Pennsylvania Family Law Blog

The New Jersey Supreme Court recently ruled on the question of Palimony and when it is deemed ‘appropriate’ in the eyes of the law. The court ruled that two people don’t have to live together for one to receive palimony when the relationship ends. Specifically, the court determined that living together is not essential, rather, “it is the promise to support, expressed or implied, coupled with a marital-type relationship, that are the indispensable elements to support a valid claim for palimony.

The court rejected the bid of a woman to collect from a married man with whom she had a 20 year affair, finding they did not have a marital-type relationship. The pair was found to have more of a ‘dating relationship’, since they didn’t share housing, finances or property or ever present themselves as a couple in public. The ruling was made despite the fact that during the affair, the man promised to divorce his spouse and even have a child with the woman he was having the affair.

Undoubtedly, this question will be debated in state courts throughout the country. As each state decides when and where the confines of a ‘marital type’ relationship are defined, the need for a competent divorce and palimony law attorney will become even greater. Sheryl R. Rentz, divorce law attorney, has offices in Pennsylvania. We offer a free consultation with Sheryl R. Rentz regarding any divorce related matter. We have years of experience dealing with Pennsylvania law when it comes to the issue of divorce and alimony.

Whatever your situation, if you are involved in a divorce proceeding in Pennsylvania or require the assistance of an attorney for any of your family law needs, do not hesitate to contact the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz, PC for a free consultation. Our office has years of experience handling divorce cases and can assist you in any of your alimony issues. Please contact us today to have qualified and aggressive legal representation on your side immediately.

A recent article by Dianna Marder of the Philadelphia Inquirer details the lack of validity of marriage ceremonies performed by individuals who were ordained online in Pennsylvania. According to the article, some of the marriages are being invalidated on the grounds that the wedding officiant is unqualified. Online ordinations fail to provide these “e-ministers” with “a regularly established church or congregation” as the law requires.

The ruling, which was originally made in the Pennsylvania divorce case of Dorie Heyer of York County, PA., could have sweeping effects on many marriages in the state of Pennsylvania. If a state appellate court were to uphold the ruling, couples across Pennsylvania could find their marriages invalidated. Benefits such as Social Security and disability distributions could be challenged. Insurance companies could demand repayment of benefits paid for the hospitalization of the insured’s spouse, and heirs could find themselves with no legal standing in probate court.

Even if the ruling is overturned in appellate court, the legality of online ordinations appears to be in jeopardy. In an attempt to “protect the sanctity of marriage”, State Representative Stan Staylor (R., York) has a bill that would bar anyone ordained online or through the mail from officiating at weddings – even if they have established congregations.

Sheryl R. Rentz is a licensed and qualified Pennsylvania divorce law attorney with years of experience in the complex area of Pennsylvania divorce law. She is a member of the Pennsylvania and New Jersey Bar Associations as well as the Montgomery County. With the ever changing landscape in the arena of family law in Pennsylvania, it is important to hire an experienced divorce lawyer to insure your interests are fully represented.

Marriage laws vary in each state, as do the laws surrounding divorce and dissolution of partnerships. The process can have serious legal ramifications that could cost you financially for your life and if children are involved then the issue becomes even more complex. The Law Office of Sheryl R. Rentz, P.C. has years of divorce law experience that you can trust. We are one of the few law firms offering free evaluations so call or contact us today with no obligation on your part. We are ready to answer any and all of your Pennsylvania Divorce Law questions.

This is an example of a dramatic divorce proceeding that has escalated into a domestic violence case. Kimberly L. Donaghy, wife of the former NBA referee charged in a betting scandal Tim Donaghy, has filed for a restraining order against her husband, who she said verbally and physically abused their children. Donaghy revealed in court papers that her husband threatened to hit her and abused their four children. The Donaghy’s, who are going through a divorce, had been married since 1995.

“I am scared for myself and my children.” Kimberly Donaghy wrote in court papers. “He is going to snap.”

Tim Donaghy, 41 was the centerpiece of a betting scandal that rocked the NBA last year when it was revealed that he provided betting picks to gambling associates based on information he was privy to because of his position as an NBA referee. It was also revealed at that time that Donaghy was an avid gambler himself and authorities allege he bet on games that he officiated. Donaghy plead guilty to charges he conspired to engage in wire fraud and transmitted betting information through interstate commerce. He faces a maximum of 25 years in prison when he is sentenced in April.

Going through a divorce in Philadelphia can be a complex and emotionally devastating event in anyone’s life, but when children are involved, matters can become even more complicated. In light of the recent alleged physical confrontation, Kimberly Donaghy is asking for $2,000 a month in temporary alimony from her husband, and wants a judge to prevent him from coming within 500 feet of the couple’s home, her workplace, and the children’s schools.

In order to file a restraining order in Pennsylvania under the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act (PDVA) several important steps must be taken. The abused must appear before a court of law and file several documents with them. A judge will then see the person and hear their side of the story and be presented with any evidence that may sway their decision. The abused must convince the judge that their partner is a danger to the health of the abused partner or the couple’s children.

The Law Office of Sheryl R. Rentz, PC has years of experience in handling child custody, divorce, alimony, and Pennsylvania Domestic Violence cases. While the specifics of every divorce proceeding is different, a common thread exists: each one should be handled with the utmost respect and professionalism. If you or a loved one is facing a divorce in Pennsylvania do not hesitate to contact the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz, PC, even if just for a first free consultation on how you should proceed. Our office is always upfront about potential outcomes and fees. Contact us immediately with any and all of your questions.