Holidays
Holidays can be stressful for everybody. They can be wonderful and joyous celebrations, but they can also involve lots of planning, preparation and possibly unrealistic expectations. Add the process of divorce or the loss of a loved one into the...[Continue reading]
Holidays and Child Custody
Making arrangements for your children during the holidays can be difficult and can sometimes give rise to conflict. Ideally, we want to spend as much time as possible with our children during the holidays. When parents are separated or divorced,...[Continue reading]
Digital Assets
What are your digital assets? What happens to your digital assets upon your death? Who has the authority to handle your digital assets if you are incapacitated or incapable of managing them? ...[Continue reading]
Attorney’s Fees in Estate Planning
If an attorney is preparing your Will, trust agreement, powers of attorney, etc., you will need to pay him or her. Many attorneys (including me) charge a flat fee for estate planning services. That means you decide what documents you...[Continue reading]
Pros and Cons of the Domestic Relations Office
Some people go through the domestic relations office to establish child support, spousal support or alimony pendente lite orders. Some people make those arrangements without involving the domestic relations office. There are pros and cons to involving or not involving...[Continue reading]
Family Law Issues and Unmarried Couples
Unmarried couples are, by definition, not married. So although they may act like married couples, live like married couples, have families like married couples, in some ways the court system treats them differently. Unmarried couples who end their relationship and...[Continue reading]
What Happens if I Die Without a Will?
If you die without a Will, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has a default plan in place that determines who receives your assets. Dying without a valid Will is called intestacy, so distribution of assets without a valid Will is controlled...[Continue reading]
When Should I Think About Getting a Will?
Assuming you are over the age of eighteen and are of sound mind, you should think about getting a Will right now. Many people think about having a Will prepared when they experience some major life change, such as divorce,...[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]