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BEFORE YOU SAY ‘I DO’, ASSESS YOUR RELATIONSHIP
As a result of the United States Supreme Court's historic decision in US. v. Windsor, wherein the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act was determined to be unconstitutional and Pennsylvania subsequent acknowledgement of marriage equality, wedding bells are ringing for many...
CUSTODY – HOW ARE CUSTODY CASES DECIDED IN PENNSYLVANIA?
The Court’s paramount concern in all custody cases in Pennsylvania is what is in the best interests of the child. However, in January, 2011 a new statutory law took effect that requires the Court to consider certain factors when deciding a custody case. Custody...
WHAT HAPPENS TO CREDIT CARD DEBT IN A DIVORCE?
Credit card debt, as well as other non-secured debt, is divided upon divorce in the same manner as assets. The Court has the discretion to proportionately divide debt as it sees fit taking into consideration fairness and equity. If a dispute arises about a ...
HOW DOES ADULTERY DURING A MARRIAGE AFFECT THE OUTCOME OF A DIVORCE?
Prior to 1980, a great deal of time was spent determining who was the “innocent” spouse and who was the “injured” spouse. Once Pennsylvania implemented the Divorce Code in 1980, we became a “no-fault” state. Since then, fault, adultery or otherwise, has played a...
CAN DADS GET PRIMARY CUSTODY?
In years gone by, there was a preference by the Courts to award custody of children, especially young ones, to the Mother. Times changed and so have the Courts. The guiding principle in any custody action is the “best interests of the child”. This involves...
DADS, DON’T MAKE THESE CHILD CUSTODY MISTAKES
Divorce is an emotional experience just as much as a legal one. If you have kids, you understand just how true this is. As a father, you want to remain actively involved in your children's lives, but you might be worried about how some judges in Pennsylvania treat...
WHAT IS ALIMONY?
Common issues/questions that comes up in most if not almost all divorces are whether an individual will have to pay his or her soon-to-be former spouse alimony/support or whether an individual will receive alimony/support from his or her soon-to-be former spouse. If...
HOW UNCONTESTED DIVORCE WORKS IN PENNSYLVANIA
You or your spouse are ready to end your marriage. You do not want to fight things out in a Pennsylvania court. You both have already agreed on how you will divide assets and -- if applicable -- how you will split time with your children. This leaves you wondering if...
SAME-SEX MARRIAGE BEFORE YOU SAY YOUR I DO’S
As a result of the United States Supreme Court's historic decision in US. v. Windsor, wherein the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act was determined to be unconstitutional and Pennsylvania subsequent acknowledgement of marriage equality, wedding bells are ringing for many...