Plenty of couples walk into our office convinced that mediation is completely off the table for them. The reasoning goes something like this: “We can’t even agree on what to have for dinner, let alone how to split the house.”...
Divorce doesn’t always end when the final decree is signed. Pennsylvania law recognizes that circumstances change after divorce. Courts can modify custody and support orders when circumstances warrant adjustment. Child custody arrangements, spousal support, and child support orders may all...
When Pennsylvania families reach agreements through mediation, they’ve accomplished something significant. Getting both parties to agree on complex issues like custody, support, or property division represents real progress. But reaching an agreement is just the beginning. The next critical step...
Mediation doesn’t always result in complete resolution. Sometimes parties reach agreement on certain issues while others remain unresolved, creating a mixed outcome that requires careful navigation. When families enter mediation services in Allegheny County, they often discover that some disputes...
Divorce mediation offers couples a collaborative path through one of life’s most challenging transitions. When mediation works well, it provides a less adversarial, more cost-effective alternative to traditional litigation. But what happens when the mediation process isn’t working as planned?...
Collaborative divorce is a private process in which both spouses agree to work together to reach a settlement without going to court. Each person hires a lawyer trained in collaborative law, and everyone signs an agreement that says they’re committed...
We all have plans for the future. Plans for the trajectory of our careers, the type of home we want to live in, and the kind of future we want our kids to have. However, one of the most overlooked...
Custody disputes can be emotionally draining. When you disagree, you might think that court is the only way to move forward. Fortunately, mediation is another path—one that can save you time, money, and emotional strain while keeping the focus on...
Many high-net-worth couples considering divorce believe that the collaborative process is only suitable for straightforward, low-asset cases. This is actually a misconception. With collaborative divorce, so long as you have the right legal team and process, you can resolve complex...
When a couple gets divorced, they may need support in resolving various issues, such as property division, alimony, and child custody. Mediation in divorce can often help couples reach a fair and amicable resolution to outstanding issues. But how much...
When going through a divorce, consider the what-ifs. What if your honest financial disclosures could be used against you elsewhere? What if a tentative parenting idea, voiced in good faith, became a point of contention outside of your mediation sessions?...
Many divorcing spouses hope to avoid litigation if at all possible. They may achieve this goal by committing to alternative dispute resolution instead of preparing for litigation. Mediation is an effective means of reviewing a conflict and finding a mutually-agreeable...
Collaborative divorce allows couples to settle legal issues without going to court. This approach encourages open conversations and teamwork to reach fair agreements. Instead of a judge making decisions, couples work with lawyers and other professionals to find solutions. This...
Collaborative divorce offers a team-based way for couples to end their marriage. It helps both sides work together to settle money issues without going to court. Understanding the financial impacts can make this process smoother. Dividing money and debts In...
Divorce mediation offers a less contentious and more cost-effective way to settle disputes, but it does not necessarily succeed. Understanding what factors can lead to its failure helps couples better prepare for the process. Below are three key reasons why...
When considering the end of a marriage, choosing between mediation and a regular divorce can be challenging. Understanding the differences between these options helps you make the right decision for your situation. Understanding mediation Mediation involves both parties working with...
When you’re going through a divorce, knowing how the court will divide your assets will really help you make smart choices. One common concern is whether an inheritance received during the marriage counts as a marital asset, subject to division....
Divorce is a challenging time, especially when it comes to dividing assets and real estate. One way to safeguard your residence during a divorce is by using a Qualified Personal Residence Trust. This legal tool allows you to transfer ownership...
Marriage is a journey with ups and downs. Sometimes, the downs signal deeper issues that may lead to divorce. Recognizing the indicators that your marriage may be at risk can empower you to take action. For example, you may decide...
The Pennsylvania Department of Health reported 29,101 divorces in the state in 2022. Many factors can lead to the end of a marriage. One possibility that people may never consider is personality type. Personalities play an important role in shaping...
The National Center for PTSD reported that 7 out of 100 veterans will experience post-traumatic stress disorder. The unique experiences and demands of military life can contribute to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder. Dealing with PTSD can be an...
U.S. News and World Report noted that the average military pension is about $30,000 to $35,000 for each enlistment year. Officers get around double that amount. This is no small amount, and in a divorce situation, a spouse may wish...
Did you know that mothers head nearly 80% of single-parent households? In fact, at least 20% of these households do not have father involvement at all. Fortunately, more states now pursue custody arrangements that involve both parents during the family...
