Entries by Karen Ulmer

Divorce after Two Year Separation

After two years of separation,  grounds for divorce can be achieved in PA without the consent of the other party. One of the two no-fault grounds for divorce is a two year separation. This separation does not have to mean physical separation. It is legal separation. Legal separation is no later than the date that […]

Benefits of a Law Firm Team

When you hire a law firm, it is a good idea to find out whether the attorney you hire is the only attorney who will be working with you or whether the firm takes a team approach. There are many benefits of the team approach. When you hire an attorney and you meet with your […]

Changes to the Custody Order by Agreement

The purpose of a custody order is to provide both parties with a schedule on when they have their children and no longer live in the same home. This eliminates any confusion for everyone involved, including the parents, children, teachers, coaches and others who may need to know who is supposed to pick up a […]

Revoking a will

If you create a will, the will is in effect until it is revoked. In Pennsylvania, a will may be revoked in several ways. First, creating a new will revokes any prior wills. Second, you may create a document stating that the will is to be revoked. This document must be executed the same way […]

Codicils

Every time that you create a will, you revoke all prior wills previously made. However, sometimes you wish to amend the will while keeping the majority of the terms the same. For these situations, it is best to create a codicil. A codicil is an amendment to a will. The document can add or delete […]

Living Will

A living will, also called an advanced directive, is a legal document which details your wishes regarding medical treatment when you are in a terminal condition or in a state of permanent unconsciousness, including persistent vegetative state or irreversible coma. A living will gives you the right to determine which treatments, such as cardiac resuscitation […]

Life estates

When you pass away leaving real property (i.e. house), the property is sold or goes to your heirs, either under a will or through intestacy. Typically, the heirs have the right to do as they wish with the property, such as selling it, keeping it, repairing it, or renting it. Another option is to give […]

What is a Power of Attorney

A power of attorney is a legal document wherein you give another person the right to act on your behalf. It is a very powerful document, in that your agent can act as you. For example, once in effect, the agent may be able to access your bank accounts, pay bills, transfer real estate, make […]

Consequences of Custody Contempt

23 Pa. C.S. 5323 (f) provides that any custody order should have sufficient detail to enable the parties to understand what they are obligated to do and for law enforcement authorities to be able to assist in enforcement where appropriate. Section (g) discusses the consequences for violation of an established custody order. “A party who […]

Dividing Personal Property in Divorce

Personal Property in a divorce includes the tangible items that you own, such as the furniture, the houseware, the televisions, the paintings, and other items in your home. When parties separate, one of the parties normally leaves the home and takes items with them. What is taken can often lead to a dispute. It is […]