Divorce | Pennsylvania Family Law Blog - The Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz - Part 7
Top Questions to Ask a Divorce Lawyer
There’s no doubt that your mind is going a mile a minute if you are facing a divorce. There’s a lifetime worth of responsibilities, possessions and memories to unravel on top of the confusing, overwhelming emotions you must be experiencing. But when the time comes to choose your representative in the split, it’s important to suss out the average from the exceptional. The outcome, and your future, will depend on it.
Even if this is not your first time meeting a lawyer, it’s important to ask plenty of questions during your consultation and to be prepared ahead of time. In the moment, it may be easy to forget to ask some of the following: Read the rest »
Managing Holiday Stress during a Divorce
The holidays are a major source of stress for thousands of families in Pennsylvania. In addition to an already hectic work week, parents try to fit in as much shopping, gift wrapping, traveling and quality time with the children as possible. But when parents are navigating a divorce, the typical holiday rush is more than just nerve-racking; it can be downright panic inducing.
In order to help reduce the pressure and anxiety this season, remember to slow down, take a breath, and follow these simple steps.
Less is more. This festive time of year often means trying to make room for everything – every party, every decoration, and every favorite meal. And while you shouldn’t forgo your favorite family traditions, remember to keep things in perspective and plan accordingly. Differentiate between the wants and needs by narrowing down what’s most important. What traditions are more meaningful to your children? This may be the year where you decide to embrace simplicity and relaxation. Read the rest »
Three Ways to Survive Your Divorce with Integrity
When it’s time to end a marriage, most people find themselves in a state of emotional turmoil. It’s important to honor your feelings during this time and to seek help from a doctor or therapist if necessary. But it is also important to keep your head and to be willing to focus on “business” matters – especially if yours is a high-asset divorce.
Experienced Pennsylvania divorce attorneys recommend these three steps to helping you navigate the divorce process with integrity and give yourself the objectivity you need to ensure your needs and those of your children are met: Read the rest »
Enforcing Divorce Agreements in Pennsylvania
A divorce agreement sets in place child support, alimony, child custody and even the division of property. Even when both spouses are willing to negotiate, there are still a number of conflicts that may arise when finalizing the details of an agreement. Once the divorce is settled and the agreements are signed, it is important that they are followed. If your ex is failing to live up to his or her side of the agreement, you should act quickly to protect your rights.
The first step you can take is to contact the family court to inform them that your ex is not following the terms of the agreement. If this does not change your situation, you may want to consider your legal options. You can take action if the other parent violates the custody agreement or if your ex refuses to pay alimony or child support. Read the rest »
Understanding Collaborative Divorce in Pennsylvania
Most divorces are stressful and expensive. Getting a divorce in Pennsylvania is particularly challenging when the two parties disagree on important issues such as child custody and property disbursement. A lot of time and money can be saved when the two parties are able to come together and make decisions without involving the divorce court. This is known as a “collaborative divorce” and it is an ideal approach to avoid a judge making some major decisions for you and your family. Read the rest »
What Are the Grounds for Divorce in Pennsylvania?
Spouses who are seeking a divorce in Pennsylvania have two options: file for a no-fault divorce or file for a fault-based divorce. The grounds for each type of divorce are different. Knowing the grounds for divorce in Pennsylvania and speaking to an experienced Pennsylvania divorce attorney can help you decide which option is best for you and your family.
Fault-based divorce
The grounds for a fault-based divorce places all blame with your spouse. They attempt to demonstrate to the court that the divorce should be granted due to wrongdoing on your spouse’s part. Grounds for a fault-based divorce in Pennsylvania include:
- Abandonment, without reasonable cause, for at least one year,
- Adultery,
- Bigamy,
- Cruel and barbarous treatment that threatened your life or health,
- Imprisonment of your spouse for at least two years following conviction for a crime,
- Acts that have made your life unbearable or extremely difficult. Read the rest »
How Do I Choose a Pennsylvania Divorce Lawyer?
If you’re looking for an experienced divorce attorney in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, you may feel that you have more questions than answers. Divorces impose stress on those who face them, and finding an attorney who will protect your interests and those of your children can feel overwhelming.
When looking for a Pennsylvania divorce lawyer, consider several factors: the attorney’s experience, his or her explanations and advice, and your comfort level when it comes to talking to and understanding a particular lawyer.
Types of Divorce Available in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania law recognizes two types of divorce: “no-fault” and “fault-based” divorce. Divorcing spouses may each work with an experienced Pennsylvania divorce attorney of their choice when seeking either type of divorce. In most situations, it is wisest to get the advice and assistance of an attorney to protect your legal rights.
Most divorces in Pennsylvania are no-fault divorces. If both spouses agree that it is time to divorce, they may seek an “uncontested” no-fault divorce. One spouse files for this divorce, and after 90 days, each spouse may file an Affidavit of Consent to divorce. Although this is often the least contentious and simplest way to divorce, it is still wise to speak to an attorney to deal with any property division or child care issues.
Understanding the Divorce Judge’s Perspective
Nowadays, divorcing couples have several options for ending their marriage without having to face a judge in the court room. Arbitration, collaborative divorce, and mediation allow couples to work out a plan for dividing possessions, debts, and child support that fits their specific situation. While the alternatives to court can be effective for many, there are still numerous circumstances in which divorce court is the best choice.
In cases where a couple cannot resolve their differences, it may be necessary to bring in a judge to make a final ruling. If one or both spouses are combative, uncooperative, or just plain dishonest, you may have to prepare to present your case to a divorce judge.
Avoiding the Holiday Burnout as a Divorced Parent
The holidays are an already emotionally charged time of year, but as a single parent, you may be fighting off the blues in the wake of a divorce. On top of an already hectic schedule, you get to juggle decorating, cooking, finding the perfect gifts, and attending family events in an effort to meet everyone’s holiday expectations.
It’s not surprising, then, that the Christmas season is a time of overwhelming stress for many divorced parents, which can quickly lead to burnout.
Burnout is the physical, emotional, and psychological toll of trying to accomplish too many things at once only to end up with depleted energy.
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