Custody Disputes with Parents living in Different States By: Christopher Casserly, Esquire Even in the most basic cases, child custody disputes are intricate and stressful for families going through divorce. Each state has their own custody guidelines that they use to try and arrive at which custodial arrangement will best serve the children’s best interest. […]
The Waiting is the Hardest Part: How Long Does it Take to Get a Divorce? By: Melissa Towsey, Esquire The answer is that it depends. A divorce based on mutual consent under Section 3301(c) of the Divorce Code, meaning both parties agree to moving forward with the divorce process, could happen in five (5) or […]
Changing a Child’s Name: What’s in a Name? By: Alicia Fastman, Esquire Changing a child’s name is simple, if both parents agree and consent to the change. Where there is an agreement, it is as easy as completing and signing a form. Where there is no agreement, however, a Petition for Change of Name will […]
CAN BOTH PARTIES USE THE SAME LAWYER TO REPRESENT THEM IN A DIVORCE? By: Christopher Casserly, Esquire In the early 1980’s Pennsylvania adopted “no fault divorce” laws. Under these laws, couples became able to obtain a divorce without having to allege any kind of marital misconduct by the other party. Instead, parties to a divorce […]
Relocating? Think before you move. By: Alicia Fastman, Esquire If you are a divorced or separated parent who is planning to move out of county, out of state, or out of the country, you are obligated, under the custody statute, to take certain steps before doing so. Failing to follow the requirements of the Relocation […]
The Goal of a Fair & Equitable Distribution of Property in a Pennsylvania Divorce By: Melissa D. Towsey, Esquire Pennsylvania is not a 50/50 or community property state. Our Commonwealth follows the principles of “equitable distribution”, meaning that the net marital estate (marital assets less marital debts) will be divided as the court deems “equitable,” […]
Exploring the Phenomenon Behind “Gray Divorce” By: Christopher Casserly, Esquire Divorce rates in the United States have begun to level off after seeing consistent annual increases since the 1970’s. But while the overall numbers seem to be recently somewhat static, there is one demographic that is seeing exponential growth every year. Divorce rates for the […]
“You get what you pay for: Why our initial consultation is worth every penny” By: Lawrence C. Welsh, Esquire Have you ever heard the phrase: “you get what you pay for?” Some local family law firms offer free consultations, and you may be tempted to schedule an appointment with a family law attorney who offers […]
What is “the best interest of a child?” By: Alicia Fastman, Esquire In the context of custody cases, the best interest of a child in a custody matter is determined by the Court’s weighing of the 16 factors enumerated by Pennsylvania’s custody statute. These factors, found under 23 Pa. C.S. §5328, are considered by a […]
Legal Separation in Pennsylvania By: Melissa Towsey, Esquire The terms “legal separation” do not exist in Pennsylvania family law. The concept of a “date of separation”, however, is an important date for purposes of equitable distribution (dividing your assets) and triggering various filing deadlines. The date of separation is important in determining when the divorce […]
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