Is Mediation Legally Binding in Pennsylvania?
If you and your spouse are considering mediation, there are essential aspects you should be aware of before making a final decision. In Pennsylvania, mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution that allows couples to meet with a neutral third party to reach a mutual agreement. The details of...
Read MoreHow Long Does It Take to Get a Divorce in Harrisburg, PA?
Nobody goes into a marriage anticipating that the union will fail. Oftentimes, the unexpected may occur, resulting in a couple choosing to part ways. Depending on the circumstances behind your divorce, you can expect your divorce to take between 9 months to one year to be finalized. Outliers depend on...
Read MoreWhat is the Process for Dividing Property During a Divorce in Harrisburg?
As a married couple, you strive to support one another in business endeavors and personal ambitions. This support system typically ends upon the dissolution of your marital union. Knowing the laws of your state is crucial in determining how property will be distributed since each state has different laws regarding...
Read MoreDo I Need a Lawyer for a Divorce in Harrisburg, PA?
Choosing to terminate your marriage can be an emotional time, requiring you to make decisions regarding child support, custody, visitation, alimony, and property division. It is almost impossible for anyone to be impartial when handling such personal matters, making looking out for your best interests difficult. If you are considering...
Read MoreWhat Are the Grounds for Divorce in Pennsylvania?
The State of Pennsylvania offers divorces that are both no-fault and fault-based. While the vast majority of divorces in the state and throughout the nation are no-fault, which means the marriage is irretrievably broken, there are situations in which pursuing a divorce based on your spouse’s wrongdoing makes sense and...
Read MoreHow Is Property Divided during a Divorce in Pennsylvania?
Every divorcing couple must address the matter of property division, and it’s a legally complex matter. If you’re facing a Pennsylvania divorce, property division is of critical concern. And because your financial rights are on the line, it’s in your best interest to work closely with a savvy Harrisburg divorce...
Read MoreWhat is a Prenuptial Agreement, and Are They Enforceable in Pennsylvania?
A prenuptial agreement is a business contract between two spouses-to-be that outlines how assets, property, and debt will be divided in the event of divorce. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania does recognize prenuptial agreements, and they are most often enforced by the court. Our Harrisburg, PA, family law attorneys are here...
Read MoreWhat are the Grounds for Divorce in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania?
Divorce cases in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, involve numerous factors and legal issues you must consider. One key issue is the grounds for divorce, and the grounds cited will play a major role in how the divorce case unfolds. This is an important matter if you are filing or responding to a...
Read MoreThe Impact of Spousal Identity Theft on Divorce Proceedings in Pennsylvania
The sacred bond of marriage is built on the foundation of trust, sharing lives, and often, sharing financial responsibilities. But what happens when that trust is broken in the most egregious way? Spousal identity theft is a startling, yet rarely discussed phenomenon that can have far-reaching consequences in divorce proceedings,...
Read MoreNavigating the Emotional Turmoil of Divorce and Custody Battles: The Importance of Individual Counseling
Divorce and custody litigation can be among the most emotionally challenging experiences in a person’s life. The process not only involves legal complexities but also brings to the surface a myriad of emotions, including grief, anger, anxiety, and fear. In such turbulent times, individual counseling can be a crucial support...
Read MoreWhy Collaborative Law Makes Sense in Custody Cases: A Guide for Potential Family Law Clients
Going through custody litigation can be one of the most challenging and emotionally draining experiences for any parent. The traditional litigation process can often exacerbate the situation, leading to increased conflict and stress for all parties involved, including the children. This is where collaborative law comes in as a viable...
Read MoreAdjusting to a Single Income After Divorce: A Guide for New Beginnings
Divorce is not just an emotional upheaval but also a significant financial transition. Moving from a dual-income household to a single income can be daunting. However, with careful planning and a strategic approach, you can navigate this new financial landscape successfully. Here are some key steps to help you adjust...
Read MoreIf I Get Divorced, Will I Be Ruined Financially?
Divorce is a significant life event that can have substantial financial implications for both parties involved. For many facing this transition, the concern about financial ruin is paramount. However, understanding how Pennsylvania law addresses the financial aspects of divorce can help alleviate some of these fears. This blog aims to...
Read MoreThe High Rate of Divorce Following the Holidays
A study by the University of Washington identified a spike in divorce filings in the first three months of the year. Several factors can influence when couples decide to pursue divorce. If you’re considering seeking a divorce after the holidays, you should familiarize yourself with the following tips and suggestions...
