The Law Offices of DAWN K. GULL
In Pennsylvania divorce law, “separation” has a specific legal meaning that is more nuanced than most people expect. It does not simply mean that spouses have stopped living together, though that is one way it can occur. Several different circumstances can constitute legal separation for purposes of pursuing a divorce....
If you’re facing a divorce, the matter of dividing your marital property is a primary concern that can generate considerable anxiety. Pennsylvania implements what’s known as equitable distribution, which means that the assets of divorcing couples must be divided fairly – but not necessarily equally. Within these confines, there is...
Generally, parental rights prevail in Pennsylvania, which means that parents have the right to determine whom their children spend time with. There are, however, circumstances in which grandparents can seek partial custody or even custody of their grandchildren in the state. Maintaining a close and loving connection with your grandchild...
Protection from abuse orders, which are frequently called PFAs, are a matter of civil law. PFAs are designed to help protect individuals who have been harmed by or credibly threatened with physical or sexual violence. Victims can turn to the court for protection even if their abuser hasn’t been charged...
Child custody in Pennsylvania is a primary divorce concern that can also standalone outside of marriage and divorce. The matter breaks down into both legal custody, or decision-making authority, and physical custody, or parenting time. Discuss your case with our experienced Pennsylvania child custody attorney at The Law Offices of...
If you are facing a child custody case or a divorce that involves minor children, the distinction between legal and physical custody matters. Legal custody addresses who has the responsibility of making the primary parenting decisions moving forward. Physical custody, on the other hand, resolves the matter of how the...
The fear of financial devastation keeps many people trapped in unhappy marriages far longer than necessary. While divorce certainly creates financial challenges, the reality is more nuanced than the horror stories you might have heard from friends or read online. Understanding your options and planning strategically can help protect your...
Making the decision to end your marriage ranks among life’s most difficult choices. The emotional weight alone can feel overwhelming, but understanding your next steps helps regain some control during this challenging time. The first thing you should do when considering divorce is gather your financial documents and consult with...
When families navigate divorce or separation in Pennsylvania, custody arrangements often become the most emotionally charged aspect of the legal process. Wexford parents driving down Route 19 through Butler County or sitting in traffic on I-79 heading to Pittsburgh find themselves wondering what these custody terms actually mean for their...
Pennsylvania custody law focuses on one fundamental principle: the best interests of the child. While every family situation is unique, Pennsylvania courts follow established patterns when determining custody arrangements. Understanding these typical arrangements can help parents navigate what’s often an emotionally challenging process. Physical vs. Legal Custody in Pennsylvania Pennsylvania...
The divorce process in Pennsylvania begins when one spouse files a divorce complaint with the Court of Common Pleas. This document identifies both spouses, states the reason for the divorce, and asks the court to grant it. The complaint can also address any property division, alimony, custody, or support terms...
When both spouses agree to end their marriage in Pennsylvania and settle all related issues before filing, they can get an uncontested divorce. This type of divorce is much more simple and efficient than a traditional divorce, and sometimes even allows the parties to finalize the process without going to...
A custody order explains when each parent has the right to spend time with their child (physical custody) and who can make major decisions about the child’s life (legal custody). The court may order shared or sole custody arrangements for both legal and physical custody. Every child custody order is...
Alimony can help a spouse transition after divorce, but Pennsylvania courts don’t always award it. Courts have discretion in whether one spouse should receive support, how much to award, and for how long. Plus, there are a few situations where you or your spouse could be disqualified from receiving alimony....
Dividing property during a divorce is frequently a source of stress and conflict. If you’ve been building a 401(k) during your marriage, you might wonder if your spouse can claim any of it. The answer depends on when the funds were earned and how the law views marital property. How...
Various factors can affect how couples negotiate the terms of a divorce settlement. One critical factor is how long the marriage lasted. A divorce settlement is an agreement that resolves the critical issues of the divorce that the spouses have worked out themselves without having to ask a trial court...
A divorce settlement agreement, also called a marital settlement agreement (MSA), is a written contract spouses use to resolve the terms of a divorce. It spells out how they will distribute property, handle debts, and address support or custody issues. Couples can use settlement agreements to avoid drawn-out trials and...
In Pennsylvania divorce cases, the courts divide marital property using equitable distribution principles. This means the court focuses on dividing marital property fairly, whether or not that involves a 50-50 split. Only marital property is subject to division in a divorce. Marital property includes most assets either spouse acquired during...
Super Lawyers is a rating service that highlights outstanding lawyers across the country. The selection process includes independent research, peer nominations, and peer evaluations. Only about 5 percent of lawyers in each state make the final list. Family law attorney Dawn K. Gull of The Law Offices of Dawn K....
Divorce mediation is a process in which both spouses meet with a neutral third party called a mediator to talk through the details of their divorce. The mediator guides the conversation but does not make decisions or take sides. Mediation gives both people a chance to work together to reach...
Dividing property during divorce isn’t always straightforward, especially when one spouse hides assets. In Pennsylvania, courts follow the principle of equitable distribution. This means marital property must be divided fairly, although not necessarily equally. If your spouse is hiding assets, however, the court can’t divide what it doesn’t know exists....