When you get a divorce, you should know how the courts will divide your assets. Community property states require that all marital assets get divided equally between you and your spouse. However, equitable distribution states require an equitable, not equal,...
One of the most contentious parts of any divorce is the custody agreement. In many cases, parents struggle with conflict over the custody agreement and parenting plan. When you can work together and find common ground in your custody case,...
After trying to reconcile, the time may come when divorce becomes the best solution for you and your spouse. Many other people face the same situation. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, 31,691 marriages ended in divorce or annulment...
Child custody can be a confusing thing to navigate. However, it would be best if you learned more about the system to play a prominent role in your child’s life as a custodial parent. Here is what you need to...
If you and your child’s other parent are no longer together, and you currently have a custody arrangement in Pennsylvania, you may be wondering if you can revisit the orders. Here are some scenarios that may justify taking a second...
If you reach a point in your marriage where divorce seems like the right choice, you likely look to the future with a refreshed perspective. What you are probably not looking forward to is the lengthy court process that often...
Unfortunately, many marriages do not last. According to World Population Review, the divorce rate in Pennsylvania sits at 10 percent. This number is relatively low compared to the rest of the country. However, married couples need to know the signs...
A divorce can take a lot out of you emotionally, and cloud your judgment. You may find yourself dealing with a lot of stress, and unsure of how to manage it. While divorce can cause you to lose sight of...
If you and your spouse are ending your marriage, you may be leaning toward a traditional divorce in court. However, there are alternatives to litigation such as mediation or collaborative divorce. Could one of these options be a better choice?...
When people are looking to fulfill their family’s needs during a divorce, mediation may be on the table. A third party can help both sides find a resolution together. Despite the good that mediation can do, there are many misconceptions...
Not every Pennsylvania divorce or child custody matter is navigable through mediation. However, if yours is, you may find that ending your marriage or setting your custody dispute in this manner leads to several notable benefits. Mediation may save you...
Deciding to divorce is hard on everyone involved, but there are ways to make the process easier. Couples that get a collaborative divorce focus on staying out of court and design a divorce settlement they both agree on. Many couples...
Through research and receiving input from people in Pennsylvania, you may feel completely prepared for any and all aspects of your upcoming divorce proceedings (still understanding that every case is unique). However, one element that many do not anticipate is...
Differences of opinion can disrupt any relationship. However, when you reach a point where indifference causes unrelenting tension, you may have considered divorce. Your decision to separate from your spouse is a personal one. Knowing under what conditions a divorce...
As a parent who recently went through divorce, you likely have a full plate even in the aftermath. Unfortunately, your co-parent knows this, too. This is the time when most parents choose to strike and make attempts at alienating you...
If you currently face divorce, the whole process can become messy quickly. It is a lot worse when the person you divorce is a narcissist. Narcissists are manipulative and tend to only care for themselves. If you feel that your...
A Pennsylvania divorce is rarely easy, but there are steps you may want to take that may help ensure that you give all relevant matters the attention they deserve. You may feel overwhelmed at the prospect of having to find...
If you are getting divorced, you could be bracing for what you expect will be a contentious courtroom battle. However, most people can avoid this scenario by taking a collaborative approach to resolving divorce and other family legal matters. The...
Even if your marriage is not working out as you intended, you may not want to battle your spouse in open court. Using an alternative approach to wrap up your marriage may not only preserve your sanity, but it may...
If you are considering mediation or you are already working with a mediator, you likely know about some of the benefits associated with this process (such as saving time and money while reducing negative emotions that come with ending your...
While there are many difficult topics to negotiate during divorce proceedings, separating marital property may be one of the most challenging. It is easy to become attached to property that you have accumulated during the marriage. It is critical to...
Collaborative divorce is not new in Pennsylvania, but the popularity of the process has made it more prominent. In fact, the state legislature passed laws aimed to regulate the process. Neither mediation nor collaborative divorce or new choices when a...
Gray divorce is when your divorce occurs later in life. Most older couples will no longer have children at home and have marriages that stretch into decades. Business Insider explains that the concerns in a gray divorce differ from those...
The Pennsylvania Collaborative Law Act passed in 2018. It gives people undergoing a divorce several potential benefits such as lower costs, reduced stress and increased speed of the process. A fresh look at this important law reveals more about its...
Often referred to as uncontested divorce, collaborative divorces are those where both parties reach an agreement on major issues. While they are not recommended for every couple, especially when there are major disputes regarding custody and asset division, they can...
You know that you no longer want to stay married to your spouse, but you do not know whether mediation fits your divorce desires. Should you consider traditional divorce instead? To decide, see what Lifehacker says about signs that mediation...
