One of the toughest aspects of divorce is sharing your kids with your ex. You may not like your ex, and they might not care for you, but both of you love your kids. How can you make sure your children have a happy relationship with their other parent if the two of you struggle to even make eye contact?
Developing flexible problem-solving skills with your ex is a challenge, but one well worth overcoming. Below, you’ll find tips to guide you on the path to co-parenting success.
Helping Your Child Adjust to Their New Life
Divorce may feel like a breath of fresh air for you, but for your kids, it can be extremely upsetting. Suddenly, they’re splitting time between two homes and two sets of parents. In addition to that, maybe they have new siblings and a new school. It’s a lot to take in for little ones.
To help your kids adjust, work with your ex-spouse to establish consistent routines. Children thrive with a set schedule for meals, homework, playtime, and bedtime. Ask your ex to maintain your child’s schedule when it’s their time with the kids.
Encourage Open Communication Between Your Ex and Kids
Many parents try to keep their kids away from their exes as a way to hurt them. No matter how much you dislike your ex, though, you should never use your children as a weapon. Not only does this hurt your child’s well-being, but courts tend to frown on those who keep children away from the other parent.
Encourage your kids and ex-spouse to talk to each other regularly, whether that’s through phone calls, emails, or in-person meetings. If anything important comes up in your child’s life (health updates, school events, etc.), be sure to share them with your ex. You may not like doing it, but it’s a cornerstone of co-parenting success.
Be a Person of Your Word
It’s your ex-spouse’s week to have the kids, and maybe you’re tempted to show up late to the dropoff just to spite them. Doing that might feel good in the moment, but it only places stress on the kids and damages your relationship with your ex.
If you say you’re going to be somewhere at a certain time, keep your word. Your ex will be more likely to do the same for you.
Don’t Like How Your Ex-Spouse Parents? Keep It to Yourself
Maybe your kids come home excitedly chatting about that treat Daddy fed them or the toy Mom bought as a surprise. You think your ex is spoiling them rotten, and you don’t like it. But if you want to maintain successful boundaries, you’d be smart not to say a word.
Ex-spouses shouldn’t judge each other’s parenting styles. All that does is create hostility and confuse the kids. It’s wiser to just stay silent and maintain respectful boundaries (unless, of course, your ex’s parenting style places your children in danger).
We’ll Help You Create a Positive Co-Parenting Dynamic
Achieving co-parenting success is a big challenge, but the attorneys at Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C. will help you overcome it. For a consultation, call us at (215) 752-6200.
Legal and Illegal Prenuptial AgreementsOctober 25, 2024 - 2:00 pm
Follow Your Divorce Decree to the LetterOctober 18, 2024 - 1:27 pm
Financial Problems in a Divorce – Financial AbuseOctober 9, 2024 - 11:20 am
Legal and Illegal Prenuptial Agreements
DivorceCreating a prenuptial agreement before a marriage is an excellent idea. It protects your interests in the event that you and your spouse divorce down the line. It also prompts you and your spouse to communicate about important issues like finances, property, and shared bank accounts.
But you must understand the difference between a legal and illegal prenup to ensure that yours holds up in court. Know what you can and cannot include in a prenuptial agreement under Pennsylvania law and how to validate one.
What Items Can a Prenup Include?
One way to ensure a legal and valid prenuptial agreement is to address only the specific items that can be covered in these agreements. Typically, you can include provisions about all of the following in a prenup:
Meanwhile, a prenuptial agreement generally cannot protect any of the following:
How Do You Validate a Prenuptial Agreement?
Take these steps to ensure that your prenuptial agreement is valid:
Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., Offers Support With Prenuptial Agreements
Do you need help distinguishing between a legal and illegal prenup and ensuring the validity of your agreement? Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., can help you draft a prenuptial agreement that will hold up to court orders, enforcement actions, and legal scrutiny. Contact us today at (866) 349-4117 for a consultation.
Follow Your Divorce Decree to the Letter
DivorceYour divorce decree exists for a reason. It provides tangible evidence of the terms your spouse agreed to in the divorce.
You may be tempted to give your spouse wiggle room when it comes to alimony payments, child support, or asset distribution. However, straying from the divorce decree may only hurt your financial outcomes and encourage more shady behavior from your spouse moving forward.
Is a Divorce Decree Legally Binding?
Your divorce decree is the legal document that marks the end of your marriage. It also spells out important details about child custody, spousal support, asset division, and visitation guidelines.
