Pennsylvania Family Law Blog

When the difficult decision is reached to divorce your spouse, you may not know what to do next. At this time, it is crucial to find a Pennsylvania divorce attorney to help ensure that your legal rights are fully protected once the divorce process begins. Because divorce can be one of the most painful and complicated chapters of a person’s life, it is important to have an experienced lawyer fighting on your behalf.

When you contact a law office to schedule your initial meeting, make sure you will be meeting with the attorney themselves, not an assistant. A skilled attorney will be able to answer any questions you have about the divorce process in Pennsylvania, and you will be able to discover if they are the right attorney for you during the meeting.

There are a few items you should plan to bring that will help the meeting run smoother and be more productive. Bring your tax returns, a list of your assets and any liabilities, bank and credit card statements, a mortgage statement, if applicable, and any investment statements.

Topics that are typically covered during initial consultations include whether mediation is an option, if a PA pre-marital agreement was signed, property division, and more. If children are involved, the attorney can advise you on other aspects of Pennsylvania divorce, including child custody and child support. They can also inform you of financial and tax issues pertaining to divorce, and can determine whether alimony or spousal support should be paid.

When meeting with a divorce attorney for the first time, remember to keep in mind that it is important for you to feel comfortable with them. This is crucial since you will need to develop an emotional rapport with the lawyer, as well as disclose personal information to them. You should be completely honest with the attorney when sharing the history of your marriage and its dissolution. You do not need to worry as your truthfulness is protected by attorney-client privilege, and will only serve to strengthen your case. You should not be afraid to ask the lawyer any questions you have, including what their experience level is with divorce cases in Pennsylvania.

It is important you find the right attorney for you. At The Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz, our Pennsylvania divorce attorneys have many years of experience handling divorce cases in the state. We can help you during this difficult time in your life. Call 610-645-0100 to learn more.

Domestic violence, sometimes referred to as domestic abuse, can take many forms and can involve multiple members of one’s family, including children. Domestic violence in Pennsylvania can involve physical abuse, typically in the form of striking another individual’s body; emotional abuse, in the form of verbally assaulting an individual; or sexual abuse. Intimidation tactics, such as economic deprivation and stalking, are also considered forms of domestic violence. Regardless of the form of domestic violence, the abusive behavior should immediately be reported to the proper authorities, and should certainly be considered during all divorce proceedings.

Marriage can be defined as a partnership in which both individuals involved are charged with treating the other in a fair and just manner. In divorce proceedings where one partner claims that they suffered domestic violence abuse at the hands of the other, the abused party may be able to seek benefits to help compensate for the effects of such treatment. Spouses who experience domestic violence of any form have rights, and those rights should under no circumstances be disregarded during the divorce process. Remember the most important thing to do in any domestic violence scenario is to remove yourself from the situation as soon as possible to ensure your safety and physical well being.

The Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz represents individuals who have been victims of domestic violence and are seeking a divorce from their spouse. Our Pennsylvania domestic violence attorneys will fight to ensure that your rights are protected. For more information about divorce proceedings involving domestic violence, please contact our offices at 610-645-0100. Our Philadelphia family law lawyers offer free telephone consultations.

While questions about the Dodgers’ future still abounds, there is still much uncertainty regarding what will happen for owner Frank McCourt and chief executive Jamie McCourt. According to a latimes.com article, there has been much “buzz” in the media over how Frank allegedly fired Jamie and “branded her with a scarlet letter”. Another big issue in the divorce filings relates to the large annual expenses that Jamie is saying she needs to maintain the lifestyle of a baseball owner. While no one can really blame the questionable ownership of the dodger franchise for the team’s performance in the National League Championship Series, this separation emphasizes the many challenges a divorce may create.

Similar to the McCourts, some married couples experience long-term tension that is often difficult to hide from close friends and family, and especially children. The couple formally closed the purchase of the Dodgers from News Corp. in January 2004 for approximately $430 million. Although there has been no word on whether the McCourts will sell the franchise as a means of dividing their assets, such an option is one that they may explore. However, based on the report, Frank claims that the Dodgers belong to him and him alone, while Jamie claims that she owns part of the team.

When a couple decides to file for divorce, some of the main legal issues that arise circulate mostly around child custody and finances. According to the article, considering that Jamie and her estranged husband collected “in salary and/or distributions” between $7 million and $8 million a year, division of property and assets, and spousal support may definitely become an issue of concern for both parties.

Going through a divorce in Philadelphia does not have to turn your life upside down. At the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz, our skilled Pennsylvania divorce lawyers have helped many clients obtain the amount of spousal and child support that they need. Our experienced family law attorneys have the legal knowledge and resources to assist you either through settlement or through court proceedings, based on what is best for your particular case. For more information on how the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz can assist you through your divorce or any other family law matter, please call 610-645-0100 today for a free consultation.