Read MoreWho Gets the House in a Divorce?
Property division is one of the most important matters you’ll deal with in your divorce. Among the many kinds of property and assets you may have to split with your spouse, deciding what to do with your marital home can be a point of contention, depending on the situation. Your...
Read MoreUnderstanding Child Support in Pennsylvania
Child support is a hot-button issue in many divorces. It’s a matter that is best resolved with a skilled Pennsylvania child support attorney on your side. Pennsylvania has developed child support calculation guidelines as outlined in the federal Child Support Enforcement Act. These guidelines take into consideration the following: Needs...
Read More4 tips for using social media during your divorce
Many people use their social media to depict themselves as belonging to a particular social class. The rest of us try to be more honest, though few truly document the daily lows as well as the highs. But when something as big as a divorce happens, it can be very...
Read MoreThinking about your adult children in a gray divorce
If you and your spouse are heading for divorce and you share adult children, there are many factors for you to consider. Your adult children may struggle with your divorce more than you expect and there are several ways you can help them as your family transitions to your new...
Read MoreWhat is the first step in the divorce process?
As in other states, in Pennsylvania divorcing couples generally pursue either an uncontested or contested process for ending their marriage. In an uncontested divorce, the couple comes to an agreement outside of court on matters like property division, child custody and spousal support. In a contested divorce, spouses are not...
Read MoreIs financial infidelity a reason to get divorced?
Getting married comes with a certain amount of trust. While you may have some degree of separation in your lives, marriage implies that you will be loyal to each other as you live your lives together. Addressing financial matters before you get married can be a complex conversation. You and...
Read MoreWhat do people consider most when deciding on the future of a relationship?
What factors influence a person’s decision to move forward in a relationship or to end it? Not everyone considers the future of their relationship in an overly formal or even conscious way. However, anyone who is dating or married is probably aware that certain issues have the ability to sway...
Read MoreDoes social media use raise the risk for divorce?
Are apps like Instagram bad for your marriage? A study published in the journal Computers and Human Behavior analyzed the impact of social media site use on marriage and divorce. Review the research about how spending time on social media could affect the health of your relationship, for better or...
Read MoreHow to know if marriage counseling will work for you
If you and your spouse have noticed a decline in your relationship and the overall quality of your marriage, you may have thought of trying marriage counseling. If you both want your relationship to continue, couple’s therapy can help you strengthen your bond while working through your conflicts. A marriage...
Read More3 FAQs about settling a divorce out of court
If you are like many Americans facing divorce, you may have serious concerns about how the court process will affect your family as well as your finances. Divorce litigation can be time-consuming, expensive and contentious. Mediated and collaborative divorce are two forms of alternative dispute resolution that may help you...
Read MoreFinding happiness for divorcees over 50
A divorce is never an easy option for a Pennsylvania resident who chooses to end their marital union. However, the complications that come with a divorce can be more dramatic for some divorcees than others. One group that needs to plan for potential complications before securing a divorce is couples...
Read MoreWhy are gray divorces increasing?
Gray divorces, or divorces for those over the age of 50, are on the rise. There are a variety of different reasons couples over the age of 50 divorce and it is important for divorcing couples over 50 and of all ages to be prepared for what to expect from...
Read MoreWhy are gray divorces becoming more common?
Decades ago, getting divorced when you were over the age of 40 was practically unthinkable. But in recent years, gray divorce has been on the rise. In fact, studies have shown that 25% of divorces involve people who are age 50 or older. It’s hard to point to one specific...
Read MoreReasons and issues in divorces among older adults
With divorce on the rise among people over 50, older adults in Pennsylvania might be more likely to get a divorce than younger ones. There are several possible reasons that people might do so after decades of marriage. Finances are a common source of conflict between couples, and this can...
Read MoreMore time together may mean more reasons to divorce
Stress is a detrimental factor that plagues many divorces. Throughout Pennsylvania, married people may find that it is harder to get along with their partners when they are worried about job security, money, health challenges, and even vacations and holidays. When individuals spend longer periods of time with their spouses,...
Read MoreHow to track down hidden assets in a divorce
One of the ways that a Pennsylvania spouse ends up shortchanged during the divorce is when their spouse hides assets during the settlement process. As a result, one must be vigilant to make sure that they are receiving the full picture when their spouse declares assets. Spouses will hide assets...
