Pennsylvania Family Law Blog

Pennsylvania State Senate Democratic Leader Robert J. Mellow’s ex-wife wants a share of all the additional money he has been earning as a director on the Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania board and others since their divorce, according to this news report. Diane Mellow made the demand in a court petition asking to increase her alimony in Pennsylvania. Robert and Diane Mellow were married in August 1966 and were divorced in November 2006.

According to their divorce agreement, Mellow agreed to pay his ex-wife a monthly alimony of $2,600 with $150 a month increases on each anniversary of when the alimony payments began. However, Diane Mellow now contends that things have changed now because the senator has been earning a lot more because of his involvement with various boards. At question is whether the divorce agreement can be modified. Robert Mellow’s attorney says that cannot be done because his ex-wife signed the settlement knowing that its terms would be final. Diane Mellow’s attorney says that state law allows for an adjustment in alimony if the circumstances of either person changes substantially for an extended period.

When it comes to divorce and alimony, there are many issues that can affect your life in the long term. If you are going through a divorce, you know that alimony, property distribution, child custody and child support are significant matters. You need a skilled Pennsylvania divorce attorney to make sure you get a fair settlement whether you are the one paying the alimony or receiving it. Whatever your situation, please call the Law Office of Sheryl R. Rentz for a free consultation. Our experienced and skilled family law attorneys will work hard to make sure your case has a positive outcome.

A law, which passed recently, revises New Jersey alimony and inheritance laws to make sure people found guilty of abuse, murder and other crimes are not able to receive alimony and inheritance benefit payment. According to this news report, the bill is broken into two sections. With regard to alimony payments, the bill prevents anyone convicted of an attempted murder from receiving alimony from their intended victim. Such victims will also not be responsible for covering the cost of divorce court fees. Prior to this bill’s passage, the divorcing spouse must cover the expense of the other person’s attorney’s fees.

This New Jersey law also eliminates a parent’s right to inherit from their deceased child’s estate if they were found guilty of abandonment or of refusal to acknowledge, sexual assault, endangering the welfare of that child or attempted murder. This law needed to be passed in the interest of fairness and justice. To think that a person can physically harm or try to kill a spouse and then expect to receive alimony payments or an inheritance from that person goes beyond unfair. It is unconscionable.

There are many issues to be factored in with regard to a Pennsylvania divorce case. This is a complex area of the law and if you are going through it, it is a complicated and stressful time for you. An experienced Philadelphia divorce lawyer from the Law Office of Sheryl R. Rentz can help you compile the evidence, arguments, demands, investigations and other papers needed to file for your divorce. Whatever issues are involved – be it child custody, child support, alimony or any divorce-related issue – we can help. Call us today for a free consultation.

Mel Gibson’s wife of nearly 30 years – Robyn Gibson – has filed for divorce, according to this recent news report. Gibson cited “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for the split from the 53-year-old Gibson. The couple has had seven children since their marriage in 1980. Any divorce settlement in their case would be the most expensive in Hollywood history. Gibson’s assets are estimated at around $900 million. California law states that community property and earnings shall be divided 50/50 in divorce cases where there is no pre-nuptial agreement in place.

Be it a celebrity who has millions or billions in assets or an average individual, divorce proceedings are never easy. No matter who you are, divorce is complicated because of the emotions and the people involved. There are usually children involved as well, which makes it even more contentious and emotional.

Some divorces could end without a trial, but many divorce proceedings involve extensive and rigorous negotiations including those involving financial issues. It is impossible to negotiate such issues without a qualified and experienced Philadelphia divorce lawyer on your side, fighting for your rights and giving you comprehensive information every step of the way. Our attorneys have the resources to perform extensive investigative work in your case and provide expert witness evaluation as well.

You cannot afford to take a chance with your divorce case because it is too important and too serious. The outcome of your case could not only affect you for the rest of your life emotionally and financially, but also your children and other family members. If you are facing a divorce in Pennsylvania, please call the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz for a free consultation. We would be happy to give you an honest evaluation and answer your questions.