Source:http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-shaikin4-2009nov04,0,5095602.story

A recent article on nypost.com demonstrates how some divorces can get out of hand, and fast. Ex-supermodel Stephanie Seymour’s divorce to pony breeder and polo player Peter Brant has become full of allegations, making legal matters much more complicated. Filed in the state of Connecticut, the divorce is turning ugly, and fast. Brant has claimed that Seymour has quite a few bad habits that have consequently cost him thousands of dollars. For example, Brant says that Seymour spends $257, 000 per month, with an average of $50,000 alone going towards the purchase of new clothes.

One of the biggest issues this divorcing pair seems to be experiencing is over dividing their assets. According to Brant, Seymour has been “running amok” at their mansion, which still has not been accounted for. Allegedly, Seymour has been removing items from the property through a hole in the property fence that she herself made. Also, Brant says that Seymour ruined his Kentucky Derby trophy and destroyed a valuable piece of art in an angry tantrum. Seymour and Brant have three children ages 4, 13, and 15.

There’s no doubt that a lot of different allegations can be thrown around when a separation is creating tension, overwhelming emotions, and even confusion as to the legal elements of the imminent divorce. However, many allegations are valid and deserve to be properly addressed when deciding family law matters relating to child custody, spousal support, and property division. In many cases, divorce proceedings can be much smoother with the help of a skilled Philadelphia divorce attorney that has experience handling such legal issues.

At the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz, our family law attorneys have assisted many clients in achieving a successful outcome in their divorce case by obtaining property that is rightfully theirs and achieving desired child custody that is reflective of what is in the best interest of the children involved. To find out more about how the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz, P.C. can help you during such a challenging time, call 610-645-0100 for a free consultation.

Source Article: http://www.nypost.com/p/pagesix/ex_beauty_was_wild_spender_qMMyGlKFv3chudX30UvzqM

The hot topic of discussion lately has been the controversial story of a woman who called 911 in May of 2009, claiming that she and her 9-year-old daughter had been kidnapped by carjackers. After turning up at Walt Disney World in Florida, the woman was charged with a number of criminal offenses, filing a false police report being one of them. It’s not very surprising that this woman’s second husband filed for divorce since the abduction ruse. Although law enforcement officials have declined to provide information on the full scope of the investigation, questions as to what this woman’s motives truly were and why she would rope her young daughter into going along with it are still waiting to be answered.

This case contains many intricate elements, divorce being one of the complex legal processes that will ensue, along with child custody and child support matters as well. It is unfortunate when parents use poor judgment and carry out actions that can have negative impacts on their children in the long run. The woman who faked the kidnapping has three children.

Married couples encounter divorce for a variety of reasons, some of which include the vague but common excuse of irreconcilable differences, in addition to adultery and many other different types of circumstances. Preparing for a divorce goes far beyond the emotional and mental strains that often leave a person feeling drained, frustrated, and upset; however, the process of a divorce can be much more tolerable and simplified with the help of a divorce lawyer.

At the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz, our skilled Philadelphia divorce attorneys have helped numerous couples with the complex legal process of filing for divorce, and have the knowledge and experience necessary to effectively represent you in family court as well, if necessary. No matter what the reason for your divorce taking place, our lawyers will utilize our many contacts in the professional and legal forum to assist you with your divorce case. Call the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz at 610-645-0100 for a free consultation today.

Source report: http://www.philly.com/philly/news/breaking/20090827_sKidnap_hoax_mom_has_trial_date_today_in_Bucks.html

On Friday, August 7, 2009, comedian and actor Tracy Morgan, 40 filed for divorce from his wife, Sabina, in Bronx Supreme Court. Tracy Morgan and his wife were high school sweethearts and were married for 23 years. However, the couple is suspected of having been separated for about eight years. Said a friend of the former couple’s in an article from the NY Daily News, “Basically they were divorced without the paperwork”.

The reasons for the slow dissolution of the couple’s marriage, as well as the details of the divorce case, are sealed and therefore not available to the public. However, it was noted back in January 2008 that Sabina planned on filing for a divorce from Morgan because of his alleged drinking problem. The divorced couple has three sons.

It is a sad reality that marriages end every day; however, in a lot of cases, it truly is for the best. Although most divorces don’t carry such a high profile as celebrity splits, any divorce comes with its own challenges. In Tracy Morgan’s case, his ex-wife is likely to seek spousal support and child support for any children that may be under 18 years of age.

Even though Morgan’s divorce was filed in the Bronx, preparing for a divorce in Pennsylvania can also be very complicated and stressful. Depending on if or when you file the proper paperwork, your future and financial stability can be put into serious jeopardy. That is why seeking skilled legal counsel and retaining the services of an experienced Philadelphia divorce attorney is so critical in ensuring that your divorce goes as smoothly as possible and that no legal elements are overlooked or neglected.

The divorce attorneys at the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz have the skills and knowledge necessary to handle your divorce case. Our lawyers will compile the details of the arguments, investigation results, professional testimony, and any paperwork required by the state to file for your divorce. For a free consultation of your divorce case, call 610-645-0100 today.

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.