Blog

7/8/24

How to build a strong parenting plan after divorce

Ending a marriage creates major changes in the lives of everyone involved. However, the impact can be particularly profound for children. Imagine having to face your parents’ separation at an early age, adjusting to living arrangements and schedules that are all new to you. As a parent, navigating this challenging transition with your child can be overwhelming. But by creating a solid parenting plan, you can help provide stability and reassurance for your children. A parenting...

6/11/24

3 things to know about stepparent adoption in Pennsylvania

Stepparent adoption is a relatively common family law matter. People who combine their families may develop close bonds with the children of their spouses. They may eventually want to become the lawful adoptive parent of the child instead of continuing to only be a stepparent. Many people considering a stepparent adoption don’t know what to expect. They may have unrealistic expectations for the process. Reviewing the three facts about stepparent adoption detailed below can help...

6/3/24

Strategies to develop strong co-parenting relationships

For newly divorced parents, the challenge of maintaining a nurturing environment for their children while managing their emotions can be tough. However, the effort to establish a strong co-parenting relationship is crucial, not only for the well-being of the parents but, most importantly, for the child’s development and happiness. Here are some effective strategies to cultivate a healthy co-parenting relationship: Communicate effectively Always keep the lines of communication open. Use clear, concise language and avoid...

5/23/24

Can I adopt my spouse’s child?

Stepparents often form deep emotional bonds with their spouse’s children, leading many to consider stepparent adoption. This legal process solidifies the relationship between the stepparent and the child, granting the stepparent full parental rights. Criteria to legally adopt Stepparent adoption is a legal procedure that establishes the stepparent as the child’s legal parent, effectively severing ties with one biological parent. In Pennsylvania, you must fulfill certain criteria to adopt your spouse’s child. First, you must...

5/17/24

Should you consider collaborative law for your divorce?

By design, the traditional legal system is adversarial, where two sides are fighting against each other and only one party can emerge victorious. This system may work for numerous legal issues, but it may not be effective for family law disputes, including divorce or child custody. This is because in such cases, there is no clear “winner” or “loser,” as both parties stand to gain or lose something depending on the resolution. Instead of aiming...

4/23/24

How can mediation help divorcing couples?

Divorce can be a taxing and difficult process for couples. The two parties can face challenges and disputes that they may struggle to resolve independently. Mediation can be helpful if you want to make the process as peaceful as possible. In Pennsylvania, where 29,101 couples divorced in 2022 alone, the help of a mediator can be valuable. How mediation can help you With the help of a mediator, resolving disagreements can be more straightforward. However,...

4/18/24

What happens to retirement accounts in a Pennsylvania divorce?

The process of preparing for divorce is lengthy and often quite complex. Even couples who commit to cooperating with each other and comporting themselves with dignity may struggle to cooperate when emotions run high. Custody issues are often a trigger for emotional conflict, but financial issues can also lead to disputes between divorcing spouses. Those who recognize the issues that could complicate their divorce proceedings can potentially take steps to reduce the conflict that arises...

4/15/24

How can my children benefit from bird nesting?

Children, especially preteens, are sensitive to changes. Divorce can be particularly challenging as it involves numerous changes, such as new living arrangements or routine adjustments. While navigating these, one concern you may have is maintaining stability for your children while managing your finances. A potential solution to this dilemma is ‘bird nesting’ or ‘nesting.’ Nesting is when the children stay in the family home (the ‘nest’) while the parents take turns living there. This method...

4/15/24

3 reasons a parent may need to file an emergency petition

Resolving custody matters is often a lengthy process. Those going through a breakup or divorce may wait months for a hearing in front of a family law judge. Even those with existing custody orders may need to wait quite some time for a modification hearing to review proposed changes to the custody arrangement. Not all families have the luxury of waiting numerous months to resolve custody issues. There are some scenarios in which a parent...

4/2/24

The difference between traditional divorce litigation and collaborative divorce

A couple facing divorce often fight in a battle of conflicting emotions. Disputes usually surface because of disagreements on child custody, support, property distribution and other arrangements. Separating couples could resolve these disputes extra-judicially, but when you fail to reach an agreement, you could end up fighting in court. Resolving issues in court through litigation The traditional route of divorce is through litigation. When you and your spouse disagree on the terms of your divorce,...