What to Expect at a Custody Conciliation Conference
The purpose of a custody conciliation conference is, if possible, to reach an agreement regarding custody without going to a hearing before a judge. If you don’t reach an overall agreement, it may still be possible to narrow down the...[Continue reading]
Who is Capable of Making a Will?
The short answer - almost everyone over the age of 18 is capable of making a Will. The law states that you must be at least 18 years of age and of sound mind to make a valid Will. The...[Continue reading]
Challenges to Divorce Agreements
Can you challenge the validity and enforceability of a Marital Settlement Agreement? If so, on what basis and with what probable result? A Marital Settlement Agreement is the legally binding contract between you and your spouse that contains all of...[Continue reading]
What about Attorney’s Fees in Divorce?
If an attorney is representing you in a divorce, custody and/or support action, you will need to pay him or her. Most attorneys (including me) charge an hourly fee, so the total fees depend on the amount of time your...[Continue reading]
Why I Limit My Practice Areas
I cannot be all things to all people and will not try to do so. The practice of law is a huge field and it takes years of practice, after finishing law school, to be competent in a single area...[Continue reading]
Who is a Divorce Master?
A divorce master is an attorney who works for the county, or contracts with the county, to make recommendations in divorce actions. Generally, divorce masters have experience practicing family law and are familiar with the Divorce Code. Some divorce masters...[Continue reading]
Why I Practice Family Law
People (especially attorneys who don’t practice family law and don’t want to practice family law) sometimes ask me why I practice family law and if I like it. The short answer is that I believe my personality makes me well...[Continue reading]
How Will Your Divorce Proceed?
The answer, as with so many legal questions, is “it depends.” It depends on how you and your spouse want your divorce to proceed. You are the only two people who can control the process you use to resolve the...[Continue reading]
How the Domestic Relations Office Works
Each county’s domestic relations office establishes support orders, keeps track of payments and amounts due and handles enforcement of support orders, in conjunction with the county court system. You initiate a support action by filing a complaint with the domestic...[Continue reading]
A New Face at Demmel Law Office, LLC (Part 2)
As many of you already know, when I opened my private practice on July 1, 2013, I was the sole attorney, receptionist, secretary and head dishwasher. On March 2, 2015, Harlee Cuomo joined me as my legal assistant. She then...[Continue reading]