Blog

4/23/18

Now’s the time to talk about your summer parenting plan

As a parent, you know how quickly summer comes, and how quickly it ends. In those precious three months, the stress of keeping kids engaged, busy and properly cared for is hard enough for two parents. For those considering or in the midst of divorce or separation, the stress of summer vacation only intensifies. Now is the time to start discussing your proposed parenting plans, before summer arrives. Wait too long and you could end...

3/23/18

4 mistakes that could jeopardize an amicable divorce

Divorcing spouses aren’t always looking for a fight and dramatic courtroom resolutions. In fact, many people would prefer to make a divorce as quick and painless as possible so that they can focus on the future. In these situations, Refusing to compromise: Not taking the process seriously: Acting out outside of legal proceedings: Not understanding the roles: These and other mistakes can jeopardize cooperative efforts to resolve the various divorce-related matters,...

2/22/18

Negotiating a custody schedule that works for your family

When you cannot negotiate, when you cannot talk, when you cannot reach agreements, then you have war. When it comes to your children, you don’t want to drag them into a war. You’ll want to negotiate. “The greatest victory is that which requires no battle.” ― Sun Tzu, The Art of War Research has shown Collaborative divorce Both spouses commit upfront to resolve all matters without litigating. The process uses a team approach to aid...

2/14/18

Proposed bill seeks to formalize collaborative law in Pennsylvania

If you follow Pennsylvania politics at all, you’ve likely heard much about local redistricting fights and other contentious issues. What you may not have heard about is While many family law firms have been using collaborative law methods for years (including our own), this new bill seeks to formally encode the practice within Pennsylvania. Moreover, it recognizes the valuable contribution this less antagonistic approach to resolving disputes makes within our society. This may leave...

1/9/18

When It’s Time To Seriously Consider Divorce

When you and your spouse first met and fell in love, you probably spent as much time together as possible—getting to know one another, being affectionate and doing activities you both enjoyed. However, after 5, 10 or 20 years of marriage, many couples come to the realization that they not only don’t spend much time with their spouse, but they also may not really want to. Like any close relationship, maintaining a marriage is hard...

12/29/17

5 Tips To Spark Great Communication With Children in Transition

Divorce triggers many changes that can be difficult on the whole family, and especially on children. However, transitions to new living arrangements and schedules can be made easier when parents make communication a top priority. Here are some tips for parents on ways to keep the lines of communication open during this, and any, time of great transition. Observe Observations, is a key part of effectively communicating with your child. Is your son or daughter...

12/8/17

Is Divorce Mediation Right For You And Your Soon-To-Be Ex?

Divorce is traditionally viewed as being a contentious process. Spouses are programmed to view each another as the enemy and to be guarded and wary when forced to interact with one another. In reality, there are plenty of couples who still like and respect their ex, but simply no longer want to be married and view divorce as a mutually-beneficial solution. If this latter description applies to your situation, you may want to consider divorce...

11/27/17

Co-Parenting Troubles—When Disengaging Becomes A Necessity

Articles and literature on co-parenting almost always reference the importance of communication and compromise. To successfully co-parent, it is essential that parents are able to discuss and come to an agreement about a range of issues related to their child and that dialog is ongoing. While the majority of co-parents do their best to navigate the rocky and unpredictable road that is co-parenting, the relationship between some parents is simply too hostile and volatile. What...

11/16/17

Child Support: What Parents In Pennsylvania Need To Know

Children are often unwitting bystanders to their parents’ personal and relationship challenges and, in cases where a child’s parents split without ever marrying or decide to divorce, it’s imperative that a child’s needs continue to be met. Your child deserves to have the financial support of both parents and, to help ensure that this happens, parents are encouraged to take legal action and The process for obtaining child support differs depending on whether or...

11/15/17

Planning To File For Divorce? Do These Three Things Now

Whether you have been married for 3 or 30 years, at some point or another, many married couples experience problems. From financial issues and infidelity to a serious illness or issues with addiction –individuals who experience these and other difficulties in their marriage may eventually come to the decision that a marriage cannot be saved. If you are planning to file for divorce, it’s important to prepare. While many aspects of a divorce won’t be in...