When you get divorced, one of the first questions you may ask involves the disposition of your family or marital home. An experienced Pennsylvania divorce attorney can walk you through the potential scenarios of what may happen to your family home given your specific circumstances. Understanding Marital vs. Separate Property...
In Pennsylvania divorces, courts divide couples’ marital assets equitably, which means a fair but not necessarily equal distribution of assets. Sometimes, a spouse’s business interests qualify as marital assets subject to equitable distribution. However, when do business assets count for equitable distribution in divorce? Understanding Equitable Distribution The process of...
Are you involved in a contentious custody case in Pennsylvania? Here’s what you should know about the actions you should and shouldn’t take throughout the process. Dos of PA Custody Battles Parents in Pennsylvania custody cases can take steps to improve their chances of a favorable outcome. Judges focus on...
When a business owner gets divorced, their business interests may become a subject of property division. Here’s what you should know about the process and how you can protect what you’ve worked so hard to build. Are Business Ownership Interests Marital or Separate Property? While a divorce proceeding divides marital...
Kayden’s Law, signed into state law by Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro on April 15, 2024, aims to protect children during custody disputes. The law honors the memory of Kayden Mancuso of Bucks County. Kayden was seven years old when she was killed by her father in a murder-suicide during an...
Before a married couple files for divorce, they usually have a period of separation. In divorce proceedings, “separation” occurs when spouses live “separate and apart” outside the marital relationship. Although a separated couple does not have to live in separate residences, they must stop acting as a single-family unit for...
If you and your spouse have decided to get divorced, you may wonder what will happen to your 401K or other retirement accounts. Are these accounts subject to the same rules of division as your family’s assets? Here’s what you need to know—including how an experienced family law attorney can...
Different states use different rules for dividing a couple’s shared property in a divorce. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania uses the “equitable distribution” method, which essentially says that couples must divide their assets fairly, though not necessarily evenly. While this approach can lead to fair outcomes in a divorce, it can...
If you’re involved in a Pennsylvania child custody dispute, it’s crucial to know how the courts make custody decisions so you can make a strong case. The most important thing to remember is that state law requires courts to make custody decisions based on your child’s best interests. The courts...
Either spouse can request alimony payments in a Pennsylvania divorce. Whether you’re requesting alimony or want to know how much you might pay, it’s crucial to understand how the courts calculate these payments and how long they might last. While either spouse can request alimony during divorce proceedings, the courts...
When you’ve decided that divorce is necessary, you want the process to go as smoothly as possible. You’d like it to move quickly, too, once the decision has been made. However, couples do not always agree that divorce is the answer. What happens when one partner wants a divorce and...
Many Pennsylvanians wonder how the court will divide their marital property during a divorce. A common misconception is that Pennsylvania is a “50/50 divorce state,” where spouses split assets equally. However, this is not the case. Pennsylvania follows the principle of equitable distribution, which aims for a fair, but not...
When you get married following the end of a prior marriage, one of the changes you may make for your new relationship includes negotiating a prenuptial agreement with your new spouse. However, establishing a prenup for a second or subsequent marriage can involve complexities and complications not present in a...
Going through a divorce can be challenging. Child custody, alimony, and asset division can quickly turn complicated and contentious. One of the most complex issues couples can face with divorce is the division of their business, its assets, and debts. If you started a business while married, it may be...
In many divorces, one or both spouses may hold a business ownership interest. These ownership interests may take the form of a solo professional practice or a partner interest in a closely held or family business. However, the value of these business interests may qualify as marital assets subject to...
If you have recently filed for divorce, or if your spouse has recently served you with divorce papers, the biggest question on your mind might be: “When is this going to be over?” Ultimately, there is no clear answer to this question. Depending on the type and complexity of your...
Each year, Super Lawyers — an organization that maintains a directory of the nation’s most distinguished attorneys — recognizes the top lawyers in each state. This year, Dawn K. Gull was awarded the Super Lawyer designation for the 15th straight year. The award is based on an attorney’s professional achievements...
The division of marital property is one of the most important factors in any Pennsylvania divorce. Understanding how your home, bank accounts, vehicles, household property, and other assets may be divided in divorce proceedings under Pennsylvania law can help you, your spouse, and your attorneys avoid a challenging legal process...
During the divorce process, there is a time when each spouse must turn over financial information to the other. This process is known as discovery. There are severe penalties if one spouse is found to have hidden assets or fails to turn over information. However, you may need to investigate...
Every state has its laws about how marital property gets divided when a couple decides to divorce. If you live in Pennsylvania and you’re planning to end your marriage, you will want to know the basics of marital property division laws before you head to court. How Pennsylvania Courts Divide...
There are several matters to address during a divorce — how to split property is one of the most important. Often, one or both spouses want to keep the marital home, which could create some contention. Many spouses wonder who gets to keep the house and how the decision is...
Spousal support, sometimes referred to as alimony, is financial assistance provided by one spouse to the other following a separation or divorce. Absent a prenuptial agreement, it’s often one of the most hard-fought issues in a divorce because it’s not at all unusual for one spouse to feel entitled to...
