Key Takeaways State law focuses on children’s safety first and foremost, informing the courts’ judgments. In the state of Pennsylvania, courts look at all drug and alcohol use in custody orders. This impacts the amount of time each parent is allowed to have their children. Courts look to see if a parent’s substance abuse prevents …
How Substance Abuse Issues Can Affect Divorce and Custody in Pennsylvania Read More »
Key Takeaways In Pennsylvania, annulment and divorce provide two separate routes that you can pursue to legally end a marriage. Each option has its own precise requirements and allowable justifications. When you decide to annul your marriage, the law pretends that your union was never there. This generally only refers to circumstances in which problems …
Annulment vs. Divorce in Pennsylvania – What You Need to Know Read More »
Key Takeaways A default divorce takes place when one spouse takes the initiative of filing for divorce. If the other spouse does not respond by their court-imposed deadline, the court continues on without them. What you receive is an extremely specific process, with exacting steps outlined—from the initial paperwork preparation through service of the paperwork …
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Key Takeaways There are specific steps under Pennsylvania state law as well as local rules that govern how a divorce is served. Step one, file your complaint with the court. Next, serve the papers to your spouse through an accepted method, like personal service or certified mail. If your spouse has settled down in Pennsylvania, …
How to Properly Serve Divorce Papers in Pennsylvania – A Guide Read More »
Key Takeaways Settlement conferences convene both spouses and their respective attorneys in one room. This provides an opportunity for them to address their specific concerns together like asset division, support arrangements, and custody issues. At these conferences, both parties outline their top priorities. Either a judge or a mediator serves to help guide the parties …
What to Know About Settlement Conferences in Pennsylvania Divorce Read More »
Key Takeaways In Delaware County, a divorce master’s hearing would have you and your spouse meet with a court-appointed master. This professional guides you through settling key matters such as child support, custody, division of assets, and alimony during your divorce. I would show up with my attorney, my spouse would show up with theirs …
What to Expect at a Divorce Master’s Hearing in Delaware County Read More »
Key Takeaways In Pennsylvania, very temporary forms of custody and support orders known as pendente lite orders can be obtained. These orders provide guidelines regarding spousal support and child support/custody during a divorce or separation. You get a plan for child care, where your child lives, and who pays for what before the final court …
Obtaining Temporary Support and Custody Orders in Pennsylvania Read More »
Key Takeaways The discovery process in Pennsylvania contested divorce cases allows both parties to exchange information and evidence before a trial. Through discovery, I’ll help you request documents such as bank statements, evidence of your income through pay stubs or tax returns, and inventories of marital property. You and your spouse exchange this information, so …
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Key Takeaways In Pennsylvania divorce decrees, it’s important to be very specific about who is paying for children’s college expenses. This includes tuition, fees, and other educational expenses post-divorce. College expenses are a hot-button issue for many parents, who desire explicit terms laid out in the decree. This can create confusion when it’s time to …
Divorce Decrees and College Expenses in Pennsylvania Read More »
Key Takeaways It’s important to understand that many retirement accounts can be affected by divorce settlements. QDROs let you or your ex-spouse get a share of a 401(k) or pension plan as part of a divorce deal. Pennsylvania courts rely on these orders to ensure equitable distributions and payments for both parties from retirement wealth. …