Read MoreHow to talk to young children about divorce
When people Pennsylvania go through a divorce there are many changes that will take place in their lives. They will no longer be sharing one life together and will now have two separate lives. This is true for the couple’s children, too. Divorce can be particularly difficult on children as...
Read MoreHow couples should ready their finances when facing divorce
For couples who are filing for divorce in Pennsylvania and across the United States, the process can be taxing both emotionally and financially. Amid the upheaval of divorce, couples should be proactive about preparing themselves financially now and in the future. Once a couple knows that divorce is imminent, they...
Read MoreDivorce and privacy
The reasons for ending a marriage are deeply personal, and often deeply painful, and yet if a divorce goes through the courts, it will be at least partly public record. There are good reasons for the public record in general; a good judicial system operates with transparency. However, sometimes people...
Read MoreHow do you break news of divorce to your child?
Pennsylvania parents like you value your child’s health and happiness above all else. Unfortunately, it is not always easy to ensure that your child’s well-being stays maintained. There are some situations in which it is incredibly hard to put their mental health first. Divorce is one of those situations. If...
Read MoreCensus bureau reports decline in Pennsylvania divorce rates
Earlier this year, the U.S. Census Bureau reported a decline in divorce rates across the nation from 2008 to 2018. In the same 10-year period, divorce rates dropped even further in Pennsylvania than in the U.S. Looking at these trends offers some ideas about why marriages tend to last longer...
Read MoreWhy is gray divorce becoming more common?
The consensus among those who follow divorce statistics is that, as the divorce rate drops among younger people, couples over 50 are turning to it more and more frequently. So-called gray divorce has roughly doubled over the last generation. In 1990, 5 out of every 1,000 married people over 50...
Read MoreKey issues to think about before moving forward with a divorce
Couples in the Harrisburg area and the surrounding areas of Pennsylvania can face challenges in maintaining a healthy marriage. Many unions can be salvaged with improved communication, lifestyle changes, understanding and perspective. Still, many marriages have reached their natural end and people can no longer stay together. When thinking about...
Read MoreFollow the money in divorce
Ending a marriage can upset many parts of your life, especially your finances. You should take several precautions from when you seriously begin to think about divorce until after the decree is issued to protect your finances and your rights. First, document any conversations you have about divorce. Change all...
Read MoreDivorce can make some people happy
A divorce can have an emotional and financial impact on your life. However, a survey conducted by Carphone Warehouse found that individuals in Pennsylvania and elsewhere who have gotten divorced can find happiness again. The study polled more than 2,000 people to learn more about how they felt after their...
Read MoreWhat to do about parental alienation
Co-parents in Pennsylvania must work together for the good of the children. Even if you and the other parent do not get along, there are certain minimum basic expectations for the co-parenting relationship that cannot be violated. One of these is that you are free to have a relationship with...
Read MoreProtect your credit before a divorce by taking these steps
When couples start thinking about divorce, they may be more focused on their emotions than on their finances. Because of this, many people find that their credit score drops significantly after their divorce and will continue to negatively affect them for years after the divorce. Approximately 38 percent of people...
Read MoreStudy finds women face more challenges in divorce after 50
Divorce rates in the U.S. have been steadily dropping for the last two decades – at least for younger couples. But within that same timeframe, the divorce rate for those after age 50 has doubled since 1990. The phenomenon – nicknamed “gray divorce” – could be attributed to a variety...
Read MoreHow is alimony determined in a Pennsylvania divorce?
Alimony is a payment made by one former spouse to the other former spouse following divorce. It is designed to address economic or financial inequity between the former spouses but is a divorce-related topic that can quickly grow contentious. As a result, it is helpful for divorcing couples to know...
Read More3 mistakes to avoid making during a divorce
Divorce can be an extremely stressful process. Emotions are running high and it can be hard to focus on what needs to be done. During this emotional time, mistakes are common. Although they’re common, it will affect your divorce for the worse. Below are three commonly made mistakes during divorce...
Read MoreAre men or women more likely to initiate divorce?
Marriage provides the opportunity to build a life with someone you love. Some choose to raise a family, some prefer a lifetime of experiences without being tied down, and other couples decide to attack both options. Marriage is a path of trials and triumphs. For some people, the trials become...
Read MoreMulti-state divorce
It’s hard enough to go through a divorce in Pennsylvania. Imagine going through a divorce in multiple states. Generally, divorce falls under state law, and every state has its own set of divorce laws, with their own procedures, deadlines and requirements. While many of these are very similar, some can...
