Category Archives: Divorce
Coping with the Grief of Divorce
We think of grief in terms of the death of a loved one, but it’s important to realize that grief is present whenever there is a major disruption to our lives. When we recognize this, we can take control of the grieving process, work through our emotions in a healthy way, and come out… Read More »
Study: Divorce Associated with COVID Morbidity
A recent study published by the International Journal of General Medicine discussed some of the risk factors concerning COVID-19 mortality and various other factors such as race, income, population density, and marriage. The study did not reach a conclusion concerning causation, but COVID-19 mortality was worse for those who were divorced than it was… Read More »
Understanding Equitable Distribution in Pennsylvania Family Law Cases
Pennsylvania is an equitable distribution state. While the courts will generally divide the marital estate 50/50, they sometimes favor one spouse by allotting them more of the marital estate than the other. There are several statutory factors that guide judges on equitable distribution. Suffice it to say, if one spouse would be left in… Read More »
What is the “Date of Separation” and How Does it Influence Marital Property Decisions After Divorce?
The date of separation is a crucial concept when it comes to Pennsylvania divorces. It has significant implications for how property is divided during your divorce. It acts as a dividing line that distinguishes property that is subject to equitable distribution from separate property that is owned solely by one spouse. In this article,… Read More »
Can My Actions Influence How Property is Divided in a Pennsylvania Divorce?
In Pennsylvania, the division of marital property during your divorce will follow the principle of equitable distribution, which aims at a fair (but not necessarily equal) division of assets and debts. While marital misconduct, such as adultery, will not necessarily impact property division, a spouse’s conduct can, in some cases, influence equitable distribution. This… Read More »
What is a Status Conference in a Pennsylvania Divorce?
A status conference is a formal court meeting during which the judge or a court-appointed hearing officer reviews the progress of your divorce case. The judge wants to check in to see how you’re advancing, ensuring that the divorce proceedings are moving forward efficiently and both parties are complying with court requirements. In this… Read More »
How Can I Be Separated While Living Under the Same Roof as My Spouse?
The State of Pennsylvania allows couples to legally separate even while they’re living under the same roof, as long as they’ve ceased “cohabitation” and one party has clearly demonstrated the intent to dissolve the marriage. In some cases, you may need to prove precisely when your date of separation was. It can be more… Read More »
Court Case Addresses Dissipation of Assets and Unequal Distribution of the Marital Estate
In most cases, the Pennsylvania family law courts will divide the marital estate 50/50. However, there are some cases in which the court will favor one party over the other. The dissipation of assets, or intentionally spending money or selling assets from the marital estate to prevent your former spouse from getting their fair… Read More »
Divorce and Adultery: How the Pennsylvania Courts Approach the Matter
Among the many grounds on which you can file for divorce, adultery is the most popular. Adultery can influence the court’s decisions when it comes to deciding matters such as child custody, alimony, and the division of marital assets. However, it isn’t as straightforward as simply taxing a litigant for their extramarital affair, and… Read More »
Protecting Your Financial Interests While Dividing Debt During a Divorce
During the divorce process, you won’t just be dividing your assets, you’ll also be dividing your debts. Dividing debts can be one of the most challenging aspects of divorce. For Pennsylvania couples seeking a no-fault divorce, understanding how to protect your finances during the debt division process is critical. You could be facing a… Read More »