Articles

Filing for divorce in Pennsylvania involves a series of steps. Here’s an overview of the first step: Step One: Filing the Complaint for Divorce To start your divorce case, you need to file a Complaint for Divorce with the court. This is the legal document that officially begins the divorce process. 1. The Complaint The […]

In Pennsylvania, grandparents can seek custody or visitation rights under certain circumstances. These rights are based on the best interests of the child, but there are specific conditions and standards that govern when and how grandparents can be granted custody or visitation. Grandparent Custody Rights A grandparent can petition for custody if the following conditions […]

In Pennsylvania, the process of dividing property during a divorce is governed by the principle of equitable distribution. However, it’s important to note that “equitable” doesn’t always mean a 50/50 split. The court seeks to divide the property in a fair manner, taking into account a variety of factors. Here’s a breakdown of how the […]

5What Is a Flat Fee Divorce? A flat fee divorce allows you to pay a one-time fee that covers all aspects of your divorce, from the filing fees to attorney fees. Once you pay this fee, the law firm will handle your case from start to finish. This type of arrangement provides financial certainty, as […]

In Pennsylvania, the division of property during a divorce involves two key steps: Marital Property: Marital property is anything acquired during the marriage, including: Separate Property: Separate property is property that is not subject to division and includes: Equitable Distribution: While Pennsylvania is an equitable distribution state, it’s important to understand that “equitable” does not […]

In Pennsylvania, when one spouse files for a fault-based divorce, the other spouse may assert certain defenses to challenge the grounds for divorce. The available defenses to fault-based grounds for divorce include the following: 1. Recrimination: This defense is used in cases of adultery. It can be asserted if the plaintiff (the spouse filing for […]

In Pennsylvania, both parents are legally required to financially support their minor children. Child support is a right that belongs to the child and cannot be waived or modified by parental agreements (e.g., a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement stating that one parent won’t pay child support is void). Key Points About Child Support: Factors for […]

There are three main types of child custody to understand: Jurisdiction for Child Custody: Philadelphia follows the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA), which aims to prevent disputes between states over child custody and visitation. It helps determine which state has jurisdiction over the case. Exclusive Continuing Jurisdiction: Once a court makes an […]

Void Marriages: Voidable Marriages: Effects of an Annulment: Annulment After a Prior Marriage: If a person is found to have been in a valid marriage that was not properly terminated, and the impediment is resolved (such as the prior marriage being annulled or the spouse dying), then the parties may be considered legally married if […]

Alimony refers to payments made to the spouse who is financially disadvantaged after a divorce. There are three main types of alimony: periodic, lump sum, and rehabilitative. Factors for Determining Alimony: When deciding on alimony, the court considers several factors, such as the spouse’s financial situation, earning potential, living standards during the marriage, and the […]