Pennsylvania Family Law Blog – The Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz
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.
Top Signs of a Marriage Headed for Divorce
As years go by and circumstances change, married couples are bound to face a number of rocky patches that threaten the relationship. Through careful navigation and perseverance it is possible for some couples to get back on track, but what if the path has gotten more than just a bit rocky? Whether a marriage has lasted a few years or several decades, there tend to be a few key signs that indicate a marriage is irretrievably broken and headed for divorce.
If you experience any of the following, it may be time to consider the best course of action for yourself, your children, and even your spouse. Contact Pennsylvania divorce attorney Sheryl R. Rentz to discuss your situation and to learn more about your legal rights and options.
Why Long-Term Separations May Be More Costly than Divorce
There are plenty of horror stories about what it takes to end a marriage that it is understandable why even the unhappiest couple may feel reluctant to go through with divorce. Exorbitant alimony payments, gut-wrenching custody battles, and the risk of losing half of your property are just some of the major fears that would persuade a couple to settle for a long-term separation, rather than make things official.
If you think separating without divorce is the safe way to go, think again. Putting off making a final legal decision for the sake of convenience could lead to an unknown financial disaster in the future. Essentially, the devil you don’t know could be a lot worse than the devil you do know.
How to Tell Your Children They are Adopted
It’s understandable that adoptive parents may want to put off or completely skip having the adoption conversation with their adopted child, especially after having made it through the lengthy adoption process. What if the child feels hurt, ashamed, or unwanted? What if he or she obsesses over finding his or her birth parents? Will the truth interfere with building a loving family relationship?
While the subject may stir up anxieties for many adoptive parents, most experts believe that adopted children greatly benefit from learning about his or her own life story as early as four or six years old. Author of Raising Adopted Children, Lois Ruskai Melina says that an open line of communication will ultimately help your adopted child grow into a self-assured adult. As difficult or uncomfortable as the subject may be, honesty will go a long way toward developing a stronger bond between you and your child.
Rupert and Wendi Murdoch: Lessons from an Affluent Divorce
As the much-publicized divorce of Rupert and Wendi Murdoch continues, the media seems to relish uncovering every aspect of the split, particularly because the couple in question includes someone with significant wealth and a global news empire. But what, if anything, can be learned from the details that emerge when such an affluent couple calls it quits? Examining how the parties try to protect such high-profile assets can reveal a lot of practical advice for even those without millions of dollars in the bank.
Legal Agreements
One of the most notable factors in this divorce is that Rupert and Wendi signed a prenuptial agreement followed by two postnuptial agreements. Postnuptial agreements are typically used to solidify the prenuptial agreement and to make the separation of assets cleaner.
Montgomery County Clerk Challenges Pennsylvania’s Ban on Gay Marriage
Over the past few weeks, the elected register of wills in Montgomery County has been issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples, despite Pennsylvania’s ban on gay marriage. So far, at least 100 licenses have been issued to gay men and women hoping to receive the same rights and protections under the law as heterosexual couples.
As the only Northeastern state that does not legally recognize same-sex marriage, the county clerk’s actions have caused a stir on both sides of the issue.
Supporters argue that the open defiance is an act of civil disobedience, not unlike women fighting for the right to vote, or African Americans fighting for civil rights. However, opponents say the county clerk is flat out breaking the law and “may be guilty of a misdemeanor for each act of neglect or refusal.”
Increasing Number of Single-Parent Households Headed by Fathers
According to the Pew Research Center, the number of single father households in the U.S. has steadily increased during the past few decades, from 1% in 1960 to at least 8% in 2011. The most notable explanations for the shift include the rising trend of non-marital births, as well as the consistent rate of divorce in recent years.
However, some experts suggest that changes in the current legal system and an overall evolution of how society views fatherhood to also be considerable factors in this growing trend.
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