One of the critical considerations during a divorce process is alimony, especially if one spouse is considered dependent. This financial support can be crucial in helping a lower-earning spouse maintain a semblance of their marital lifestyle. In Pennsylvania, a dependent spouse’s entitlement to alimony for a specific duration is subject...
Every parent in Pennsylvania has some degree of responsibility to their children, and they also have certain rights under state laws. Yet, many people never learn about the custody laws in Pennsylvania until there is some kind of conflict that impacts their families. When a married couple decides to divorce...
Custody issues are among the most troubling for divorcing parents, and that issue can get a lot more complicated when the child in question has strong opinions about the situation. In Pennsylvania, minors do not have the legal authority – at any age – to choose which parent they will...
No matter what finally led you to seek a divorce, the feelings of guilt you may carry with you as you exit the relationship can be severe. You may worry that you gave up too soon or feel particularly emotional about breaking up the family (especially if there are kids...
Working in medicine means accepting a lot of stress related to your job and also often working very long hours. Additionally, many medical professionals start their careers with a staggering amount of personal debt due to the educational requirements. Despite these challenges, medical professionals, including physicians, actually have a slightly...
Child support is often a divisive issue when parents separate. The parents spending more time with the children may feel like child support is far too low given how much they invest. The parent paying support may feel like it is impossible for them to maintain the same standard of...
Many people worry about going through a divorce because they think that they may end up being poor or without anything they need to support themselves. Realistically, most people don’t end up without anything, but there will be adjustments in how much income, as well as how many assets, they...
Custody issues are among the most troubling for divorcing parents, and that issue can get a lot more complicated when the child in question has strong opinions about the situation. In Pennsylvania, minors do not have the legal authority – at any age – to choose which parent they will...
If you and your spouse are getting a divorce, you may be worried that they are going to get sole custody of the children. Even if you and your ex are already divorced and you share custody, you may be worried that they will attempt to take the kids away...
As you and your spouse get older, you may find that you no longer have the same goals or objectives in life. Your spouse may want to relax and take it easy each day, reading or participating in activities at home. You may want to travel and explore, go out...
Couples in different family situations will have unique challenges during their divorces. For families that enjoy higher levels of income and have complex property, there are concerns that can quickly complicate a divorce. One of the biggest issues in a high-asset divorce is the risk of one spouse intentionally hiding...
Divorce can be very hard both financially and emotionally. It is common for people to struggle with the end of their marriage. Especially if you didn’t expect your spouse to file for divorce, you may not have been in a good place during the divorce. Maybe you felt so badly...
When you and your spouse file for divorce, you either negotiate a property settlement or a judge divides your asset for you. Having a realistic idea about what you might receive if a judge splits your assets could help you push for better terms during negotiations outside of court. Dividing...
Legal custody of a child and the physical custody of a child aren’t the same things. No matter how your parenting time is allocated, shared legal custody means that both you and your co-parent are equal partners when it comes to making major decisions for your child — and that...
Nobody wants to go into a marriage with a divorce in mind but planning ahead can save a couple money during a divorce and can streamline the process, saving agonizing months of legal bureaucracy. Prenuptial agreements are designed to help high- and mid-income earners protect their assets during a divorce....
Many parents struggle with having to share custody of their child instead of being there whenever and wherever they need them following their divorce. This is even more challenging for parents who have a child with special needs, like autism. No two individuals with autism are the same. One child’s...
Unless you work in the legal industry, you might not know what all those terms you hear mean in your Pennsylvania child support proceedings. Unfortunately, this can place you at a disadvantage when a court is poised to make critical support decisions. By taking a minute to learn what the...
When you go through a divorce, you have to think about a lot of things. Many people focus heavily on the division of assets. But, you should remember that you also have to divide up the debts that are amassed during the marriage. There are several ways that the property...
Explaining divorce to children can be difficult. You want to be honest and answer their questions, but you also don’t want to burden them with unnecessary information. Plus, a lot of the things they want to know about may not be issues that are even on your radar. For instance,...
Family law judges often order non-custodial parents — ones who enjoy less parenting time than the other or earn more than their co-parent — to pay child support. Judges often determine child support based on a formula and have discretionary power to order additional amounts. If you or your co-parent...
When you’re a parent getting divorced, you have to think ahead. Over the years, you and your co-parent are going to face a lot of challenges when it comes to raising your children — and you may not be on the same page. This is particularly true when it comes...
As a parent who is going through a divorce, you know that both you and your spouse have a similar goal: You want to spend time with your child after the split. You hope to share custody. However, your child has expressed a desire to live with only your ex....
How do you tell what’s yours and what belongs to your spouse when you decide to divorce? That’s not an easy question to answer, especially if you’ve been married for a while. You may have brought certain assets, like a house or a car, into the marriage, but they may...
There may come a time when a parent doesn’t pay child support on time. Once in a while, that might be a fluke because of the way a paycheck falls or because of emergency expenditures, and in those times, most people can give a little grace. However, in situations where...
The relationship between you and your ex-spouse hasn’t exactly improved since your split. If anything, it’s gotten worse. You had to weather a lot of threats and intimidation tactics as your divorce proceeded. Now, however, your ex-spouse has sunk to a new low: They’re interfering with your visitation time with...