Divorce can be an extremely emotional and often overwhelming process, especially if there are children involved. Even if you and your spouse decide to legally separate or divorce, your children deserve to have continued interaction and support from both parents....
If you happen to have children with your ex-spouse, it may be the case that having sole custody sounds more appealing to you than sharing custody with him or her. Often, this may be for reasons of convenience as compared...
The end of a marriage is rarely met with joy and celebration. Even if it is the best course of action for you, your spouse, and your children, navigating the divorce process is still stressful. It will be even more...
The divorce process in Pennsylvania often looks very different from what it was a few decades ago. Instead of a long, anger-filled court battle that eats up time and money, you may avoid the courtroom altogether. The caveat is that...
When people get a divorce, they may pursue mediation. There are a few things people should consider as they select a mediator. While mediation can help shorten the divorce proceedings, it still takes time. According to FindLaw, many couples can...
Even though your marriage is ending, you may not have much interest in a protracted court battle. Fortunately, you likely have some options for a more peaceful divorce. With one of these, divorce mediation, you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse voluntarily...
Creating a manageable co-parenting plan in the aftermath of divorce is often one of the most challenging aspects of the process. Co-parenting requires a high level of communication and dedication between ex-partners to work well, and this can be difficult....
Collaborative divorce is a well-known alternative to litigating the end of your marriage in court. While this offers many benefits, it does not mean that there are no challenges involved. The stakes are high in a collaborative divorce. Before you...
Your post-divorce life in Pennsylvania may present you with the new opportunity may be to relocate to a new area. Yet a proposed relocation can become difficult if you share custody of your kids with your ex-spouse. Many past clients...
Divorce often provides a window into various aspects of society. Divorce rates are sometimes tied to economic conditions and the changing attitudes of Americans. A decrease in divorce rates and in marriages in the U.S. and in the state of...
When you and your spouse split up, you need to figure out who gets to keep what. You also need to determine what happens to any debt you have when the marriage ends. Depending on circumstances, dividing up debt may...
If you are considering divorce mediation, you are far from alone. From saving on court costs and attorney fees to saving your children from a drawn-out battle, there are many reasons to consider this alternative to traditional litigation. However, for...
Pennsylvania parents like you prioritize your child during divorce. Co-parenting during and after the legal proceedings is often full of trial and error. But above all, you want what is best for your child. This includes figuring out how to...
A divorce in Pennsylvania can bring out the worst in both parties. Despite efforts to maintain the peace, sometimes hostile behavior escalates quickly. You may wonder why you should bother to try to keep things on an amicable footing. According...
Past posts on this blog detailed what types of assets qualify as marital property. It may come as a surprise to you to learn that a 401(k) falls on this list. Your 401(k) account likely exists due to your employment...
You and your spouse may have already decided that you want to settle your divorce via a process of alternative dispute resolution rather than the traditional court trial. However, you still have to decide whether mediation or collaborative divorce is...
You may feel a sense of relief following the finalization of your divorce. We encourage you to take a deep breath and brace yourself for some news that you might not want to hear. According to TODAY, this is the...
Pennsylvania couples like you may face disputes on the road to divorce. Some of these disputes may turn ugly. There is no shame in admitting that you cannot surmount your disputes on your own. Today, we will look at mediation...
Most people have fond memories of generous grandparents willing to give them the world and then some. In fact, studies show that most grandparents contribute financially to their grandchildren’s lives. Sometimes, it is $20 in a Christmas card. Other times,...
The bad behavior of one spouse can result in the decision of the other spouse to seek a divorce. Sometimes, the spouse who behaved poorly is the one who files for divorce, possibly because they have already begun a new...
Property division may be one of the most complicated topics to negotiate in a divorce decree. In addition to becoming attached to certain items obtained during the marriage, you may find it difficult to decipher what types of property are...
Pennsylvania divorce mediation is an alternative to litigation. It can help the divorce process proceed faster and more cost-effectively than if you take it to court, even if you have serious conflicts. Our mediators often help clients improve communication and...
Getting divorced can surface very different emotions for people depending on what caused their marriage to crumble in the first place, personality traits, past traumas and whether or not they have an adequate support system. People in Pennsylvania who are...
If you and your spouse contemplate divorce, Pennsylvania law requires you to equitably divide your marital property between you. But an equitable division does not necessarily mean a precisely equal division. In fact, FindLaw explains that an equitable property settlement...
