Category Archives: Divorce
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 »
What Constitutes “Cruel and Barbarous Treatment” For the Purpose of Divorce in Pennsylvania?
Essentially, each state makes up its own rules for divorce. Today, all states allow for what are known as “no-fault grounds.” In other words, you don’t have to “blame” the other spouse for the breakdown of the marriage; you can just say that “irreconcilable differences” make the marriage unsustainable. Some states, however, like Pennsylvania,… Read More »
Is My Former Spouse Hiding Assets During Our Divorce?
During the divorce process, both spouses are required to make a full financial disclosure so that a fair split of marital assets can occur. When one spouse hides assets or otherwise attempts to prevent some assets from being distributed to their soon-to-be former spouse, it can make the process more difficult. Nonetheless, there are… Read More »
Is Pennsylvania a 50/50 Divorce Property State?
Issues related to divorce are up to the states to decide. In other words, each state has its own rules when it comes to divorce law. Generally speaking, the states will fall into two categories: Equitable distribution and community property. In a community property state, assets and debts are divided 50/50 between both parties… Read More »