Articles

Calculating Child Support Pennsylvania’s guidelines assess the reasonable needs of the child and the payer’s ability to provide support, focusing on net income and other available resources. Courts also look at various factors, including: Private school or specialized education costs may be included if deemed reasonable, particularly when a child’s special needs require it and […]

In Pennsylvania, child custody generally falls under three primary categories: Jurisdiction for Child Custody Philadelphia follows the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA), which aims to prevent conflicts between states regarding initial child custody determinations and any modifications. Under this law: Exclusive Continuing JurisdictionThe court issuing the initial custody order retains exclusive jurisdiction […]

Void Marriage A void marriage is treated as though it never happened, requiring no formal decree to end it. Examples include: A void marriage can be challenged by the spouses themselves or a third party. In Pennsylvania, for instance, a parent or guardian can petition to void a minor’s alleged common-law marriage before the minor […]

Factors Influencing an Alimony AwardWhen determining alimony, courts will generally consider: Key Considerations for Granting AlimonyCourts weigh two main points when awarding alimony: the disadvantaged spouse’s need and the other spouse’s financial capacity. While fault is sometimes considered in alimony decisions, it typically does not affect how marital property is divided unless marital assets were […]

Legal Effects of Adoption Termination of Parental RightsBefore an adoption can proceed, the biological parents’ legal rights must be terminated, either voluntarily or involuntarily. A parent’s rights cannot be terminated solely because of environmental issues beyond their control (for example, inadequate housing, lack of income, or limited access to clothing or healthcare). Procedure for Termination […]

Alimony is paid to the “economically disadvantaged” spouse.  There are three types of Alimony: (1) periodic alimony; (2) lump sum alimony; and (3) rehabilitative alimony. ●        Periodic Alimony: Factors for Determining Alimony:   When determining alimony, the court will consider several factors including these:   Considerations for Awarding Alimony: The court will make two primary […]

Pennsylvania upholds a strong presumption of paternity, supporting the idea of preserving the family unit. For instance, a child born to a married woman is presumed to be the child of the woman and her husband. This presumption holds if the marriage was intact when paternity was questioned and if the husband has taken on […]

When dividing property in a divorce, several factors are taken into account, including: (1) Professional Licenses or Degrees; (2) pension benefits; (3) personal injury settlements; (4) marital debts; (5) goodwill; (6) future interests; (7) tax consequences; and (8) alimony or spousal support. Professional Licenses or Degrees:While a professional license or degree itself is not considered […]

When modifying a custody order, the primary focus is always on the best interests of the child. There is no strict requirement to show a “change in circumstances,” but any significant changes can be used as a basis for the court to consider the child’s best interests. The court will prioritize factors affecting the child’s […]

In Pennsylvania, there are two basic requirements for a ceremonial marriage: (1) obtaining a marriage license and (2) having a ceremony or solemnization. In addition to ceremonial marriages, Pennsylvania previously recognized common-law marriages, but as of January 1, 2005, such marriages are no longer permitted. However, common-law marriages established before that date are still recognized. […]