July, 2012 | Pennsylvania Family Law Blog - The Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz Archive

Financial Issues in a Divorce

By Sheryl Rentz on July 25, 2012

A couple deciding to end their marriage and pursue separate paths is always a tough and complex decision; however, the number of complicated issues that may arise during the process of divorce can undoubtedly add additional stress to an already challenging situation. As a Pennsylvania divorce financial issues attorney, Sheryl R. Rentz recognizes how difficult the divorce process is for the parties involved and knows that one of the more contentious issues in a divorce may regard the couple’s financial issues.

For any person who has made the decision to divorce, or is already going through a divorce proceeding, here is more information on three potential financial issues that may arise: Read the rest »

Study Shows Children with Gay Parents Denied Equal Protections

By Sheryl Rentz on July 19, 2012

A new study entitled Securing Legal Ties for Children Living in LGBT Families: A State Strategy and Policy Guide details the current state laws that may put a child in the U.S. at risk and undermine their stability, according to a LGBTQNation.com report. Discriminatory parenting laws in more than 30 states may mean that a child being raised in an LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered) family will be a legal stranger to at least one of his or her parents. The report notes that this lack of legal recognition for LGBT families harms children and may threaten their ability to thrive. An estimated two million children are being raised by gay parents, and most live in states where they are excluded by family law. Read the rest »

What Is a Pennsylvania Child Custody Order?

By Sheryl Rentz on July 11, 2012

A divorce is incredibly difficult for all parties involved, but it can be particularly hard when children are part of the equation. Deciding who will have custody of the children and if it will be joint or sole custody, or establishing child visitation guidelines for the parent who does not have sole custody, can be an especially contentious matter for a divorcing pair; however, there are legal means that can help families reach an amicable agreement. One such way to reach a harmonious agreement is to create a child custody order, which is a legal document that sets the terms and conditions of who has custody of a child.

A child custody order can be beneficial for parents, and some of the advantages include: Read the rest »

Katie Holmes Files for Divorce from Tom Cruise, May Receive Little Money from Settlement

By Sheryl Rentz on July 6, 2012

In a surprise move that left mega movie star Tom Cruise “blindsided and devastated,” Katie Holmes filed for divorce from her husband of five years. According to an MTV.com report, Holmes noted in the divorce filing that her relationship with Cruise had been “irretrievably” broken for more than six months, and the actress is looking to keep divorce proceedings in New York where she and Cruise had been living for the last two years. Holmes has already hired a divorce attorney and may be gearing up for a custody battle over the couple’s six-year-old daughter Suri, though her attorney states her client’s only action currently is for divorce.

The question major news outlets have now been asking is how much Holmes seeks to gain from the divorce. Several media outlets reported that the famous couple had a prenuptial agreement that entitles Holmes to $3 million for every year of marriage; however, reports indicate that this is false and the prenup signed in 2006 essentially cuts her out of a majority of Cruise’s fortune. Holmes has the option of challenging the prenuptial agreement, which can be common when a divorcing couple is in conflict, but sources close to the actress say she’s not about the money as she makes “plenty on her own” and loves to work. Read the rest »