Read MoreHow divorce may impact your long-term financial plans
Divorce has a way of affecting all areas of life. When it comes to your finances, such topics like property division and alimony may have you confused and wondering how your future will look after the dust settles. Here is some information, as well as a few tips, you may...
Read MoreCan a lack of civility jeopardize your divorce outcome?
Divorce can bring out the worst in the best of people. When a marriage ends, spouses who have loved and supported each other for years often find themselves without one good thing to say about the other. Those negative feelings can reach a breaking point, prompting someone to let loose...
Read MoreWomen more likely than men to feel happy after divorce
Divorce can be ugly. But some women may come out stronger on the other side. According to a recent report, women may be twice as likely to be happy after a divorce. That’s according to a survey in the U.K., which examined more than 2000 divorced adults. Results showed that...
Read MoreWho will get custody of pets in a divorce?
Your pet is not property. You likely consider your pet as part of your family. So, the guardianship of your pet may be a top priority as you begin working through divorce arrangements with your ex-spouse. You may even consider it more important than matters like asset division or alimony....
Read MoreThe divorce rate is dropping in Pennsylvania
The once-every-10-years Census is scheduled for 2020, but the U.S. Census Bureau does not just sit around the rest of the time. It frequently conducts smaller-scale surveys to learn more about Americans, their changing demographics, and lives. One statistic from a recent Census survey caught our eye: the U.S. divorce...
Read MoreAvoiding professional problems while a divorce is in progress
Pennsylvanian spouses who are going through a divorce will have many concerns. The stress of the case can impact just about every aspect of a person’s life. That includes work. During a divorce, avoiding work problems can be a challenging proposition. To get through a separation without it causing major...
Read MoreMistakes to avoid when divorcing after 50
Divorcing after the age of 50 has become common, and sometimes, people make mistakes during the process that they later regret. If you divorce after 50, here are some mistakes to avoid. Thinking the divorce will not affect your children At 50, the chances are that you have adult children...
Read MoreCommon signs that a marriage is ending
Even when one or both partners are unhappy in a marriage, deciding to divorce can be challenging. Have you done enough to try to rejuvenate your partnership and stay together? Will things eventually get better? If you are unsure about the right choice, consider these common factors that frequently contribute...
Read MoreManaging your social media accounts during a divorce
Divorce in the digital era means that anything you put on the internet can be used against you. Considering how much time we spend online and using media platforms, it should come as no surprise. It’s common practice for divorce lawyers to scour social media accounts for information or photos...
Read MoreHelpful tips for staying healthy during your divorce
Everyone understands the importance of staying physically and mentally healthy – and that it’s often easier said than done. But prioritizing your health is critical when you’re undergoing a stressful, life-changing event like a divorce. When you’re going through a divorce, you’re most likely concentrating on the big things that...
Read MoreNavigating life after divorce with your adult children
Determining the best ways to parent after a divorce can be tricky. This is true no matter when you separate – even if it’s later in life. Regardless of your children’s ages, you and your partner’s split may strongly affect them. You should proceed with caution as you process your...
Read MoreHow do other romantic relationships affect divorce?
One of the most common reasons couples divorce is because they either have or want to have other romantic relationships. Under these circumstances, there may be no choice but to end their marriage. While non-marital relationships are one common reason behind the decision to divorce, they can also affect the...
Read MoreThere are two types of spousal support in Pennsylvania
Alimony, properly called “spousal support” in Pennsylvania, is granted when one spouse is financially dependent on the other. If you’re getting a divorce in Pennsylvania, you should know that the financially dependent spouse may be entitled to alimony while the divorce is in process. This is called “alimony pendente lite”...
Read MorePreparing for your first couples counseling session
You and your spouse had a great marriage at the start, but issues arose over the years. Finances, parenting styles or other differences caused fights, and the fights have taken their toll. So, you’ve decided to seek help through couples counseling. The thought of consulting with a stranger about your...
Read More4 digital mistakes that can affect your divorce
For many of us, rarely a day – or even an afternoon – goes by when we do not go online. Digital interactions play a significant role in most people’s lives, and these interactions can affect our offline lives. For instance, if you are getting a divorce, you should understand...
Read MoreYour divorce judgment is final. There are still a few steps left.
