Blog
- Two ways to divorce: Mediation vs Arbitration
May 30, 2019
After making the decision to divorce, the next step is determining the logistics of how it’s going to happen. There are two different ways you and you ex can negotiate the terms of your divorce: mediation or arbitration. Read on to learn more about which is right for you. Who you work with Arbitration happens in front of a judge and/or jury in a courtroom. Rather than working directly with your ex and his or...Read More - Debt can put pressure on a marriage
May 21, 2019
Married couples in Pennsylvania who have student loan debt may at a higher risk of getting divorced. The average student loan balance has increased 62% over the past decade to $34,000. Furthermore, the number of people who owe more than $50,000 in student loan debts has also increased significantly. Those who took out loans to go to school will ideally disclose how much they owe prior to getting married. This can make it possible to...Read More - How to get the most out of parent time
May 10, 2019
It’s not uncommon for parents to feel like they’re not getting as much out of their parent time as they’d like to. Whether you’re freshly divorced and transitioning into a custody routine or simply trying to pull your teen away from a video game, it can be challenging to make use of these short intermittent periods. Here are a few tips every parent can use to try to maintain a close bond with their child...Read More - Alimony disputes can be contentious
May 7, 2019
Alimony is typically the last issue decided in a Pennsylvania divorce case. For the most part, child custody and support as well as property division are considered greater priorities. Nevertheless, alimony can prove to be a major source of disagreement between former partners. If the parties cannot agree, a judge could step in and make a final order on alimony. Despite common use of the words interchangeably, alimony and spousal support under Pennsylvania law are...Read More - Can I get an annulment in Pennsylvania?
May 2, 2019
It’s understandable to think of divorce and annulment as the same thing. After all, they both lead to the conclusion of a marriage. While this is technically true, an annulment is the voiding of a marriage whereas divorce is the legal dissolution of a marriage. While Pennsylvania recognizes many grounds for divorce, a court may grant an annulment if one of the following is true: One spouse is underage. A court can grant an annulment...Read More - Considerations that are made in child support cases
Apr 23, 2019
The rules that apply to child support in divorce cases are relatively fluid. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Parents in Pennsylvania who are going through a divorce and have children may want to learn about some of the considerations that are made in most child support cases. Each family has different circumstances, which the courts look at when determining who the children will live with and if it will be necessary for one of the...Read More - Joint custody more common as attitudes toward parenting shift
Apr 8, 2019
Pennsylvania parents who are deciding on child custody could be faced with a difficult process although every individual case is different. That wasn’t always true in the past when the vast majority of custody cases were decided entirely in favor of the mother. Now, courts tend to prefer shared parenting or joint custody arrangements. Experts say that this is due to many changing attitudes over the years. Working women and a more casual attitude about...Read More - How is child custody determined in Pennsylvania?
Apr 5, 2019
For many years, it was almost automatic that fathers received custody of children in a divorce. In the middle of the 20th century, that flipped and child custody often went to mothers while fathers received custody on holidays and weekends. In recent years, judges go into child custody hearings with the mindset not to favor one parent or the other but to determine what is in the best interest of the child. Specifics of child...Read More - Expert witnesses helpful in Pennsylvania divorces
Mar 27, 2019
Many Pennsylvania spouses who are going through a divorce are anxious about the process and have no idea what to expect. It’s important to remember that each divorcing couple’s circumstances are different. Small details can mean the difference between a smooth, amicable separation and a lengthy, contentious battle. Generally, the most complicated divorces involve couples who have a high-net worth, own a business or have fundamental disagreements regarding custody of the children. Child custody disputes...Read More - Planning for taxes after divorce
Mar 11, 2019
Pennsylvania parents who decide to divorce may consider many factors relating to how the end of the marriage might affect the parent-child relationship. From child custody and visitation to negotiating an amicable co-parenting framework, divorcing parents do a great deal of work to prepare for their future. One issue that people may not consider immediately is how the divorce might change their tax filings. Of course, people who divorce must now file their taxes as...Read More