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?...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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,...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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,...
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...
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...