Divorce decrees aren’t mere suggestions for how to behave after a divorce; they are legally binding. Your ex-spouse is required to follow these rules to a T. If you start giving them leeway now, they will only continue taking advantage of you. Worse, the court will assume that you were okay with their behavior, harming your ability to file a motion for contempt of court in the future.
Once your divorce is finalized, go to the family court clerk’s office and request a certified copy of your divorce decree. Keep it on hand and ensure your spouse’s adherence to every term.
Enforce the Elements of Your Divorce Decree Precisely
Ensure that your ex-spouse follows all of these aspects of your final judgment closely:
What If Your Spouse Refuses To Follow This Court Order?
Your ex-spouse cannot simply refuse to follow the terms of your divorce decree. If they disagree with any of these terms, they will need to request a modification with the court. This is a legal process.
If you do not agree with their modification request, they will need to present their reasoning in court and allow a judge to decide whether to grant it. Unless your ex-spouse’s requests are reasonable, the judge probably won’t grant their wishes.
Should your ex-spouse violate the divorce decree and not seek a modification, you can file a motion for contempt of court or request an enforcement action. This prompts the court to assess their actions and intervene. If your ex-spouse is found in contempt of court, the court can:
Your first step should be to have your attorney contact your ex-spouse’s attorney and warn them about your intention to file for contempt of court.
Contact Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., for Divorce Assistance
Do you need help enforcing your divorce decree? Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., offers compassionate legal support throughout the divorce process. We can help you file a motion for contempt of court or request an enforcement action to prompt your ex-spouse to adhere to your divorce decree.
Contact us today at (866) 349-4117 for a confidential consultation.
Financial Problems in a Divorce – Financial Abuse
DivorceOne of the more challenging steps in the divorce process is separating your finances from your spouse’s. Nearly every divorcing couple in Bucks County experiences some tension around the division of assets. However, some individuals exhibit abusive behaviors that make this process more arduous.
Knowing what constitutes financial abuse can help you recognize and address these financial problems in a divorce. You have the right to equitable distribution of property. If your spouse has begun stealing money from your accounts or otherwise tampering with your finances, contact an experienced divorce attorney for help.
Examples of Financial Abuse in a Divorce
Financial abuse can take many forms in a divorce process. Watch out for any of these shady tactics from your spouse:
How To Navigate Financial Problems in a Divorce
You don’t have to stand by and watch your spouse use abusive tactics to control your finances. You can navigate financial problems in a divorce with these tips:
Let Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., Help You Protect Your Finances in a Divorce
Is your spouse using shady tactics to gain economic control in your divorce? At Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., we help clients protect their rights in the PA divorce process. We make it easier to navigate the division of assets, spousal maintenance, and other financial problems in a divorce while promoting an equitable outcome and prioritizing your interests.
Contact us today at (866) 349-4117 for a general consultation.
PA Divorce – Forced To Pay for College?
Child SupportDivorcing your spouse raises many questions about how you will handle future tasks involved in raising your child. One important question you need to consider now is: “How will we handle paying for our child’s college education?”
Some states have laws requiring parents to contribute to payments for higher education. Learn how these laws affect your PA divorce and other considerations you should discuss now.
Does Pennsylvania Require Divorcing Parents To Pay for Their Child’s College?
Twenty-four states across the U.S. — including New Jersey and New York — have laws about parents financially contributing to a child’s higher education, but Pennsylvania is not one of them. This means that in a divorce, neither parent will have a legal obligation to pay for or contribute to a child’s college education. Instead, you’ll look to your divorce agreement to determine how to approach this matter.
You and your soon-to-be-ex-spouse have the right to determine how you will split future financial endeavors involving your shared children. If you cannot agree on these issues, a judge may help you decide when creating your parenting plan. It’s always better to work out an agreement on your own or with an attorney instead of letting a judge decide for you.
Creating a Parenting Plan That Includes College Tuition
When you work with an experienced Pennsylvania divorce attorney, they can help you create a reasonable parenting plan that covers how you and your spouse will handle financial contributions for college. This agreement must hold up long into the future, which can be challenging. You’ll need to be as specific as possible to avoid confusion and disagreements down the line.
Be sure to discuss all of the following when creating your parenting plan:
What If You Don’t Discuss College in the Parenting Plan?
If your child is only a few years old at the time of your PA divorce, their college education may be the furthest thought from your mind. So, what happens if you fail to address this matter in your parenting plan?
You and your child’s other parent can attempt to reach an agreement privately about how you will split college expenses, but this may not be wise. It’s better to create a written agreement and sign it in the presence of a notary.
You can modify your parenting plan by filing a motion with the court. The court can intervene if both parents do not consent to the modification.
