Blog
- Does your ex have a claim to your inheritance in a divorce?
Nov 5, 2019
When you know that divorce is in your immediate future, you will likely start worrying about the financial implications of the end of your marriage. From consulting with an attorney to trying to build up a savings account, there are many ways people attempt to offset the financial consequences of an impending divorce. Trying to protect the assets that you perceive as yours or highly valuable is a common strategy, but it is often fraught...Read More - Is it possible to get an annulment in Pennsylvania?
Oct 24, 2019
If you are married and considering a separation, you may be reluctant to file for divorce for financial, legal or religious reasons. In some cases, there are other options. You may be able to go through a legal separation, or you may be able to terminate your marriage by going through a civil annulment. Annulments are subject to state laws, so it is important to observe what the law says in the state in which...Read More - Looking at the whole picture before getting a strategic divorce
Oct 23, 2019
Most people are interested in ways that they can save money, but not everyone is interested in putting their marriage on the line to do so. However, the so-called ‘marriage penalty” has some high-earning Pennsylvania couples talking about using a strategic divorce in order to save money on their taxes. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act subjects high-earning couples to a higher tax liability when they file taxes jointly. Despite the fact that strategic divorce...Read More - Factors in buying the marital home from the spouse after divorce
Oct 11, 2019
Pennsylvanians who are getting a divorce will need to consider many factors. In particular, property division can be significantly complex. One issue that is rife for dispute is splitting the marital home. If the parties are agreeable to a negotiation, a buyout is a viable strategy to avoid a long-term battle over ownership. When thinking about a buyout, calculating how to go about it is essential. Home value might be the first thing people think...Read More - Prenuptial agreements are important for couples blending families
Sep 27, 2019
If two people who have children from a previous relationship meet and get married, their family becomes what is known as a blended family. Blended families are common these days, but they do represent unique legal considerations for the spouses, particularly if the union ends in divorce. For example, custody and support rules are different when both spouses are not the biological parents of the minor children unless the stepparent legally adopted the children. Confusion...Read More - Preparing for post-divorce finances
Sep 24, 2019
The financial aftermath of divorce sometimes leaves people in Pennsylvania struggling to pay bills. Even people with relatively high salaries often go through an adjustment period when shifting from a two-income to a single-income household. A divorce might add new expenses, like spousal or child support, as well. Regardless of their income level, many people have to overhaul their budgets after a divorce. A proactive approach helps to mitigate these financial challenges. Post-divorce budgets should...Read More - Special considerations when creating a parenting plan
Sep 12, 2019
One of the hardest parts of any divorce in Pennsylvania that involves children will usually be agreeing on terms for custody with your ex. However, in recent years, the courts have moved away from the old primary custody and visitation model. Instead, because they want to do what is in the best interest of the children, the courts these days prefer shared custody arrangements. You and your ex can play an ongoing role in the...Read More - What to do after being denied visitation
Sep 9, 2019
Pennsylvania parents and others who are denied the right to visit with their child may eventually be able to obtain the right. The first step toward doing so is to determine why visitation rights were denied. For instance, a judge may have felt that a parent could put a child’s emotional or physical health in jeopardy. In some cases, parents will be asked to attend parenting classes or a rehab program before they can see...Read More - Indications that a soon-to-be ex-spouse is hiding money
Aug 30, 2019
Pennsylvania residents may be familiar with the gender stereotype of a greedy husband hiding away money to prevent his soon-to-be ex-wife from getting her hands on any of it. This outdated assumption is inaccurate and can be potentially disastrous for husbands going through the divorce process who are interested in a fair divorce settlement. Hiding marital assets from a spouse is illegal, but it is also a reality. It is common for both men and...Read More - Know your custody rights as an unmarried parent in Pennsylvania
Aug 27, 2019
Having a child outside of marriage means that you have slightly different rights than other parents in Pennsylvania. There are certain issues that can impact your right to financial support or your ability to spend time with your children. Not all unmarried parents have an established legal relationship with their children. If you don’t have a legal tie to your children, you may need to prove your biological connection to assert your parental rights. Understanding...Read More