seek opportunities for collaboration and control over the decision-making process of the distribution. Is it possible? When divorce parties have control Divorcing spouses can decide on the terms of their property division by themselves. They can do so in two ways: by establishing a marital settlement agreement and by enforcing...Read More - Could being unhappy in a marriage be a valid ground for divorce?
Mar 8, 2024
Marriage doesn’t always have a happy ending. Sometimes, people end their marriages, even after many years together—and that’s ok. What matters most is your happiness, which might not be found in your current marriage. But does being unhappy count as a valid reason for divorce in Pennsylvania? You can file for a no-fault divorce In Pennsylvania, a divorce doesn’t necessarily require proof of fault, like adultery or abuse. The state recognizes what’s known as “no-fault”...Read More