Remember that child support obligations only extend until a child turns 18 in Pennsylvania. You may decide to purposefully leave college out of your parenting plan and agree that your child will pay for their own college. Whatever you do, discuss it now to avoid headaches later on.
Seek Assistance With PA Divorce Agreements From Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C.
Do you need help drafting a divorce agreement, understanding equitable distribution in a divorce, or determining the custodial parent? Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., offers compassionate legal support through your entire divorce. Call (866) 349-4117 for a confidential consultation.
Moving Out of PA With Your Child Before Divorce
Child Custody, DivorceDivorces offer a fresh start and an opportunity to move to a new location, putting the past behind you. However, moving out of state becomes more complicated if you have children with your ex-spouse.
Relocating will affect your child custody arrangement and parenting plan. If you plan to take your child with you, be sure you understand the guidelines around moving out with your child before the divorce.
Can You Move Out of State Before or During the Divorce?
You can relocate before or during the divorce, but you’ll need to navigate the process correctly. The steps may look different depending on whether you plan to bring your child with you during the move.
Moving Out of State With Your Kids
Moving out of state with your child before the divorce may sound like a tempting idea, especially if you don’t want your spouse to gain shared custody. But you cannot do this without severely disrupting the custody process — unless your spouse fully agrees.
The court prioritizes the best interests of the child when drafting parenting plans. If you want to move out of state with your child, you’ll need to show that the move would be in their best interests. A judge would consider all of the following to make this determination:
Working with an experienced child custody attorney can help show that the move would be in the child’s best interests.
Moving Out of State Without Your Kids
If you plan to move out of the state sometime after the divorce, even if you don’t plan to bring your children, make your intentions known. You would need to file a parenting plan modification to update the court about your relocation. You would also need to ensure your spouse can handle tasks like selling the house on their own.
Planning for the move before you finalize the parenting plan will make this process much easier. If you move out of state, sharing custody with the child’s other parent becomes more challenging. You will need to consider both of your locations when drafting a reasonable and fair parenting plan.
What About Relocating After the Divorce?
If you want to move out of state after the parenting plan has been finalized, you’ll need to meet relocation notice requirements and modify the parenting plan. This involves attending a relocation hearing and explaining why the move would be in the child’s best interests. The child’s other parent has the option to submit an objection and counter-affidavit to your request.
Seek Assistance With Custodial Rights and Relocation
Your divorce shouldn’t stop you from pursuing career goals or aspirations that require you to move states. Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., can help you protect your rights to custody during a relocation. Contact us today at 866-349-4461 for your consultation.
The Statute of Limitations and Your Bucks County Divorce Decree
DivorceYour divorce decree dictates the actions you and your ex-spouse need to take post-divorce, such as distributing property and paying alimony or child support. You may also desire to modify your separation agreement after it has been finalized. Enforcing either of these actions typically requires you to stick to a specific timeline — known as the statute of limitations.
Learn more about this statute and how it affects your rights and options post-divorce.
Statute of Limitations for Enforcing Child Support and Alimony
If your spouse agreed to provide child custody or alimony under your separation agreement, you expect them to send the payments by the specified deadlines. But what happens if they fail to do so?
You can take them to court to enforce alimony and child support orders, and both Pennsylvania and New Jersey statutes give you a generous amount of time to do so. Pennsylvania has no statute of limitations for enforcing child support and alimony, and you have 20 years to go after missed payments. In New Jersey, you have until a child turns 23 to collect back child support.
While these deadlines are generous, you should stick to reasonable alimony and child support timeframes. The sooner you take enforcement action against your spouse, the faster the process will be. Trying to enforce these orders five or ten years down the line will make it more challenging to access the original support orders and provide evidence of your spouse’s failure to pay.
Additionally, enforcing these orders down the line likely means you want to request a lump sum equal to the amount your spouse owes you. If your spouse can’t afford this lump sum, you probably won’t have much luck in this endeavor.
Timeline for Property Division Enforcement
Your separation agreement likely lists the property that will go to each spouse after the divorce. But what happens if your spouse fails to transfer the stock, retirement assets, or property they agreed to?
In Pennsylvania, a party usually has 90 days to enforce a property division order. In New Jersey, you can file for contempt of court within two years of your spouse’s failure to provide the specific property.
Again, the sooner you seek to enforce this aspect of the divorce decree, the better. Talk to your attorney if your spouse is refusing to cooperate.
Statute of Limitations for Modifying Your Separation Agreement
Your separation agreement doesn’t need to be permanent. You can seek to modify the agreement through a court order if at least one year has passed since you signed the original decree.
