Articles

In Pennsylvania, there are two main requirements for a ceremonial marriage: (1) obtaining a marriage license and (2) having a ceremony or solemnization. Additionally, Pennsylvania recognized common-law marriages before January 1, 2005. However, after this date, common-law marriages are no longer valid. Common-Law Marriage Requirements (Pre-January 1, 2005): Important Notes: Divorce Lawyer R. Badet is […]

In Philadelphia, a divorce can either be uncontested or contested. An uncontested divorce occurs when both spouses agree on ending their marriage and its terms, requiring minimal involvement from the court, which only needs to formalize the agreement. As a result, uncontested divorces are generally quicker and less expensive. On the other hand, a contested […]

In Pennsylvania, courts must have both subject matter jurisdiction and personal jurisdiction over the individuals involved in a divorce case. The court can grant a divorce on an ex parte basis if it has personal jurisdiction over at least one party. However, to address property division, spousal support, child support, or custody issues, the court […]

Step One: The Notice to Defend, Complaint, and Verification (Form 1)A divorce case is initiated by filing a “Complaint.” Along with the Complaint, two additional forms must be included: the “Notice to Defend and Claim Rights” which should be attached at the top, and the “Verification” which must be attached at the bottom. The Complaint […]

If the court believes it is in the child’s best interests, it may grant custody to a grandparent under the following conditions: Presumptions in Child Custody Cases Visitation Rights Third-Party Visitation Grandparents’ Visitation Enforcement of Visitation Orders Contempt for Violating Custody and Visitation OrdersA party who willfully disobeys a custody order may face contempt charges. […]

After identifying and valuing marital property, the court will divide it equitably; it’s important to note that “equitable” doesn’t always mean an equal 50/50 split. Once the divorce is finalized, the division is final and cannot be changed. The court will use several guiding principles when dividing property equitably, including: (1) transmutation, and (2) co-mingling. […]

What is a Flat Fee Divorce? A flat fee divorce offers a predictable cost for your divorce, unlike standard proceedings. You pay a single fee, which covers all divorce-related expenses, including filing and attorney fees. After paying this one-time fee, the firm manages the entire divorce process until completion. The cost varies depending on the […]

In a divorce in Pennsylvania, the division of property follows two main steps: Marital Property: Separate Property: Divorce Lawyer R. Badet is a skilled divorce attorney who is committed to guiding clients throughout the divorce process. Whether handling straightforward or complex divorces, spousal support, child support, or child custody matters, he has the expertise to […]

There are several defenses available in fault-based divorce cases, including: (1) recrimination, (2) connivance, (3) condonation, (4) collusion, (5) provocation, (6) insanity, (7) consent, and (8) justification. Divorce Lawyer R. Badet is an experienced divorce attorney committed to assisting clients throughout the divorce process. His practice includes handling simple and complex divorces, spousal support, child […]

Calculating Child Support: Pennsylvania follows standard guidelines to determine child support amounts, considering both the child’s needs and the payer’s ability to pay. These guidelines are based on the parties’ net incomes and other earnings. Factors Courts Use to Calculate Child Support: Note: Child support includes reasonable educational expenses based on the child’s needs and […]