Divorce is typically hardest on the children. Even very young children are affected by their parent’s split. Older children can deeply resent having to leave their familiar homes and neighborhoods when they have to spend time with their other parent. One type of custody arrangement that can circumvent that negativity...
When the family courts in Pennsylvania order child support, they do so based on their understanding of a family’s circumstances. The income of each parent, the needs of the children and the division of parenting time affect how much child support one parent has to pay the other. Although the...
A prenuptial agreement is a legal agreement that you and your spouse sign before your marriage. It is largely financial, and it dictates what will happen if you get divorced. People use these documents as a way to protect their own wealth in case their marriages don’t work out. However,...
There is nothing worse than being stuck in a life that you hate. While you may have children and other responsibilities in your life, the way that you live your life is ultimately up to you, even though it may not feel that way. If you are feeling unhappy or...
As you prepare to divorce your spouse, you may be concerned about how the two of you will ever be able to co-parent your children. You may have feelings of anger, hurt and resentment towards your spouse. You may just plain not like them anymore. So how do you share...
The saying, “time heals all wounds,” resonates with many divorced parents. While some parents may be bitter toward one another after their split, emotions tend to be less raw as time drags on, allowing most divorce couples to co-parent amicably. A select few parents never find a way to get...
Prenuptial agreements are a legal form of making clear what is yours and what is your potential spouse’s. Just because you are willing to share your life does not mean you are willing to risk everything you already own to do that. While prenuptial agreements may seem unromantic, marriages do...
The U.S.’s current divorce rate continues to hover at around 50%. Many divorce attorneys and financial planners often see what happens when a wife who has let her spouse handle the family finances gets blindsided by a divorce. One financial planner recently listed the three documents that women (or men)...
Most spouses feel the need to take a break from all romantic relationships after filing and finalizing their divorce. There comes the point at which a former spouse may adjust to their new normal and decide to enter the dating world again. It’s not uncommon for a couple to want...
Financial matters are among the most stressful issues spouses face when they go through a divorce. People worry about everything from dividing assets to supporting themselves and their children. Considering how consumed parties can be by money-related issues during the divorce process, avoiding mistakes that can ultimately cost them more...
You’ve always been the primary caretaker for your children, so it took you by surprise to learn that your 14-year-old now wants to live with their other parent. You’re completely against the idea because you think your child is having an immature response to some temporary stressors at home or...
Everyone has different goals during a divorce. For some, it’s keeping certain assets. For others, it’s spending time with the children. Every divorce, like every marriage, is unique. But what if your main goal is just to make the divorce process go smoothly? You don’t want it to be complicated...
It can be hard to envision your future right after you realize divorce is imminent. From your family circumstances to your living situation, nothing may seem certain. You will have to spend some time thinking about what is best for you and your children, if you’re a parent, when deciding...
If you and your ex-partner or spouse are working on a child support agreement, you may have many questions. It’s normal to wonder how much support is fair, how long you’ll have to pay it and what happens if your circumstances change. The good news is that it’s fairly easy...
Before you file for divorce, you may want to fight for your marriage. For many struggling couples, that process could involve marital counseling or couples therapy. Discussing your issues with the therapist can help the two of you work out your problems, find solutions that work for both of you...
No. At one time, mothers nearly always won custody of the children after a divorce. It was long assumed that mothers were the best caretakers. That has changed. Courts work to find a custody arrangement that supports a child’s needs. It’s now understood that children do best when both parents...
As a custodial parent, you know that non-payment of child support can be exceedingly frustrating. You are spending your time and money raising your child, taking on many daily costs. While you love your child and are happy for the time with them, that doesn’t mean that it’s not taxing...
Bringing up the idea of a divorce to your spouse can, naturally, be tricky. You don’t want to make your significant other angry, but you also know that they may not want to hear what you have to say. You struggle to figure out how to bring it up in...
It’s easy enough to assume that your spouse will be honest and forthcoming during the divorce, but you have to remember two things. First, they may not want to get divorced, which can make the process feel like a competition. Second, people will do things you would never expect from...
There might be a million small issues that led to your divorce, or there could be one terrible breach of trust that completely undermined the sanctity of your marriage. Whether your ex put their hands on you, had an extramarital affair or stopped being a supportive partner when you needed...
When you’re going through a divorce, one of the things you’ll need to handle is the division of your marital property. In Pennsylvania, the state has equitable distribution laws, which means that your property will be divided fairly, not necessarily equally. The property that will be divided is called marital...
Parents who make the decision to divorce often have a difficult time transitioning to life as co-parents instead of spouses. That’s a big difference that has to be addressed during this time. In order to be as successful as possible when you’re co-parenting, you have to come up with a...
Divorced and divorcing parents may experience an array of disputes revolving around their children. Disagreements about child support remain among the most common of such disputes. It is not because one or both parents do not want to support their kids; rather it is more about the fair and proper...
Divorce is expensive, typically costing individuals thousands if not tens of thousands of dollars in expenses even before considering the financial impact of splitting all of your possessions with your spouse. Trying to keep costs low is a practical concern for many people. Some people make the riskiest decision in...
