Blog

9/17/22

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...

8/19/22

Understanding effective co-parenting

Even if Pennsylvania parents are not together, they are usually both committed to raising healthy, emotionally secure children. When both parents are involved in raising their child together the process is called co-parenting. Defining co-parenting Many people assume the meaning of co-parenting is divorced parents sharing parenting responsibilities equally. However, co-parenting does not actually mean equal responsibility between the parents. If both parents are raising a child together, when they are not actually involved with...

8/5/22

Building a healthy co-parenting relationship

Pennsylvania law generally allows both parents to have a relationship with their kids after a divorce. Therefore, your former spouse will remain a part of your life for many years to come if you share children. Making that time as pleasant as possible will benefit everyone. Respect Showing respect for your former partner is a sign that you’re in a healthy Communication The ability to communicate openly and honestly is another important sign of...

8/5/22

How to become successful co-parents

Co-parenting has many challenges. However, parents in Pennsylvania who want to ensure that they are successful as co-parents and offer their children a healthy, stable environment to grow up in can achieve this by developing a positive relationship with each other and respecting and encouraging their child’s bond with the other parent. Positive relationship When parents choose to Clear boundaries When parents are focused on Love and support Successful co-parents also understand that...

7/21/22

Child custody laws in Pennsylvania

While marriage can be a wonderful and fulfilling life event for many, they don’t always work out. Divorce often requires parents to make custody arrangements for their children. Pennsylvania custody regulations ensure that the child’s well-being is the main factor used to determine custody. Pennsylvania’s child custody laws Family law statutes pertaining to When the courts award child custody, they will consider the child’s best interests to make a ruling. If the parents do...

7/8/22

What you need to know about stepparent adoption

Stepparent adoption occurs when a parent marries a new spouse and that spouse becomes the legal guardian to their stepchild. This form of adoption is common in the U.S., but the procedures can vary according to the state you live in. Here are the basics of stepparent adoption in Pennsylvania. What is stepparent adoption? Stepparent adoption Requirements for stepparent adoption In order for a stepparent to adopt a child, the noncustodial parent must consent to...

6/30/22

How can I communicate with my child’s other parent?

In Pennsylvania, both parents generally have custody or visitation rights to their children. Therefore, if you share a child with your former partner, you will likely need to communicate with this person for many years after the relationship ends. How will you communicate with this person? If you have an What will you talk about with your child’s other parent? Ideally, you will only talk about issues related to your child when communicating with...

6/22/22

Alternatives to alternating weeks co-parenting

Alternating weeks is a custody plan that may sound good in theory but has been shown to have its faults when put into practice. When creating a custody plan in Pennsylvania, the alternating week schedule is the simplest option at face value, but the logistical difficulties of a 50/50 co-parenting tend to come out when the plan is enacted. Why an alternating week schedule often doesn’t work Separation anxiety is common for children and even...