You’ll need to meet a few modification criteria to show that exceptional changes in circumstances have occurred and provide documentation of financial changes.
Contact Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., Today
Do you need legal representation in a divorce in New Jersey or Pennsylvania? Are you seeking assistance with spousal support modifications, wanting to explore mediation and negotiation options, or needing help enforcing your divorce decree within the statute of limitations?
Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., offers personalized legal assistance. Call (866) 349-4461 to request a confidential consultation.
How Long Should You Keep Divorce Papers?
DivorceYour arduous Bucks County divorce process is finally over, and you have the papers to prove it. While you may be tempted to rip them to shreds, throw them away, and never think about the process again, you should plan to hold on to them. You’ll probably need them in the future.
How long should you keep divorce papers? Ideally, forever. Learn why you may need your divorce papers down the road and which documents you should keep in a safe space.
Do You Really Need To Keep Divorce Papers Forever?
Maybe your divorce was finalized 20 years ago, and you just stumbled on the paperwork hidden in a drawer somewhere. Is it safe to throw it away? Unfortunately, no.
Any divorce attorney will tell you to keep your complete divorce file forever. Store this paperwork in a safe place, such as a locked, fireproof legal document storage box or a safe deposit box at a bank. You’re also welcome to tuck it away in a basement or the back of a closet and avoid looking at it; just ensure it’s easily accessible should you ever need it.
What Will You Need Your Divorce Paperwork for in the Future?
How long should you keep divorce papers, and which ones take precedence? If your spouse signed any child custody or alimony agreements, you’ll want to keep these on hand as proof of their responsibilities under the arrangement. In the case that your spouse fails to follow one of these orders, you can bring the original agreement to court to prove your spouse’s wrongful behavior.
You may also need your divorce paperwork for future endeavors, such as:
Which Documents Should You Keep From Your Divorce?
You should keep your entire divorce file in a safe place. At the very least, store all of these documents somewhere secure:
What Happens If You Lose Your Divorce Papers?
If you misplace any of your divorce papers, you can request a new copy from the court where you finalized the divorce. Contact the clerk of courts and provide the date of your divorce, your name, and your ex-spouse’s name.
You may need to pay a fee for the new copies of the paperwork, which can take some time. Hanging on to the original paperwork will ensure you always have access to these documents when you need them.
Contact Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., for Divorce Assistance
Navigating a divorce doesn’t stop once the divorce is finalized. You’ll likely encounter questions about your divorce for some time after the process is over. If you need assistance with your divorce before, during, or after the process, Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C. is here for you.
Contact us today at (866) 349-4461 for a consultation. We’re committed to calming the chaos and creating solutions for you.
Why You May “Conflict Out” in Your Divorce Case
DivorceDivorce attorneys must be very careful to avoid conflicts of interest when representing clients. Unfortunately, angry spouses in a divorce case sometimes use this issue to their advantage, effectively barring their spouse from working with an attorney with whom they have already shared their side of the story.
Learn why you may “conflict out” in a divorce case and how to proceed when your spouse uses this tactic against you.
What Does It Mean To “Conflict Out?”
“Conflicting out” is a tactic used to prevent a person from working with an attorney. When you call a divorce attorney’s office to inquire about hiring them, they will conduct a conflict check to ensure they have not had a conversation with your spouse.
Sometimes, in heated divorces, one spouse will call every divorce attorney in the area and set up a consultation with them. Even your spouse speaking with an attorney briefly about your divorce can bar you from working with them. Suddenly, you cannot work with attorneys in your area due to a conflict of interest.
Types of Conflicts That May Prevent You From Working With an Attorney
Many conflicts of interest can lead to disqualification in legal cases. Attorneys take confidentiality obligations seriously as part of their prospective client rules. If there is any barrier to confidentiality in your case, they won’t work with you.
Any of the following may also be a reason to conflict out:
Under an attorney’s rules of professional conduct, they will not accept any clients that may violate the confidential attorney-client relationship. This is why attorneys complete an initial conflict check process before you sign a retainer agreement.
What To Do If Your Spouse Has “Conflicted Out” Your Preferred Attorney
If you are concerned that your soon-to-be-ex-spouse will attempt to conflict you out, explain why this would not be wise. Preventing you from seeking good legal counsel will only prolong your divorce case. If you both have access to strong attorneys, you can finalize the divorce faster and move on with your lives.
But if your spouse has already used this tactic with an attorney you were interested in hiring, document their behavior. You won’t be able to work with your preferred attorney, but the attorney you end up with can use your spouse’s behavior to your advantage during the divorce. This may give you a leg up during the property division or child custody process.