When considering divorce, you do want to keep in mind that every situation is unique. You may know 10 people who have gotten divorced already, and your reasons for doing so may be different than those cited by all 10 of them. You also have unique assets, debts, child custody...
Married couples in the Wexford area may have earned their living together by co-owning a family business. However, even though they may have seen lucrative financial success as business owners, their marriage may not have been as successful, and they may eventually decide to divorce. When this happens, it is...
You love your children. There’s no dispute there, and everything you want to do during this divorce process should be focused around that love. You want to give them the best possible outcome and make this as easy on them as you can. That said, parents sometimes unintentionally make mistakes...
Ending a marriage can shake up your immediate personal and financial plans. Without proper planning, divorce can also impact your life many years in the future by depleting your retirement savings. Divorce and retirement savings Undergoing divorce may be costly, make it harder to save money and reduce household income...
When a Pennsylvania couple gets engaged, they are often full of anticipation and excitement for their future together. Wedding planning can take years, involving lots of venue shopping, wedding dress shopping, interviewing photographers, etc. Despite all the planning a couple puts into their wedding, they may also want to think...
Parents in the Wexford area who have divorced generally have a child custody and visitation plan in place that allows them both to spend quality time with their child. However, sometimes a parent will want to move out of the Wexford area to another part of Pennsylvania or perhaps to...
Raising a child is rewarding; however, it is a part of a parent’s life that generates many costs. While many parents in Pennsylvania are able to split the costs fairly because they are raising the children together as a unit, this can evolve into a challenging task for those parents...
Prenuptial agreements appear in media reports describing how celebrities agreed to divide their assets when they divorce. But many more couples can benefit from these property division contracts. If couples never entered a prenup before marriage, they may agree to a postnuptial agreement after they marry to serve as insurance...
In the movies and on the television, the divorce process is often depicted as high conflict and emotional. While divorcing a spouse, no matter the length of a marriage, is an emotional event, it does not need to be filled with conflicts over each and every decision required by the...
Child custody disputes can be highly contentious. This is understandable. After all, the outcome of any singular child custody issue can completely change your relationship with your child. If that makes you nervous, then you need to be prepared before stepping to the negotiation table or into a courtroom to...
When two people get married, they often build a life together by buying property and accumulating assets. If the couple later decides to go their separate ways, the process of property division can be contentious. In Pennsylvania, courts use equitable distribution laws to determine who gets what in the divorce....
Couples join their lives during their marriage. This includes entangling property and assets that must be divided if they ever divorce. Seeking a fair and property division under Pennsylvania law is an important part of having financial security after divorce. In Pennsylvania, any property that was obtained during marriage is...
Spring is tax preparation season, even with the recent filing extensions. This year, spouses who went through a divorce must deal with a new federal tax law that governs filing status and support payments. Classification as married or single affects a taxpayer’s filing status and, potentially, their tax deductions or...
When a Pennsylvania couple divorces and they have children, the care of the child and meeting his or her best interests becomes paramount. While that includes having a home, proper clothing, education, food and extracurricular activities, it is also imperative that the child has medical coverage. There could be misunderstandings...
Child support is a family law topic that may accompany a Pennsylvania divorce. Like dividing up property and planning child custody arrangements, establishing financial support parameters for a child might be required of two parents when they choose to dissolve their relationship. However, even though many child support cases arise...
For divorcing parents with children, knowing how child custody is determined in Pennsylvania is valuable information to have. Child custody decisions are guided by what is in the best interests of the child but parents may wonder how what is in the best interests of the child is determined. The...
A growing number of people 50 and older in Pennsylvania and throughout the United States are getting divorced. Typically referred to as a “gray” divorce, there are many concerns that come to the forefront in these circumstances. Whereas there are inevitable issues that arise in any divorce, a gray divorce...
Petitioning a Pennsylvania court for modification of a child custody order is possible. It is not uncommon for situations to change in ways that require different arrangement, especially when an initial custody order was made when children were very young. There are certain criteria that must be met for a...
Going through a marital dissolution in Pennsylvania can be a complicated process. When children are involved, the divorce process can become even trickier, especially from an emotional standpoint. However, parents who have decided to get divorced can help to make this situation easier on everybody involved in a couple of...
Ending a marriage can no doubt be a trying experience for couples in Pennsylvania. However, just because two people have decided to divorce does not mean that the experience has to be unbearably stressful. Here are some tips for making the divorce process as easy as possible from the start....
The process of dissolving a marriage can have major financial consequences. This is especially true if the two people who are getting divorced have a large number of assets or have high-value assets. Here are some tips for minimizing the negative impacts of divorce in Pennsylvania. For starters, divorcing individuals...
Going through a marital dissolution poses both monetary and emotional challenges in Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, sometimes, facing divorce and the challenges that come with it is inevitable. Fortunately, though, some tips may help divorcing spouses to tackle these challenges early on in the process. For starters, it may behoove people who...
Going through a marital dissolution in Pennsylvania can unfortunately wreak havoc on a person’s finances. However, making expedient monetary decisions during the divorce process can help to mitigate the negative financial impacts of divorce. Here are a couple of tips for protecting one’s financial interests following divorce. For starters, it...
