Blog

4/2/15

Divorce can factor into a Pennsylvania couple’s benefits

For many, Social Security benefits are a much needed source of support as they age. When a If a marriage lasted for 10 years or more, a person can claim benefits based on the earnings history of an ex-spouse. This holds true as long as the person seeking Social Security benefits is single. If a marriage lasted less than 10 years, there is no way to claim any Social Security benefits related to the...

3/24/15

The divorce process can entail much more than end of marriage

The decision to divorce may not ever be an easy one to make. It can entail a great deal of gut-checking and even pre-planning before anyone even files. However, once the divorce process begins for Pennsylvania couples, those couples may benefit from learning how a divorce can entail much more than simply ending a marriage. Indeed, there are many ways to go about a peaceful, less stressful and smooth dissolution of a marriage. If there...

3/17/15

Fate of pets may be concern during a divorce

Once a couple decides to pursue the dissolution of a marriage, there are many decisions to make as one household becomes two. The process of dividing property and drafting a custody agreement can be daunting. For Pennsylvania couples who share beloved pets, the process of deciding who will get the pets or how to handle the fate of pets during While pets may be cared for and loved as much a child, they are still regarded...

3/11/15

Thinking long-term about finances when going through a divorce

When a couple is in the midst of a When a couple has to decide what to do with a marital home, the decisions made may be based more on emotion than smart financial planning. Before deciding to pursue ownership of the home or walk away from a property, long-term equity implications should be considered. It should also be considered if keeping the home is something one partner can handle financially when the dust...

3/3/15

The adoption process may get complicated for families

Adoption is a highly personal and emotional part of family law. The adoption process itself may be very complicated for Pennsylvania families to understand or work through. Different types of adoption may prove more challenging than others, particularly when it comes to same-sex parent adoption in Pennsylvania. Adoptions in Pennsylvania vary based on county. This is why it is important to understand the unique regional requirements. Same-sex adoption may involve adopting a partner’s or spouse’s...

2/23/15

Divorce negotiations continue for billionaire couple

The process of dissolving a marriage can be complex for any couple. The Mr. Griffin filed two petitions as a means of disputing his wife’s petition to nullify the prenuptial agreement they signed before marriage. The wife, Anne Dias Griffin, says she was coerced into signing the agreement. Mr. Griffin believes the amount of support his wife claims is necessary to support the three children is more for her benefit rather than the children’s...

2/17/15

Pennsylvania county to offer amnesty to those owing child support

When there is a failure to pay The program gives parents who are behind the chance to turn themselves in without fear of arrest. The cases are then heard individually and reviewed. The reasons for not being able to pay can be addressed, and a warrant for arrest can be dismissed based on the review. The amnesty program has been used in past years and positive results have been garnered. Those who are behind...

2/11/15

Technology may help smooth child support problems

One area of family court that can lead to a lot of contention is cases involving There are now programs and apps that can track expenses, be a resource for receipts and let a parent know exactly what specific funds are being used for what. Some of these programs can now be ordered by a family court judge. The apps and programs can be free to use, and one that is gaining in popularity...

2/3/15

Man faces jail time over child support nonpayment

Whenever a person is legally identified as the parent of a child, that person is typically obligated to pay support if he or she is the noncustodial parent. However, this obligation to pay child support for a child is not always so cut and dried. Pennsylvania parents may be interested in the recent case of a man facing jail time over failure to pay child support for a child he did not father. The man...

1/27/15

Pennsylvania couples need to consider money in divorce

Every couple may face money issues and decisions at one time or another. When that couple is planning to The first thing experts recommend is that each party do a credit check. If left unchecked, shared debts can stay the responsibility of each party and adversely affect one person compared to another. Another vital step is to evaluate life insurance plans. In fact, all insurance policies should be re-evaluated to reflect the split. Retirement...