If you’ve recently completed the divorce process, you may be surprised to learn that there are still a few steps to take before everything is as it should be. Now that you have a final judgment or divorce decree, you will need to put the changes you worked so hard...
Read MoreIs January the most popular month for divorces?
It stands to reason that January would be an unusually popular time for people to break up. After all, many people who have been considering asking for a divorce will have known for some time that they want one. But few people want to break up just before or during...
Read More5 Strategies to help your children through divorce
Even though the writing is often on the wall, when a marriage has run its course, it often comes as a surprise to at least one spouse. Who is even more surprised than the taken aback spouse? The children. No matter their age, divorce is a shock. If the child...
Read MoreWomen often face a more difficult financial situation after divorce
The core philosophy of property division during divorce is fairness. A couple’s marital assets are supposed to be divided in an equitable manner – not necessarily split 50/50, but in a way that is fair-minded based on each individual and their situation. What these rulings often don’t account for, however,...
Read MoreThe truth about gray divorce
What’s the number one truth of gray divorce? The numbers are rising and have been for some time. Gray divorce is the term referencing divorcing couples aged 50 or older. Individuals in this age group are also a part of the baby boomer generation. The divorce rate for these individuals...
Read MoreHow does divorce impact children?
Most divorcing parents are worried about how their children will react to divorce. The manner in which parents approach divorce may make a difference on how it affects their children. Studies have shown that divorce can be difficult for children to comprehend. On the other hand, when parents effectively approach...
Read MoreHow does gray divorce impact retirement?
When a couple divorces, almost all aspects of their life are affected. Their family dynamic changes, their assets are subject to division, and most often, their finances take a hit. Of course, the implications can be even worse for couples who divorce later in life. The possibility of divorce can...
Read MoreHow can divorce affect women more than men?
As you prepare for your divorce, you may stay focused on your immediate needs. However, as the ruling finalizes and the dust settles, you will start figuring out how to live without your former spouse. But how will single life affect you? Divorce has a significant financial impact on both...
Read More5 Complaints Of People Considering Divorce
When your marriage is in trouble, it may be tempting to overlook or deny the signs. However, ignoring your problems will not make them go away. It is healthier to address them with your spouse. Sometimes this means getting involved in counseling to try to work out your differences and...
Read MoreWhat are the reasons for an emotional divorce?
Rather than a marriage dissolving because of arguments about money or a spouse stepping out of the relationship, some couples in Pennsylvania go through an emotional divorce. Those who experience this type of split may wonder what happened to their relationship when they were not looking. SAS for Women describes...
Read MoreWho pays for a teen’s car insurance after a divorce?
When it comes to children and divorce in Pennsylvania, they are often the most challenging aspect of your divorce agreement. As parents, you need to make sure that you plan ahead for all your children’s needs. Whether they are little or teenagers, you want to be sure that you understand...
Read MoreWho gets the home in a divorce?
After child custody, property division is usually the biggest concern for divorcing couples. Who should leave the house during the separation period and who ultimately retains ownership of the family home? When determining where to live after a divorce, consider these factors to reach an agreement on dividing real estate...
Read MoreHow fault impacts divorce
When you are thinking about ending your marriage, you may have concerns about how fault will factor into the divorce process. For example, are property division, spousal support and child custody impacted by infidelity? In Pennsylvania, an individual can file for either a fault or no-fault divorce. You can file...
Read MoreFinancial Security Should Take Priority In Gray Divorce
As life expectancies increase, divorce is becoming a more appealing option for people over 50 years old who realize they are no longer happy in their marriages. Although gray divorce, a term for divorce involving spouses over 50 years old, is becoming more common, it can involve devastating financial consequences....
Read MoreLove yourself, even if you no longer love your spouse
When you decide to file for divorce, you probably have numerous fears and regrets, not to mention anger. With escalated emotional distress often comes the opportunity to lose your composure in the moment, resulting in words you wish you could take back. Although there are plenty of things you may...
Read MoreCryptocurrency can affect divorce court
Most people who have gone through a divorce will likely tell you it is a painful process. It is difficult to accept that your relationship has changed so drastically. And it might be hard to wrap your mind around how this happened to you. Matters of child custody arrangements and...
Read MoreOrganizing For Your Divorce
Divorce can be a grueling process and may require a significant amount of background work in order to be prepared. The sooner one starts doing that work, the better positioned they may be to move efficiently through the process. Some of that work can begin even before speaking with an...
