On May 8, 2024, after a four-year effort by the Family Law Section, Pennsylvania’s legislature approved the Uniform Family Law Arbitration Act (“UFLAA”), 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. §§ 7371-7398, which will become effective July 7, 2024. The UFLAA received unanimous, bipartisan support throughout the legislative process, and is widely applauded as providing the necessary guardrails to protect the needs of family law participants in this voluntary, efficient, and private alternative dispute resolution process.  As such, the UFLAA is anticipated to enhance the ability of citizens of Pennsylvania to ..read more

In the event of a divorce, parents may have to negotiate a custody agreement. This agreement outlines the rights and responsibilities of both parents concerning their children. It includes details such as who will be the custodial parent, physical custody schedules, holiday vacation schedules, and more. In some cases, the custodial parent might try to deny custody to the non-custodial parent despite having an agreed custody schedule. It is important for both parents to understand what happens if a custodial parent tries to deny custody, so that they can make sure their rights are protected and ..read more

For individuals going through a divorce, an important decision to make is whether or not to return to a prior name. If you want to learn more about the law and the procedures surrounding post-divorce name changes, contact Bunde & Roberts, P.C. Our Pittsburgh name change lawyers can answer your questions and represent you during the process of changing a name in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania Law Regarding Name Changes After Divorce In Pennsylvania, there is no automatic return to a prior name after getting divorced. But, you have  the right to choose to do so. In order to change your name ..read more

It can be extremely difficult to navigate the legal system when your ex-spouse is not paying their court-ordered child support. The idea of having to take legal action against an ex can be daunting, but there are remedies available that you should consider if you find yourself in this situation. If your ex-spouse fails or refuses to pay child support, our Pittsburgh child support lawyers at Bunde & Roberts, P.C., can help. We will help you understand what remedies are available in your specific case to ensure that you get the payments you are owed quickly. Remedies for When Your Ex-Spouse ..read more

As a parent going through a divorce, one of the most difficult aspects of the process can be child custody. In some cases, however, children may express their own preferences over whom they want to live with. But when is your child’s opinion taken into account? Is there a certain age for children to express their own preferences in Pennsylvania? If you are currently going through a divorce or are considering one and share minor children with your soon-to-be-former spouse, you might want to consult with a skilled lawyer at Bunde & Roberts, P.C. Our Pittsburgh child custody lawyers can expla ..read more

Moving to a new area can be a great opportunity, but it can also be complicated if you are a divorced or separated parent with children. This is especially true if the other parent does not consent to the move. In Pennsylvania, there are specific laws that govern relocation with children. Understanding these will ensure that you are following the law and that your children’s best interests are being taken into consideration when making this decision. Contact our Pittsburgh parental relocation lawyer at Bunde & Roberts, P.C., to discuss your unique situation and determine the best course of ..read more

Divorce is often a difficult process, and when your spouse refuses to consent to a divorce decree, it can be even more challenging. If you are considering a divorce in Pennsylvania, it is important to understand your options if your spouse won’t consent or is otherwise reluctant to proceed. If you want to end your marriage but your spouse won’t cooperate, contact our Pittsburgh divorce lawyers at Bunde & Roberts, P.C., for assistance. We can help you navigate the divorce process when your spouse refuses to sign divorce papers and ensure that you get the outcome you want. Obtaining a Divorc ..read more

Going through a divorce can be an emotionally difficult experience. Even if the couple has decided to amicably go about their separate ways, there may still be a question of who gets to keep the family pet. This issue may be a major source of contention during a divorce, but understanding what a court will and won’t do may help couples resolve this issue quickly and peacefully. If you and your soon-to-be-ex-spouse share pets, you might want to schedule a consultation with a Pittsburgh family lawyer at Bunde & Roberts, P.C., to discuss what would happen to your furry friends when you end yo ..read more

A Prenuptial Agreement is an important legal tool that establishes each future spouse’s financial rights and obligations after marriage, and in the event of a separation, divorce or death. Here are some points to consider. If you are considering a Prenuptial Agreement, you should discuss your situation with a knowledgeable attorney. Our Pittsburgh prenuptial & postnuptial agreement lawyers at Bunde & Roberts, P.C., can help you create an enforceable and comprehensive Prenuptial Agreement tailored to your specific goals, needs, and circumstances. Specific Points to Consider Here are som ..read more

It can be incredibly difficult and frustrating if the other parent refuses to return a child after a custody visit. However, if you have a Custody Order or written Custody Agreement in place, there are steps you can take to remedy the situation. If the other parent refuses to return your child, or refuses to abide by the terms of your custody arrangement, reach out to our Pittsburgh child custody lawyer at Bunde & Roberts, P.C., to discuss your options for assistance with enforcement. Each case is unique, which is why it is necessary to consider all relevant factors to know how to best pro ..read more