Entries by Jennifer Gardella

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Should I Move During My Divorce?

Not to sound like a lawyer, but that depends. If you feel unsafe or your spouse drives you crazy, you should move, but you should be aware of and prepare for the negative consequences. If you can still tolerate each other and be civil, you’re probably better off staying in the home, at least until […]

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Postnuptial Agreements: Better Late Than Never

A properly executed, valid agreement made before or after a couple marries should simplify divorce proceedings. Prenuptial (or in Pennsylvania, premarital) agreements are better known and, generally, easier to enforce. A contract made after a marriage takes place (a postnuptial agreement), though different, can accomplish many of the same goals and be very useful if […]

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What are Your Divorce Options? 

Like most lawsuits and legal disputes, nearly all divorces resolve outside of a courtroom. Most parties can’t justify the costs of a trial in money, time, energy, and stress. How you approach your divorce and its resolution depends on you and your spouse.   Divorcing spouses come from all different emotional directions. They may be heartbroken, […]

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Congratulations! Your Divorce is Final! Now What?

A divorce starts a new chapter of your life. But even after it’s final, your life will not turn on a dime, especially if you share children with your ex-spouse. There will be loose ends to tie up and details to address. Where do you start?  What’s in Your Divorce Agreement?  The divorce agreement is […]

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My Child’s Getting Divorced. How Can I Help?

You may have a good idea of what they’re going through if you’ve been divorced. If not, your child is experiencing a stressful and possibly traumatic experience. They need love, support, and understanding. They don’t need to hear from someone who is judgmental and wants to blame someone.  They may have been in a bad, […]

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Can My Spouse Force Me to Get a Job After We Divorce?

If you’re awarded or have negotiated spousal support (alimony) as part of the divorce order, whether you work after it’s final may be an issue. Collecting support doesn’t necessarily mean you must work, nor does it necessarily allow you to stop working. It depends on your circumstances.  Your spouse can’t force you to work after […]

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Pandemic-Proof Your Parenting Time Plan

If you are divorced with minor children, you probably struggled over the last two years. Many parenting plans did not make accommodations for kids in virtual school, daycare facilities closing, and all activities being canceled. We’re too busy to plan for the unexpected, though we know it’s what we should do. If you have a child custody […]

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Are You Having a Post-Divorce Housing Nightmare?

Congratulations! It took some work, but you got the house after your divorce. Hopefully, you’ll spend many happy, healthy years there. But you run the risk of nightmares all homeowners may have (raccoons in the attic?), plus some that divorcees in particular face. Surprise! You Have an Open Home Equity Loan! Marital homes and mortgages […]

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Don’t Allow Your Ex-Spouse to Be Chronically Late

There could be several dates in a divorce agreement or order. If your ex-spouse is missing deadlines it can make the divorce process more difficult and irritating. This could be an intentional act or your ex could just be disorganized and inconsiderate. Either way, it’s not something you should tolerate.  Many divorce issues are date-driven, […]