When going into a divorce, it is important to remember that there are no guarantees. This can cause people a great deal of anxiety, especially if there is ongoing conflict between divorcing spouses. Sometimes the other spouse may not want...
As collaborative divorce becomes more common, you may be wondering whether this measured and more cordial way to approach to divorce proceedings is right for your situation. Keeping the courts out of your divorce has myriad benefits. Most importantly, you...
Custody matters are often difficult to work through in a divorce. After all, you both want time with your children and to ensure you have rights in raising them. It is not uncommon for there to be disagreements between parents...
Divorce can feel like an uphill battle. When spouses try to settle matters in court, it can leave them feeling exhausted and resentful. That’s because separation litigation can pit couples against one another by dragging out the process. When this...
There is much to contemplate when seeking a divorce in Pennsylvania. Division of property, living arrangements and child custody are significant factors, but there are small details, as well. Consider the minor issues along with everything else. Paying attention to...
The way the family law courtroom treats custody has changed considerably over the past 20 years. It used to be almost universally assumed that the mother would end up with primary custody of any children involved, but times have changed....
Maybe you never formally adopted your stepchildren, but you intend to pay support and want parenting time with them because you view them as part of your family. Perhaps you have companion animals or pets that are so important to...
Most people think of divorce as a process in which two spouses go to court and fight in front of a judge. Though a bit oversimplified, divorce litigation can more or less fit that picture. However, divorcing couples have another...
Going through a divorce often is a stressful and emotionally taxing process. If you and your spouse want to divorce amicably, one way to do that is to consider a collaborative divorce, which avoids couples ending up fighting in court....
Family law mediation has been an alternative way of solving family disputes outside court for many years. As stated in an article in Forbes, mediation is one of the processes divorcing couples can use. It involves a third party tasked...
By its very nature, a divorce implies that two people do not work well together in all situations. The challenges may range from financial struggles to marital infidelities and the resulting loss of trust and more. Whatever the reason that...
When you have a family law issue, it may be your first time dealing with the legal system. You may have no idea what to expect. This may also be true if your case is going through mediation. It can...
Collaborative law divorce is an excellent way to end a marriage without fights. It is where divorcing couples sit together with their respective attorneys and negotiate to come up with an appropriate solution. Many couples have seen this as a...
Divorce proceedings can be trying. Most couples want to finish the divorce as quickly as possible. Given the high emotions, they do not often find time to agree. The fighting can make the divorce more difficult. Because court tends to...
Collaborative divorce embraces the idea of a couple working together to make decisions and reach an agreement. It aims to do this outside of the courtroom. This is a popular concept because it does help to reduce stress, increase cooperation,...
Millennials are often known to divorce differently than their parents. According to a recent report, nearly 30% of them aren’t committing to joint bank accounts after marriage. That may be due to the Millennials who witnessed their parents’ separation and...
As with any major life decision, people thinking about a divorce ask around, canvassing their friends. Are you glad you went ahead with your divorce? How has your life changed? What do you wish you had done differently? It often...
Many of us have more intense feelings about our families than about anything else in life. This sometimes makes solutions to problems seem impossibly far away. Specialists in family law help families create and maintain better agreements for a better...
You and your partner have decided to go your separate ways, but you’re already dreading the custody agreement that the courts will devise. Fortunately, there’s a way that’s often simpler, less expensive and more collaborative. Mediation is the process of...
You may have seen a few startling headlines this year about a raging epidemic of divorce among older people. Stories of skyrocketing rates of so-called “gray divorce” made it seem like experienced married couples do not stand a chance. Is...
When they decide to separate, many couples have hopes and plenty of fears. They want to avoid the long, nasty, legal mess that might happen in divorce court, but court-approved divorces are the way to make things final and enforceable....
Many Pennsylvania parents argue about their kids. When the arguments occur in relation to divorce, things can get messy. In fact, in some situations, ex-spouses can barely be in the same room together. Constant conflict between parents is not likely...
Years ago, Hollywood superstar Robert De Niro and his wife, Grace Hightower got divorced. Some time later, they reunited. There may be Pennsylvania spouses who can relate to such scenarios. There may also be people who relate to De Niro’s...
Many Pennsylvania households include children who are trying to adapt to new lifestyles. When parents decide to divorce, their decisions have significant impacts on their children’s lives. Not only is it important to try to keep legal stress to a...
Legally severing marital ties is typically not without its challenges. When a Pennsylvania resident files a petition to divorce, he or she must resolve many issues regarding property division and, perhaps, child custody, alimony or other matters. It is wise...
