Child custody battles can be emotionally draining and stressful for all parties involved. Parents often find themselves consumed by fear, anger and resentment during this challenging time. Maintaining a positive attitude can make a significant difference in the outcome of a custody case. It is important to understand how your attitude can impact the proceedings and ultimately influence the court’s decision. Navigating a dispute First, a positive attitude can help you deal with a custody dispute more effectively. When you approach the custody battle with a calm and optimistic mindset, you are b ..read more

Deciding to end a marriage is one of the most challenging decisions someone can face. It often comes after much contemplation, emotional turmoil and efforts to salvage the relationship. While some couples manage to resolve their differences and rebuild their relationship stronger than before, for others, divorce becomes the only viable option for regaining peace and happiness. This turning point typically arrives after recognizing that the relationship no longer contributes to the well-being of either partner. The question of whether it is time to file for divorce is deeply personal and varies ..read more

When the family of an adopted child is going through a divorce, it is often up to the court to decide which parent will get custody. In these situations, the court must carefully consider the child’s best interests while navigating the legal process. Various factors come into play as the court determines the best custody arrangement in this situation. Best interests of the child The primary consideration in custody decisions is the best interests of the child. The court strives to create custody arrangements that will promote the minors’s happiness, security and overall well-being. Before maki ..read more

When a divorce involves significant assets, the stakes are exceptionally high. Avoiding common missteps makes the process smoother and facilitates a fair outcome for both parties. Anyone ending a high-asset marriage should be extra cautious to sidestep these pitfalls. Mistake 1. Not understanding the financial picture In marriages with considerable resources, one partner often handles the finances. The spouse not controlling the pocket strings needs a clear, unbiased overview of the money situation. This means knowing about all the couple’s assets, debts, income and expenses. Collecting statem ..read more

Divorce is an emotionally challenging time. When high net worth people become involved, the complexities can extend beyond the emotional realm. One aspect that often gets overlooked is the impact of divorce on taxes. Those with a high net worth should understand how high-asset divorce can affect one’s taxes. Division of assets and alimony During a high-asset divorce, the division of property and assets can have significant tax implications. It is important to understand that transferring assets between spouses may trigger tax liabilities. For example, selling stocks or real estate can result i ..read more

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported the Pennsylvania divorce rate in 2021 was 2.4 per 1,000 people. Each divorce can occur in different ways, but it does not always have to be combative. In Pennsylvania, couples have the option to pursue a no-fault divorce. To do this, there are specific requirements to meet. Mutual consent A no-fault divorce can occur if both parties agree that the marriage is irretrievably broken. Mutual consent is the key to a no-fault divorce because it does not allow for placing blame on each other. Both spouses must file an Affidavit of Consent to aff ..read more

WHTM revealed crime reports in Pennsylvania in 2022 numbered 309,981. Many people have a criminal past, but when it comes to child custody matters, that past could come back to haunt a parent. A criminal conviction can significantly influence the outcome of custody proceedings. But in some cases, it may have little impact. Understanding the role of convictions in child custody determinations is helpful when navigating the process. Case-by-case consideration It is important to realize that the primary focus of any child custody decision is the best interests of the child. When a parent has a cr ..read more

Before people get married, they have a lot to think about. Many couples opt for prenuptial agreements that they sign at least a few months before the wedding. These agreements outline the division of assets and responsibilities in the event of divorce. While they are generally valid in Pennsylvania, certain circumstances can render them invalid. 1. Lack of full financial disclosure Pennsylvania has 5.4 marriages and 2.4 divorces per 1,000 people. For couples with prenups, one element of the agreement’s validity is the complete disclosure of financial information by both parties. Failure to pro ..read more

High-asset couples in Pennsylvania typically possess a diverse portfolio of assets. These assets often play a major role in the complexities of divorce proceedings. Jewelry is an asset that may come into play as marital property. Evaluating its worth is necessary for fair property division. Professional appraisal services Jewelry appraisers can evaluate the quality, rarity and market value of jewelry items such as bracelets, necklaces, earrings and rings. Certified appraisers can offer a fair and unbiased assessment. This provides a credible basis for negotiation or litigation. Market conditio ..read more

Gray divorce, a term referring to the dissolution of a marriage involving individuals over the age of 50, continues to rise. While ending a marriage at any age can be emotionally taxing, gray divorce can present unique financial challenges. 1. Property division In a gray divorce, the equitable division of assets can be a complex process. Pennsylvania is an equitable distribution state, meaning that the distribution of marital property is fair though not necessarily equal. Assets acquired during the marriage are typically subject to division, which may include real estate, retirement accounts a ..read more