Articles

In Pennsylvania, fault-based divorces require one spouse to prove that the other spouse is at fault for the breakdown of the marriage. The defendant (the spouse being accused of fault) can raise several defenses to challenge the allegations. The following are common defenses used in fault-based divorces: 1. Recrimination: Recrimination is a defense to adultery. […]

Child support in Pennsylvania is a legal obligation that both parents must fulfill to support their minor children. It is considered the right of the child, not the parents, and therefore cannot be waived or altered through private agreements, such as prenuptial or postnuptial agreements. Here’s an overview of the key elements related to child […]

In Pennsylvania, when parents separate or divorce, determining child custody is a key issue. There are several factors to understand when navigating the child custody process, including the different types of custody and how jurisdiction is determined. Here’s a breakdown: Types of Child Custody: Jurisdiction for Child Custody: Philadelphia follows the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction […]

An annulment in Pennsylvania essentially declares that a marriage never existed, unlike a divorce, which ends a legally valid marriage. Key Points of Annulments Void Marriage A void marriage is treated as though it never occurred. It does not need a judicial dissolution. Some examples of void marriages include: Void marriages can be challenged by […]

An annulment essentially declares that a marriage was never valid, unlike a divorce, which ends a legally recognized marriage. AnnulmentsAnnulments are available for marriages that are either legally void or voidable. To determine if a marriage is eligible for annulment, two key factors are considered: the length of the marriage and the presence of children. […]

Alimony is financial support given to the spouse who is at a disadvantage economically. There are three types of alimony: periodic, lump sum, and rehabilitative. Periodic Alimony:Periodic alimony involves regular payments ordered by the court, such as $2,000 per month, until the recipient’s death or remarriage. Lump-Sum Alimony:Lump-sum alimony is paid as a one-time amount […]

In a divorce proceeding in Pennsylvania, particularly in Philadelphia, the division of property is handled in two essential steps: determining what is marital property and equally distributing the marital property. While the process may seem straightforward, it is important to note that “equitable” distribution does not necessarily mean an exact 50/50 split. Step 1: Determining […]

In Pennsylvania, fault-based divorce grounds may be contested with various defenses. These defenses are ways for the defendant (the spouse who is being accused) to argue against the allegations in a fault-based divorce. Here are the most common defenses available: 1. Recrimination 2. Connivance 3. Condonation 4. Collusion 5. Provocation 6. Insanity 7. Consent 8. […]

In Pennsylvania, both parents have a legal obligation to support their minor children, and the court enforces this responsibility to ensure the child’s well-being. Child support is considered a right of the child, meaning that parents cannot agree to waive or reduce the amount of support. Even if they attempt to include such terms in […]

Child custody in Philadelphia can be a complex and emotional process, with several types of custody and jurisdictional factors to consider. Below are key points about child custody in Philadelphia, including the types of custody, jurisdiction rules, and factors that courts use to determine custody arrangements. Types of Child Custody: Jurisdiction for Child Custody: Philadelphia […]