Many Pennsylvania parents get a bit stressed out when the school year begins to wind down, and they must think ahead to their summer plans. For parents who work full time outside the home, finding safe, affordable ways to occupy...
Most Pittsburgh residents are not billionaires. However, a married couple in this city and other Pennsylvania regions may currently be preparing for a high-asset divorce. Those who are may want to review the recent Jeff Bezos case. Founder of Amazon.com...
When you go through a challenging time in life, it often helps to have someone, such as a close friend or loved one, to lean on and to turn to for support. Even the most trying circumstances can often be...
When couples end their marriages, they typically want to keep matters out of the court as much as possible. When a Pennsylvania spouse decides to divorce, he or she doesn’t wish to get caught up in a seemingly endless round...
Pittsburgh residents currently planning to file for divorce no doubt want to keep their costs as low as possible. Ending a marriage typically sparks financial challenges, sometimes related to child support or property division, but also often in connection with...
Current data show that people in Pennsylvania and elsewhere who have ended their marriages then remarried are prone to similar outcomes in their subsequent relationships. Hollywood star Tom Arnold’s current situation may be evidence that such data are correct, as...
Many Pennsylvania families will encounter difficult challenges when parents decide to end their marriages in court. It is not uncommon for divorce issues to arise that prompt parents to seek the court’s intervention to resolve. Child custody and visitation are...
Pennsylvania parents who decide to end their marriages must negotiate fair and agreeable settlements that include terms regarding the care and upbringing of their children. One of the main issues to be resolved in such situations is which parent will...
Deciding to end a marriage is definitely one of the most intensely personal choices of a lifetime. Many Pennsylvania spouses will file for divorce in 2019 and beyond. Some will choose mediation or collaborative law to negotiate their settlements; others...
As 2018 nears its end, many Pennsylvania parents will be among those seeking to end their marriages. Divorce is never easy, and issues — such as child custody, visitation or support — can complicate matters. As recently mentioned in previous...
Matt Barnes enjoyed a successful career in the NBA for nearly 15 years. Pennsylvania basketball fans may remember when he retired in 2017. Some may also have followed his divorce from Gloria Govan, who starred on reality TV show “Basketball...
Most households in Pennsylvania need 50 percent or more of their income just to make ends meet. In families that include a primary breadwinner rather than dual, full-time incomes, deciding to divorce may mean that a major financial adjustment is...
Many Pennsylvania residents will be among those throughout the nation who decide to end their marriages in court before this year’s end. Some are looking for the swiftest, quietest, uncontentious ways to finalize divorce, simply wanting to leave their pasts...
A top priority of all good parents in Pennsylvania and beyond is to act with children’s best interests in mind. When divorce occurs, parents may disagree about what is best. The court will step in to make all custody, visitation...
Perhaps you have determined that your marriage is no longer sustainable. You and your spouse have agreed to divorce and you both want to handle the situation as amicably as possible. Especially regarding your children and a future co-parenting plan,...
A study at a university in another state suggests that marriages in Pennsylvania and elsewhere last longer today than they have in recent decades. While the overall national divorce rate, especially among millennials, appears to be declining, that doesn’t help...
Gwen Stefani is at the top of many Pennsylvania pop music fans’ lists for favorite artists. Stefani has been in and out of the limelight in recent years, especially regarding her divorce from Gavin Rossdale and her new romantic relationship...
Every year there are many Pennsylvania couples who end their marriages. Reasons for doing so vary, but those that do separate often find they can relate to others who have gone through similar experiences. Divorce is stressful and affects every...
Getting divorced is a personal decision that impacts the lives of at least two people and, many times, quite a few more as well. Many Pennsylvania spouses hope to negotiate their settlements without going to court. However, it’s not always...
No two Pennsylvania marriages are exactly the same; therefore, neither are any two divorces. When a couple chooses to divorce, they often encounter various challenges regarding child custody, property division or other issues that can make the entire process quite...
Pennsylvania is one of the largest states in the nation. One can logically assume that this means it also has one of the highest populations. Perhaps being a large state has something to do with the reason the divorce rate...
When Pennsylvania spouses decide to divorce, they can choose which process they wish to facilitate to accomplish their goals. In situations where one of the spouses wishes to contest the divorce, or a couple is facing property division or custody...
When getting divorced, a person may not at all like the idea of a long and bitter court battle. Thankfully, divorces don’t have to go this way. There are alternatives to divorce litigation. One is the collaborative divorce process. Collaborative...