Many couples choose to create prenuptial agreements these days, especially if spouses have previous marriages or bring children with them. When executed properly, a prenuptial agreement is an excellent tool couples can use to protect their marriage and avoid unnecessary financial and personal tension. However, the law does not allow...
Financial squabbles between married individuals sometimes lead to marital breakups. Unfortunately, divorce can bring on a whole new slew of financial issues. Still, if people who are getting divorced understand how to handle their finances, including any investment accounts they have, they can feel empowered during the divorce process. Here...
Many couples in Pennsylvania have a hard time figuring out when to move forward with marital dissolution if they cannot reconcile their differences. Should they jump into divorce right away, or should they hold off on it and wait to see if things improve? Here’s a rundown on important factors...
Social media platforms are becoming increasingly important parts of people’s lives, including their marriages. Researchers recently said that these platforms are, in fact, causing divorce in many situations. In addition, they are making the divorce process trickier. Let’s take a peek at how social media is affecting marriage and divorce...
When dissolving your marriage, you may understandably be worried about how the process will impact you financially. This is true whether you have a large number of assets to split or have just a few assets. Here is a look at how the state of Pennsylvania treats assets during the...
When the court issues you a child support order, it’s your legal obligation to make payments in full and on time. Neglecting to do so can land you in hot water with the law, while also impacting the relationship between you and your children. However, there are times when a...
Marital dissolution can easily occur in Pennsylvania if two spouses have differences that they simply cannot reconcile. As an example, in many situations, two spouses may not agree on each other’s spending habits. However, the mutual desire to generate cost savings may actually motivate two individuals to get a divorce...
The marital breakup process in Pennsylvania can certainly be tough financially, but it can be especially challenging emotionally. This is particularly the case for the parents of young children who are going through divorce. Fortunately, some tips might help with making this life-altering process more palatable. For starters, when people...
If you and your ex share custody of your child, one of the biggest challenges you face is learning how to co-parent. This is, in some ways, similar to parenting together during your marriage. You need to make important decisions, make sure you communicate well, stay involved with the children...
Getting divorced makes it possible for two married individuals in Pennsylvania to finally break free from each other and move on with their lives. However, research shows that many women still decide to stick with the same financial advisor that the other party used prior to the divorce. In reality,...
Getting divorced is never an easy experience from an emotional standpoint. However, it can also be challenging from a financial standpoint, and this is true whether a couple has few assets or many high-value assets. Here are a couple of important moves to make to protect oneself financially when going...
The process of breaking up with a spouse can certainly have a major impact on an individual emotionally. However, divorce can be just as impactful on the individual’s personal finances, especially if he or she happens to be a parent. For this reason, becoming familiar with one’s finances is critical...
When an individual in Pennsylvania decides to get divorced, it’s natural to experience a range of emotions. A part of the person may feel relieved and ready to move on with his or her own life. At the same time, the individual might feel unsettled, as divorce is inherently a...
Younger individuals today are waiting until they are older to marry, and in the meantime, they are accumulating large amounts of wealth in many cases. In other cases, they are accumulating large amounts of debt. For these reasons, it is a good idea for people in Pennsylvania to create prenuptial...
It’s a conversation you don’t want to have. You dread talking to your children about divorce even more than you worried about asking your spouse for the divorce in the first place. You knew how to have that adult conversation, and you knew what you wanted. But how do you...
According to experts, married couples have an estimated 39% chance of getting divorced in the United States. Unfortunately, divorce can be devastating both financially and emotionally. Here is a glimpse at seven mistakes that can quickly impact one’s finances during a Pennsylvania divorce. First, it is wise to avoid cashing...
One of the top reasons people get divorced is money. This is because finances and stress usually go together, and this issue can affect financially struggling couples and wealthy couples alike. Here is a glimpse at two money-related problems that commonly drive wedges between Pennsylvania couples and spark divorce proceedings....
Keeping a marriage together is no easy feat, especially when a marriage is built on a not-so-sturdy foundation in the first place. In many cases, two people who are married simply cannot make their marriage work, so their only option is to get a divorce. Research shows that couples in...
As a noncustodial parent, there are many things that you need to remember. One is that you need to pay child support if it’s ordered. Child support tends to polarize everyone because one parent may not think it’s fair to have to pay while others think that the paying parent...
As a noncustodial parent, there are many things that you need to remember. One is that you need to pay child support if it’s ordered. Child support tends to polarize everyone because one parent may not think it’s fair to have to pay while others think that the paying parent...
Experiencing a marital dissolution can be traumatic for the entire family. However, approaching the divorce process circumspectly can make it easier for divorcing adults and their children to deal with the ins and outs of the process. Here are a couple of wise moves that people in Pennsylvania may want...
When people go through marital breakups, an area of confusion and contention may be the division of assets. This is particularly the case if one party has amassed a large amount of money in a 401(k) through his or her company. Here is a glimpse at how divorce courts divide...
When two people decide to end their marriage, spousal support may quickly become a source of contention between them. One party may be worried about having to pay too much in spousal support, whereas the other may be concerned about not receiving enough support. Here is a look at how...
