Articles

In Pennsylvania, the division of property during a divorce follows the principle of equitable distribution, meaning the property will be divided fairly, but not necessarily equally. Once the divorce is finalized, the division of property cannot be modified. Here’s how the court approaches the process: Step 1: Identification and Valuation of Marital Property The first […]

What Is a Flat Fee Divorce? A flat fee divorce is a simple way to plan and manage the cost of a divorce. Instead of paying for each stage of the process, such as filing fees and attorney fees separately, a flat fee covers all divorce-related costs from start to finish. After paying the agreed-upon […]

In Pennsylvania, the division of property during a divorce involves two key steps: determining what is marital property versus separate property, and making an equitable distribution of the marital property. Importantly, equitable distribution does not always mean a 50/50 split. 1. Determining Marital Property vs. Separate Property Marital Property: Separate Property: 2. Equitable Distribution: Once […]

In Pennsylvania, fault-based divorces can be contested using various legal defenses. These defenses challenge the grounds for divorce, allowing the defendant (the spouse being accused of fault) to dispute the allegations. The following are common fault-based defenses available in Pennsylvania: 1. Recrimination: 2. Connivance: 3. Condonation: 4. Collusion: 5. Provocation: 6. Insanity: 7. Consent: 8. […]

In Pennsylvania, both parents are legally obligated to support their minor children. Child support is a right of the child, not the parent, meaning parents cannot bargain or waive child support obligations through agreements (such as in prenuptial or postnuptial contracts). Key Points on Child Support: Recent Changes in Child Support Laws: Divorce and Family […]

When dealing with child custody matters in Philadelphia, it’s essential to understand the different types of custody and the factors that affect custody decisions. Types of Child Custody: Jurisdiction for Child Custody: Philadelphia follows the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA), which aims to avoid inter-state disputes regarding custody. Key jurisdictional rules include: […]

An annulment in Pennsylvania voids a marriage, declaring it as never having been valid, which differs from a divorce that ends a legally valid marriage. Annulments apply to marriages that are legally void or voidable. To determine if a marriage may be annulled, consider factors like the marriage’s length and whether children are involved. If […]

Alimony is financial support paid to the spouse who is financially disadvantaged after a divorce. There are three main types of alimony: periodic alimony, lump-sum alimony, and rehabilitative alimony. Factors for Determining Alimony: The court evaluates multiple factors when deciding on alimony: Considerations for Awarding Alimony: The court primarily considers two aspects: (1) the need […]

Paternity issues in Pennsylvania are governed by strong legal presumptions and doctrines designed to protect family integrity. Here’s an overview of the key principles: Presumption of Paternity In Pennsylvania, there is a strong presumption of paternity aimed at preserving family stability. This means that if a child is born to a married woman, her husband […]

When going through a divorce in Pennsylvania, property division involves more than just dividing physical assets like homes or cars. Several factors may influence how the court distributes property, and it’s crucial to understand these additional considerations: 1. Professional Licenses or Degrees 2. Pension Benefits 3. Personal Injury Proceeds 4. Marital Debts 5. Goodwill of […]