Read MoreTips for discussing a prenup with your partner
Prenuptial agreements are becoming more and more common, especially among younger couples. Though they once held a stigma and seemed unnecessary for people who were not ultra-wealthy, prenups can be a valuable resource for all types of couples today. That said, if you are among those considering a prenuptial agreement,...
Read MoreHow the reason for your divorce can affect your actual divorce
When two people divorce, there are likely numerous reasons each person could state for the demise of the relationships. Often, though, there is one primary event or behavior that ultimately pushes the relationship beyond repair. That reason can have a dramatic impact on the trajectory of the divorce process in...
Read MoreDoes everything have to change after divorce?
Divorce is undoubtedly a significant life event. As such, it typically results in a lot of change. People move, they have different financial resources and their lifestyle can change considerably. Some change can be a good thing, especially when it is a change from an unhappy or unfulfilling marriage. However,...
Read More4 things to avoid when going through a divorce
Divorce puts people in very difficult positions. Parties who once hoped to spend their lives together must not separate their assets, their time with their children and their lives. Therefore, people may do or say things they later regret. While every case is different, know that there are some general...
Read MoreCan courts later modify divorce agreements?
One option divorcing couples here in Pennsylvania have for addressing the many important issues in their divorce is to reach agreements on such issues. What if, after a divorce, a person feels that changing circumstances have made it so an agreement that he or she made with his or her...
Read MoreHow do alimony payments affect taxes?
An individual’s financial future after divorce can seem uncertain. If the final agreement includes spousal support, whether you pay or receive it, that question is likely on the forefront of your mind. Divorces in which alimony may be required that are finalized starting January 1, 2019 could be more complicated....
Read MoreWhat happens with gifts in a divorce?
During the holidays and at other times of the year, people can receive gifts that have considerable value, both emotionally and financially. When a person gets divorced, among the concerns he or she may have are worries about what will happen with cherished gifts he or she received in the...
Read MoreCan you get a Protection From Abuse order for verbal abuse?
Abuse can come in many different forms. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH), almost 20 people are physically abused in the United States each minute. Sadly, many of these cases of domestic violence begin with verbal abuse, which can have a lasting impact on a victim. In Pennsylvania,...
Read MoreWhat to know about Income and Expense Statements
While divorce is largely an emotional and personal event, it is also a legal process. As such, it typically requires participants to fill out and submit a lot of paperwork. One such document divorcing spouses will need to complete is a financial accounting of each person’s income and expenses. This...
Read MoreChallenges can arise when modifying spousal support
If you pay or receive spousal support, you should know that it is possible to modify these orders as time goes by. After all, people can change, as can their needs and means. When a significant change occurs, it could warrant re-examination of support orders and possible modification. That said,...
Read MoreTips for protecting your privacy during divorce
Throughout the course of any divorce, parties share a vast amount of information, from their financial records to intimate details of their marriage. Many people would prefer that others not be privy to this information, and rules that took effect earlier this year in Pennsylvania regarding confidential documents and information...
Read MoreWhich method of divorce is right for you?
Legally marrying can look very different for every couple. Some people choose to marry in a church in front of a pastor; some choose to have an ordained friend perform an outdoor ceremony; some choose to go down to the courthouse and get married by a judge. And just as...
Read MoreThe very real consequences of concealing assets during divorce
Any time two people divorce, there is the potential for one or both parties to make mistakes that make the process more difficult and contentious. Not only can certain missteps hinder negotiations in mediation and cause added stress on both people, they can also lead to far more severe consequences,...
Read MoreCan we learn anything from celebrity divorces?
When people read about celebrity divorces in the news or tabloids, it can be easy to dismiss them as little more than salacious gossip. After all, frequently, these stories are based on speculation and unnamed sources who may have no real connection to the situation. That said, there may be...
Read MoreIs it always wise to try and keep the marital home in a divorce?
Owning a home is part of the American dream. People often imagine getting married, buying a house and raising a family in it. It is also usually the single most expensive asset families own. Thus, it is no surprise that when spouses separate, the home is usually at the center...
Read MorePrenuptial agreements: A trend worth considering?
People in their 20s and 30s are unlike older generations in many ways, from their style and personal habits to their financial challenges and familiarity with technology. These differences extend to their relationships, as well. For instance, according to recent surveys, millennials are more likely to have prenuptial agreements than...
Read MoreCan you date during your divorce proceedings?