The majority of United States laborers qualify for retirement benefits from Social Security. However, many individuals who have gotten divorced in Pennsylvania and elsewhere are unaware of how this can affect their Social Security benefit collection process. Let’s take a glimpse at some key considerations regarding collecting benefits from Social...
Relationships are complicated. After people get divorced, they often look back and say they can’t believe they missed all the signs and red flags. They should have known the relationship would never work. But, while they’re in that relationship, it’s very difficult to see these same signs. Well, here are...
The dissolution of a marriage can no doubt have a major impact on an individual’s life and emotional well-being. For this reason, some individuals may look down on the idea of starting a brand-new career while going through the divorce process. However, jumping into a new job field may be...
During the process of getting a divorce in Pennsylvania, it is natural for two spouses to fight over money. However, in today’s high-tech world, dealing with cryptocurrency, like Bitcoin, when addressing property division is a completely different matter. For this reason, having cryptocurrency as an asset may make a couple’s...
When individuals in Pennsylvania marry early in life, they often expect to stay married for decades. Because divorce is not readily on their minds, they might not think about drafting prenuptial agreements. However, drafting a prenuptial agreement may especially be expedient if two people with significant assets are getting married...
The marital breakup process in many cases is inevitable, and it is often painful for those involved. For this reason, it may not come as a surprise that more millennials in Pennsylvania and elsewhere are opting to develop prenuptial agreements, or prenups, before they get married. In fact, new research...
Child support is an important financial support given to one parent who has their child in their custody more often than the other parent. For instance, if a mother and father share custody but the father has custody 75 percent of the time, the mother may pay child support to...
The dissolution of a marriage in Pennsylvania can understandably be a lengthy and emotionally exhausting process. For this reason, two divorcing spouses can quickly become hostile as they try to settle their divorce. However, two tips might help these parties to make their breakup as quick and amicable as possible....
Sometimes, getting divorced is inevitable if two married individuals have irreconcilable differences. However, the divorce process does not necessarily need to destroy the family members’ relationships. Here are a couple of steps that divorcing spouses can take to minimize the hostility often associated with divorce in Pennsylvania and elsewhere. First,...
In addition to fighting over the children, fighting over shared assets is a common occurrence during the marital breakup process in Pennsylvania, no matter what a couple’s net worth may be. Unfortunately, if a divorcing spouse makes unwise decisions when tackling shared assets, this may come to haunt him or...
When two individuals decide to marry, they generally expect their marriage to last a long time. The reality, though, is that financial problems may quickly cause the marriage to break down. This is why many couples in Pennsylvania are now creating prenuptial agreements before they say their I Do’s. For...
A variety of problems can lead to the end of a marriage in Pennsylvania, but in many marital breakup cases, money is the root cause. Specifically, debt is the issue that drives the two spouses apart. Unfortunately, when two people fight about money during their marriage and thus decide to...
Many Pennsylvania parents will request a child custody modification due to changing life circumstances and — depending on the situation — a family law judge may or may not award such a request. That being said, there is one circumstance in which a court will always agree to the modification:...
In the United States, including in Pennsylvania, people generally dream of getting married and living in marital bliss long term. This is why divorce can be so painful: it is the opposite of the American dream. Unfortunately, between 40 and 50 percent of Americans who are married end up getting...
Dissolving a marriage can easily take a toll on a person from an emotional standpoint. This is particularly the case for any parent of a young child — and especially during the holidays. A couple of tips, however, may help divorcing parents to effectively address the complex combination of the...
Breaking up with a spouse in Pennsylvania is undoubtedly a difficult event for an adult to experience. Still, just as adults can be negatively impacted by divorce, children can also experience the negative effects of divorce. Fortunately, parents can help to mitigate these negative effects in a couple of ways....
The winter holidays are special for many people. It’s a time to go ice skating, drink hot cocoa, build snowmen and … decide to get divorced? While the holidays may seem to represent familial unity, it can often be the final straw for couples who are already experiencing marital stress....
The rate of marital dissolution today is relatively high for individuals under age 50. However, the rate of divorce for people over age 50 has doubled since the early 1990s. Although divorce in Pennsylvania can certainly be tough both financially and emotionally at any age, those who are going through...
Research shows that millennials in Pennsylvania and elsewhere — those who are currently in their 20s — are deciding to stay married. As a result, millennial marriages are lasting a lot longer than the marriages of previous generations did. This, in turn, is causing the national divorce rate to drop...
The dissolution of a marriage can be not only financially but also emotionally difficult on both of the spouses going through it. However, research shows that divorce can be especially tough on men. Here are a couple of reasons why men in Pennsylvania and elsewhere may have a hard time...
Going through the dissolution of a marriage can no doubt be frustrating emotionally. However, it can also be overwhelming from a financial standpoint, especially when it comes to property division. Here are some tips for dealing with the splitting of marital property during a marital break-up in PA. Laws concerning...
Many individuals in Pennsylvania enter marriage with the expectation that they will enjoy marital bliss for many years to come. Unfortunately, sometimes divorce is inevitable. For this reason, creating a prenuptial agreement may be a smart move for couples who are about to marry. A prenuptial agreement allows an individual...
