Divorce and Homemakers
You’ve taken care of the house, your spouse, the kids, the pets and pretty much everything else involving your family’s home life. You’ve supported your spouse in his or her career decisions, relying on the partnership you’ve built so that...[Continue reading]
What Should I do with my Will?
You finally had your will prepared and you no longer have that item looming on your “to do” list. Hopefully the attorney who prepared your will gave you specific instructions about what to do with it. If so, you should...[Continue reading]
Trust and Divorce
Individuals starting the divorce process often have problems trusting each other. Sometimes the trust that existed during the marriage was violated by infidelity. Sometimes, trust is eroded due to lack of communication that leads to one or both spouses misinterpreting...[Continue reading]
Who Gets to Keep the Family Pet?
For those who don’t have pets, this may seem like a silly question in the big picture of a divorce. I know first-hand that for many pet owners, this is a very important question that can take on many of...[Continue reading]
The Automatic Two Year Divorce Myth
I’ve had enough clients and other people ask me about the “automatic” two year divorce, that I wanted to address it here. The court does not automatically issue a divorce decree after spouses have been separated for two years or...[Continue reading]
What am I Entitled to?
A lot of clients come to me with the overall question of “What am I entitled to?” In most cases, they mean “What can I expect the financial outcome to be if I get divorced?” and I can appreciate their...[Continue reading]
Why Should I have a Will?
Do you know what happens to your assets when you die without a will? Most people don’t. The state legislature has prepared a default estate plan for us in case we die without a will. Your assets will be passed...[Continue reading]
Do You Need a Cohabitation Agreement?
If you’re cohabitating (living with someone), you need a cohabitation agreement. That doesn’t mean the world will grind to a halt if you don’t have one, but you’re going into this arrangement without a clear understanding of what happens when...[Continue reading]
Using the Domestic Relations Rules
The Domestic Relations child and spousal support guidelines deserve special mention here. Talk about a one-size-fits-all (or none) solution! The PA support guidelines are based on both parents’ net monthly incomes, with virtually no consideration for the parents’ or children’s...[Continue reading]
Why Worry About What My Spouse Needs
If you’re getting divorced, why should you worry about what your spouse (or soon to be ex-spouse) needs? Because it’s going to help you. That’s the self-centered answer. The more you can focus on meeting your spouse’s needs, the more...[Continue reading]