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  • How quickly can you get a divorce in Pennsylvania?

    Aug 12, 2022

    When divorce is inevitable, most couples want to get through the legal process as quickly as possible. Going in with a game plan can expedite the proceedings, but points of contention can extend the process greatly. Depending on your situation, a divorce can take anywhere between a few months and several years to finalize. Uncontested and no-fault divorces Uncontested and no-fault divorces require you and your spouse to mutually dissolve the divorce without blaming one...
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  • 3 things to know about equitable property division in divorce

    Aug 3, 2022

    From personal belongings to financial assets, dividing shared property is often one of the biggest challenges that divorcing couples face. When a divorce goes to court, a family law judge decides how to separate assets. However, rather than divide property equally, the court tries to distribute assets in a way that is fair to both spouses and in the best interest of their children. The legal term for this is “equitable distribution.” 1. Many factors...
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  • Allegations of abuse and child custody

    Jul 19, 2022

    Whether you are thinking about getting a divorce as a parent or you are already in the middle of a bitter dispute related to child custody, it is imperative to think about your relationship with your child and protect their best interests. Courts go over many factors when making decisions related to child custody, and abuse can have a significant impact on a parent’s ability to secure custody rights. If you have concerns about your...
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  • How do courts handle inheritance in a Pennsylvania divorce?

    Jul 15, 2022

    Property division is often a point of contention and confusion during a divorce. Pennsylvania is an equitable distribution state, meaning that courts base asset distribution on equity rather than equality. Essentially, judges try to determine what is fair rather than automatically doing a 50-50 split. Property falls into one of two categories, separate and marital, with the former generally consisting of what each individual brought into the marriage and not being subject to division and...
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  • Do you need a financial advisor on your divorce team?

    Jul 8, 2022

    When you marry someone in Pennsylvania, you may pool your earnings with this person and plan how to fund your retirement together. Yet, if the marriage ends, you may find that your financial future looks quite a bit different. If you have concerns about having enough for retirement or maintaining a lifestyle that is similar to the one you do now after your divorce, you may want to consider making a financial advisor part of...
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  • How can your friends and family support you during your divorce?

    Jun 25, 2022

    The situation can quickly become awkward when you announce your divorce. Friends and family may not realize how they should act or what they can do to support you. The New York Times explains that if you struggle with well-meaning family and friends who are actually not helping the situation, you can guide them to support you in the way that helps you the best as you navigate your divorce. Listening ear Let the people...
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  • 2 questions about keeping your home in a divorce

    Jun 11, 2022

    You have a lot of fond memories in your home. If you go through a divorce, you probably wonder about your chances of keeping it. Pennsylvania courts consider several grounds for divorce. These include fault, mutual consent and irretrievable breakdown. Continue reading for a brief primer on the chances of keeping your home and if the fight is worth it. 1. What if you moved out first? You might have a concern that moving out...
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  • How could employment affect spousal support payments?

    Jun 6, 2022

    Pennsylvania residents may request a court order to receive regular spousal support payments. If at the time of your divorce, you or your soon-to-be ex-spouse cannot work, the family court may award financial assistance. As noted by SmartAsset, a judge reviews several factors to determine a reasonable payment amount that you could either pay or receive. You may provide details regarding income and expenses and how they could affect you after the divorce. What may...
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  • Unmarried parents and child custody

    Jun 4, 2022

    U.S. society is more tolerant of relationships outside of marriage than in the past. In the modern era, it is more and more common to see children born out of wedlock. In fact, according to Child Trends, in 2016 approximately 40% of births fell into this category. It makes sense then that there are many unmarried parents who wonder about how child custody works for them. Paternity status matters When married couples have a baby, there...
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  • How the date of separation affects your divorce

    May 23, 2022

    Whether they are staying together for the kids or for financial reasons, it is not uncommon for divorcing couples to remain legally married past the date they have decided their marriage is over. This practice can impact what the courts consider to be the date of separation. How does the date of separation affect your divorce? What the date of separation is The Pennsylvania divorce code assumes that the date a couple begins the divorce...
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