Pennsylvania Family Law Blog – The Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz
The Debate on Lifetime Spousal Support Continues
A bill that recently made its way through Florida’s legislature, only to be vetoed by Gov. Rick Scott at the final hour, highlights the growing debate about permanent alimony reform in the United States. Proponents of Florida’s reform bill argue that alimony is an outdated agreement that unfairly ties the payer to a lifetime of debt for what may have been a short-lived marriage. Opponents, however, believe that the bill would have retroactively canceled existing financial agreements that many divorced spouses rely on.
If the bill had passed, Florida would have become the fifth state in the U.S. to abolish lifetime alimony awards.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Florida’s reform bill proposed that alimony payments would be based on the payer’s monthly gross income, and payments would not last more than half the duration of the marriage. Therefore, shorter marriages would garner fewer payments than marriages that last 20 years or more. Read the rest »
Four Reasons to Consider Mediation During Divorce and One Reason Not To
Mediation uses a neutral third party, called a mediator, to help divorcing couples find common ground and resolve contentious issues during the divorce process. Decisions made in mediation are not typically binding, and the couple may still go to court to resolve any issues left open after mediation. You also have the option to work with your experienced Pennsylvania divorce attorney during mediation.
Mediation can offer several benefits, but it isn’t for everyone. If you’re considering or currently negotiating a divorce, here are four reasons to consider mediation – and one situation in which you shouldn’t. Read the rest »
Can I Qualify for Social Security Benefits After Divorce?
If you have been married for at least ten years and meet other requirements, you may qualify for Social Security retirement or disability benefits based on your ex-spouse’s work record – even if your former spouse remarries. A hardworking Pennsylvania divorce attorney can help you understand how your benefits may be affected by divorce.
Retirement benefits are paid through Social Security if a person is 62 years of age or older and has a work record that qualifies him or her for benefits. The former spouses of such workers may also qualify for “derivative benefits,” which amount to one-half of the working spouse’s benefit, as long as the marriage lasted at least ten years and the former spouse does not qualify for a higher benefits award based on his or her own work record. Read the rest »
Financial Points to Consider During Divorce
During your first meetings with an experienced Pennsylvania divorce attorney, you’ll begin to discuss your financial situation. In some ways, divorce is like splitting up a business partnership: both processes focus on dividing assets and debts in a way that neither unfairly rewards nor unfairly burdens either party.
If you’re considering divorce or have recently filed for divorce, here are a few financial points you’ll want to consider:
- Bank Accounts. Joint bank accounts (in both your name and your spouse’s name) can often be divided equally, especially if both parties agree this division is fair. If you don’t typically keep an eye on your household’s shared accounts, now is a good time to start. Read the rest »
Preparing for a Consultation with Your Divorce Lawyer
Choosing a Pennsylvania divorce attorney is an important decision if you are considering or entering a divorce. Your attorney will assist you with every stage of the process, so it is important to work with someone you feel confident about relying upon.
When you prepare for an initial consultation with a divorce attorney, keep the following tips in mind: Read the rest »
U. S. Supreme Court Decides in Favor of American Father in Custody Dispute
United States Supreme Court Justice Roberts, in a recently written opinion, returned a decision regarding an international custody dispute in favor of an American father. As reported in The Huffington Post and published on March 5, the Court held that American federal courts’ jurisdiction does not terminate just because the child has been returned to another country. No longer can a child be taken from his or her home to a different country thereby escaping American state and federal courts.
The Court’s ruling indicated that just because a child crosses U.S. boundaries does not mean that the custody of that child falls outside U.S. courts’ jurisdiction. Read the rest »
Religious Annulment vs. Legal Annulment
Annulment under Pennsylvania Law
A legal annulment in the state of Pennsylvania is a pronouncement by a judge which declares a marriage invalid. An annulment legally declares that a marriage never existed. In Pennsylvania the Court may declare a marriage to be invalid for any of the following reasons:
- One of the marriage partners was already married at the time of the new marriage (bigamous marriages).
- The marriage partners are blood relatives within a certain degree—marriages between brother and sister, aunt and nephew, uncle and niece, first cousins.
- One of the parties could not consent to the marriage due to a mental defect or related reason. Read the rest »
Easing Separation Anxiety
Sheryl R. Rentz, Pennsylvania family law attorney, wants to help move you through the difficult periods of separation and divorce as efficiently as possible. She understands the anxiety couples feel and knows that separation presents many of the same issues couples must face during divorce.
As reported in The Wall Street Journal, money may be the last thing on couples’ minds when they separate. They may even feel that dealing with finances can wait until the divorce. Whether a couple reconciles or not, a reasonable financial plan upon separation can make all the difference. Without a financial plan, the process of divorce can become nasty. If couples choose reconciliation instead, it makes it more difficult to rejoin finances. Read the rest »
Creating a Child-Centered Divorce
When child custody becomes war, there can be no winners. The saddest “losers” are the children.
Child custody does not have to be decided between two warring factions. Conscientious parents should make decisions together, putting the best interests of their children first. According to Rosalind Sedacca, CCT, author of How Do I Tell the Kids about the Divorce?, child custody decisions demand honest communication between mature parents who are willing to put the needs of their children ahead of personal interests.
The Pennsylvania Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz has many years of experience handling child custody issues surrounding divorce. A child custody schedule is part of a comprehensive settlement plan that should be in place prior to filing for a divorce. Read the rest »
Five Mistakes We Make During Divorce
Can divorce be complicated and stressful? Absolutely. During divorce we no longer use our brains; we use our hearts. Pain, sadness, anger—every emotion seems to overpower us during divorce.
Courtesy of an article in The Huffington Post, Dr. Jeff Gardere, relationship expert, says well-intentioned partners can make serious mistakes during the process of divorce. Montgomery County, Pennsylvania family law attorney Sheryl R. Rentz wants you to know that you cannot allow your emotions to control your thinking. There are serious complex issues to be handled before you can move on with your life. Read the rest »
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