While it may seem premature or taboo, there is no law that prevents separated spouses from being in relationships with other people during their divorce proceedings. Your soon to be former spouse cannot prevent you from dating or even demand that you receive less property in your divorce simply because...
Read MoreHow long does it take to divorce in Pennsylvania?
The question posed in the title of this post is one of the most common questions people have when they or their spouse decide to file for divorce. Unfortunately, there is no set amount of time that it takes to divorce. However, there are certain statutes and factors that can...
Read MoreDon’t forget long-term financial goals during divorce
Divorce can change a lot about a person’s life, especially during the immediate transition out of the marriage. People typically move, shift to a co-parenting or visitation arrangement, and reassess their living expenses. On a broader level, divorce can also affect a spouse’s financial security and goals. For this reason,...
Read MoreWho gets the pet in a Pennsylvania divorce?
People expect child custody cases to be complicated and contentious; they may not anticipate a similar experience when divorcing spouses are fighting over a pet. However, increasingly, animal companions are at the center of heated legal battles. If you have a pet and are getting divorced, then you may want...
Read MoreWhat factors can affect alimony awards in Pennsylvania?
Adjusting to life after marriage and divorce is a challenge. The emotional and social adjustment certainly is difficult, but so is the financial adjustment. This can be especially true if your ex (or soon-to-be ex) was the primary earner in your household. If you are in this situation, then you...
Read MoreHow divorce-related payments can affect your taxes
The deadline for filing tax returns is just around the corner. As stressful as this time of year can be in any year, it can be particularly stressful if you are recently divorced or separated. Divorce will likely affect several aspects of your taxes, from your filing status to various...
Read MoreHow does property division work in Pennsylvania?
One of the most frightening and contentious steps in a divorce is dividing assets. When there is money, debt and property at stake, it is very common for divorcing spouses to get defensive and possibly angry. As such, disputes can and do arise. To avoid or at least minimize the...
Read More4 realities of litigating a divorce that you should understand
If you are considering divorce or have already decided to divorce, then you may be scared, angry and anxious. These emotions are undoubtedly painful and they can make you feel defensive and ready to fight your way to a resolution. People who are feeling this way as they head into...
Read MoreA divorce closer to retirement age requires careful preparation
Some estimate that as many as half of all marriages will end in divorce, which suggests that divorce is not limited to any particular age group, or other demographic. In any circumstance, separating spouses should consider the impact that divorce will have on their financial, emotion and physical well-being. These...
Read MoreDigital stalking becoming problem, especially during divorce
Years ago, if a suspicious spouse wanted to keep tabs on a partner, he or she might resort to hiring a private detective to gather evidence of infidelity or other breaches of trust. While this may have been unsettling for the target of the spying, it may pale in comparison...
Read MoreManaging special days when getting a divorce
After one family home splits into two, parents and children are tasked with celebrating special occasions and holidays in the context of a new family dynamic. Parents and children alike may be experiencing stress about the upcoming holiday schedule and both parents may worry about how to meaningfully celebrate a...
Read MoreRefinancing a home may be prudent after a divorce
When a couple decides that a marriage is no longer sustainable, they should consider and plan for the impact of a divorce on different parts of their life, including their financial stability. Where a couple purchased a home during their marriage, Pennsylvania residents should consider all options available to them....
Read MoreTax code revisions could add to burden of divorce for many
Asserting that the tax code needs updating, Congress is currently working on revisions to tax laws that will likely have an impact on every Pennsylvania resident in one way or another. One component that may make the divorce process more complicated would directly impact the spouse who is ordered to...
Read MoreSome jobs may increase likelihood of divorce
By its nature, a marriage requires tremendous amounts of time and energy in order for it to survive — let alone thrive. Needless to say, if one’s occupation also requires an equal amount of time and energy, then it may not be surprising when a divorce ensues. While there are...
Read MoreConsidering which assets are worth their costs in a divorce
While it is true that the end of a marriage is emotionally taxing, it still may be worth the effort to pay close attention to the financial aspects. Not every asset is worth its weight when the monetary costs of the divorce are calculated. Pennsylvania has its own laws regarding...
Read MoreNo Fault Divorce
In a move designed to ease the toll that the divorce process takes on families, the state of Pennsylvania has amended its waiting period from one to two years, beginning in December 2016. Many people mistakenly believe that no-fault divorces always involve both parties agreeing to end the marriage. In...
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