The attorney you were hoping to work with can recommend other divorce attorneys in your area.
Schedule a Consultation With Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., Today
Knowing why you may “conflict out” when hiring a divorce attorney can help you prepare for your spouse’s tactics. Contact Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., today at (866) 349-4461 for help protecting your rights during the divorce.
When You Are Served With a PFA
Domestic Violence, Protection from AbuseBeing served with a protection from abuse (PFA) order can be incredibly scary. You can’t go near your spouse or partner, and maybe you’ve been forced to leave your home. You’re terrified that it’s going to affect your job or custody proceedings.
It’s normal to feel like a ship adrift in the ocean when you are served with a PFA, but Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C. is here to help.
What Is a PFA Order and Why Were You Served?
A PFA is the same thing as a restraining order. If you’ve been served with a PFA, it means that the petitioner (your spouse or partner, for example) is accusing you of abuse, harassment, or stalking. Courts in Bucks County take domestic abuse and harassment very seriously, so they grant PFA orders as a form of protection for the petitioner.
There are three main types of PFAs in Pennsylvania, and there’s a big difference between a temporary and final PFA.
Violating the Order Can Bring Disastrous Consequences
When you’re served with a PFA, one of the first things you’ll likely feel is anger. You’re furious that you can’t stay in your home or even see your kids anymore. What right does your spouse or partner have to do that to you?
You’re tempted to return to your home and give them a piece of your mind, but it’s a temptation you should resist. Bucks County courts don’t look kindly on people who violate PFAs. If that’s you, you could be permanently barred from entering your house or lose custody of your kids. The court can hold you in criminal contempt, too, which might result in hefty fines and/or jail time.
Your Spouse Had You Served With a PFA, Now What?
When you are served with a PFA, do not panic. Here’s what to do:
Reliable PFA Hearing and Defense Preparation in Bucks County
When you are served with a PFA, Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C. is here for you. Call (215) 752-6200 for a consultation now.
Co-Parenting Success
Child CustodyOne of the toughest aspects of divorce is sharing your kids with your ex. You may not like your ex, and they might not care for you, but both of you love your kids. How can you make sure your children have a happy relationship with their other parent if the two of you struggle to even make eye contact?
Developing flexible problem-solving skills with your ex is a challenge, but one well worth overcoming. Below, you’ll find tips to guide you on the path to co-parenting success.
Helping Your Child Adjust to Their New Life
Divorce may feel like a breath of fresh air for you, but for your kids, it can be extremely upsetting. Suddenly, they’re splitting time between two homes and two sets of parents. In addition to that, maybe they have new siblings and a new school. It’s a lot to take in for little ones.
To help your kids adjust, work with your ex-spouse to establish consistent routines. Children thrive with a set schedule for meals, homework, playtime, and bedtime. Ask your ex to maintain your child’s schedule when it’s their time with the kids.
Encourage Open Communication Between Your Ex and Kids
Many parents try to keep their kids away from their exes as a way to hurt them. No matter how much you dislike your ex, though, you should never use your children as a weapon. Not only does this hurt your child’s well-being, but courts tend to frown on those who keep children away from the other parent.
Encourage your kids and ex-spouse to talk to each other regularly, whether that’s through phone calls, emails, or in-person meetings. If anything important comes up in your child’s life (health updates, school events, etc.), be sure to share them with your ex. You may not like doing it, but it’s a cornerstone of co-parenting success.
Be a Person of Your Word
It’s your ex-spouse’s week to have the kids, and maybe you’re tempted to show up late to the dropoff just to spite them. Doing that might feel good in the moment, but it only places stress on the kids and damages your relationship with your ex.
If you say you’re going to be somewhere at a certain time, keep your word. Your ex will be more likely to do the same for you.
Don’t Like How Your Ex-Spouse Parents? Keep It to Yourself
Maybe your kids come home excitedly chatting about that treat Daddy fed them or the toy Mom bought as a surprise. You think your ex is spoiling them rotten, and you don’t like it. But if you want to maintain successful boundaries, you’d be smart not to say a word.
Ex-spouses shouldn’t judge each other’s parenting styles. All that does is create hostility and confuse the kids. It’s wiser to just stay silent and maintain respectful boundaries (unless, of course, your ex’s parenting style places your children in danger).
We’ll Help You Create a Positive Co-Parenting Dynamic
Achieving co-parenting success is a big challenge, but the attorneys at Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C. will help you overcome it. For a consultation, call us at (215) 752-6200.