Blog

11/29/22

When Pennsylvania spouses come to the difficult decision to end the marriage, a host of difficult issues inevitably arise. However, one of the most vexing concerns is likely to be how best to mitigate the emotional and developmental harm the process may do to the children produced by the union. Fortunately, it is possible for divorcing parents to step back, assess the situation honestly and realize that the split may in fact be the best...

11/12/22

Can professional services help your co-parenting journey?

Divorced Pennsylvania parents might struggle to make the relationship work, even when they have chosen to co-parent for the benefit of their children. When these conflicts get in the way of successful co-parenting, they have some professional options that might help them work out their differences. Sometimes parents choose to use these options, such as co-parenting counseling or therapy. Other times, the court might order parents to use services, such as mediation, which the parents...

11/1/22

How should I respond to hostility?

During a divorce, you’ll probably find it necessary to stay on your guard constantly if you want to come out of the experience emotionally unscathed. When faced with hostility from an ex-spouse in Pennsylvania, many have found it helpful to follow the BIFF response guidelines. When you have to work with hostility Ideally, you’d remove yourself from the situation entirely. But that’s not always an option when you have an important matter that has to...

10/31/22

Is it possible to have a successful gray divorce in Pennsylvania

Going through a divorce is difficult under any circumstances, but when both parties are over the age of 50 it can be even more complicated. A gray divorce, as it is sometimes called, can be fraught with emotion and uncertainty owing to the unique challenges that come with it. Thankfully, it’s possible to have a successful gray divorce. Work out your finances Firstly, take some time to work out your finances. This is important for...

10/28/22

A guide to contested custody cases in Pennsylvania

If parents in Pennsylvania cannot agree on their children’s welfare and living arrangements, they will have to go to court and have a “contested” custody battle. In these cases, the judge will make a decision based on what he or she believes is in the best interests of the child and the parent’s rights. Court-appointed Special Advocate (CASA) and Guardian ad Litem (GAL) In Pennsylvania, the court may appoint a special advocate (CASA) to investigate...

10/18/22

Overview: The various types of child custody

When people in Pennsylvania think about child custody, they typically think it refers to with whom the child primarily resides. However, child custody involves more than the parent who has physical custody of the child. It also includes the parent or parents who have decision-making authority, and it can take several forms. Physical vs. legal custody Physical Joint vs. sole custody When a child would be in danger emotionally or physically if placed in...

10/1/22

Divorce versus staying married: A Dilemma worth pondering

In Pennsylvania and across the United States, couples thinking about divorce face practical and emotional issues. Sadness beyond words often occurs when a couple contemplates divorce after many years of marriage. Couples with children face additional difficulties. Divorce often occurs after a spouse has an affair because trust becomes a problem. Consequently, thinking about whether to get a divorce requires exploring the depth of your marriage. An affair on the back burner Paying less attention...

9/17/22

Adult adoption

In Pennsylvania, an adult adoption is any adoption of a person who is 18 years or older. There are many reasons for an adult adoption, and the process for completing these adoptions can be just as complex as child adoptions. Barriers to adult adoption Adult Uses of adult adoption However, there are some legitimate uses of adult adoption. For example, Rare examples include using adoption to provide better care for an adult who is...

9/2/22

Rules of Engagement

Bad marriages can feel suffocating and emotionally exhausting. However, it is possible for the Pennsylvania divorce process to be smooth, easy and less draining by approaching it with the right mindset. Can There be a Good Divorce? A good divorce is one where the parties can quickly agree on key terms, like the financial settlement and child custody, the process is straightforward and without hangups, and the parties don’t have to spend a lot of...

8/30/22

Can ADR methods help you solve a family law dispute?

When it comes to family law disputes in Pennsylvania, many people believe that the only way to get a fair result is through a court battle. However, alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods can provide a more efficient and cost-effective solution than going to court. Mediation Mediation is a process where an impartial third party (the mediator) helps the parties to reach their agreement. The mediator does not make decisions for the parties or give legal...