The dissolution of a marriage can easily throw a wrench in a person’s retirement and savings plans. However, these are not the only long-term plans affected by divorce. It is critical that divorcing parents also work out how they plan to cover their children’s college expenses in Pennsylvania. The most...
Divorced couples who share co-parenting duties may struggle to maintain a healthy, productive dynamic and keep focus on the kids. In Pennsylvania, courts determine child custody based on a child’s best interest. This means that if you and a former spouse share legal and/or physical custody of the children, a...
Getting a divorce is never an easy process from a financial standpoint. However, dissolving a marriage can be particularly complicated when a business venture is at the center of a couple’s property division dispute. Still, business owners who have prenuptial agreements in place may best protect their interests during the...
Things are different today for couples who have decided to call it quits. Couples in Pennsylvania who wish to divorce will find the process much less complicated today, and there is less stigma attached to conscious uncoupling. Yet there are still some people who can be labeled divorce-a-phobes, and they...
Marriage and divorce are the most common reasons cited for changing a last name. If you are divorcing your spouse and wish to change your last name, follow these easy steps. File a “Notice to Resume Prior Surname” form at a Pennsylvania county prothonotary office either before or after the...
Dissolving a marriage generally is not a pleasant process, no matter how amicable the two divorcing spouses may be. After all, divorce can impact a couple both emotionally and financially. The financial aspect of divorce can especially be unsettling for those nearing retirement in Pennsylvania. Research has indicated that nearly...
The marital breakup process can be overwhelming due to its many moving parts. Tackling the financial aspect of the divorce may especially be intimidating. However, a few tips may help those going through divorce in Pennsylvania to navigate this type of family law proceeding with confidence. First, it is paramount...
The worst-case scenario during the dissolution of a marriage is for two spouses in Pennsylvania to be at odds about virtually every aspect of the marital breakup. On the flip side, the best-case scenario is for both parties to be in agreement about the divorce. In this situation, they may...
Divorce is an ordeal. During its course, you may find yourself in situations where you lose more than you expected, including custody of your child. It is a terrible feeling to weather the storm of a divorce only to come out with less custody than you fought for. This doesn’t...
When parents decide to separate, one of the biggest questions and disputes that can arise involves the custody of children. In Pennsylvania and across the country, laws are in place to facilitate the needs of children and offer protection. However, it is not uncommon for parents to disagree on child...
The dissolution of a marriage is not an easy process no matter how amicably it may start out. Aside from the children, one of the biggest sources of conflict during divorce is the couple’s finances. A couple of tips may help those going through divorce in Pennsylvania to protect themselves...
The dissolution of a marriage in Pennsylvania is not an easy process by any means. After all, two spouses essentially have to learn how to untangle their intertwined emotional and financial lives — a process that can quickly become messy. A particular aspect of divorce that often leads to conflict...
When two people get married, they generally believe that their marriage will work out. Unfortunately, life does not always go as planned. In the event that divorce is unavoidable down the road, putting together a prenuptial agreement may be a wise move for couples who have yet to walk down...
Divorced or unmarried parents in Pennsylvania will likely confront issues with child support at some point, whether it involves calculating support amounts, modifying orders or something else. If you are in this position, or if you anticipate that you might be at some point, it can be helpful to understand...
Retirement is typically envisioned as a life stage during which a couple in Pennsylvania can finally enjoy some time to themselves. They no longer have to tend to the children, and getting up to go to work is no longer necessary. However, this together time is not always what married...
During a marital breakup in Pennsylvania, one of the most hotly contested matters is property division. Specifically, some spouses may feel that the other party is hiding assets from them. With the increasing popularity of virtual currencies, such as bitcoin, hiding assets during divorce has indeed become much easier than...
Your ex-wife just landed a new job in Philadelphia. Now she wants to accept the position and move five and a half hours away—taking the kids with her. Does she have the right to do this? If you have custodial rights, and the move impacts your custody arrangement, then this...
If you find yourself facing a financially complex divorce, knowing your options before you embark on the journey of marital dissolution can help. Each couple is unique in the length of marriage, children involved and overall status of financial assets accumulated. High asset divorces are no different. The ease or...
Not every divorce has to get ugly or mean, or devastate your finances. If you and your spouse prioritize a respectful divorce, you can achieve it. One of the simplest ways to set the tone for the divorce is to meet with an attorney and discuss your options, specifically exploring...
Going through a divorce when you have minor children at home is rarely easy. You and your ex will have to come to an agreement about parenting matters. If you can do this together now, you are setting the right precedent for your future parenting relationship. As you embark on...
All marriages are going to have their ups and downs. While some couples can work through their problems and come out with stronger relationships, others just were not meant to be. If you feel like you are in a continuous loop and you and your spouse do not seem to...
Several years ago your father passed away and left you a substantial sum of money. Now that you are getting divorced, you are wondering if your future ex-wife is entitled to a portion of it. Getting divorced is a very complicated process, especially when there is property involved. This is...
Nobody gets married with the idea that they will one day go through the divorce process. Even so, this happens to thousands of couples every year. The question of whether to divorce or stay together is never a simple one to answer. On one side of things, you may have...