Entries by Karen Ulmer

Danger of the $ 299 Divorce

Oftentimes a person getting a divorce may see ads for a low cost divorce for $ 299. What the ad does not tell you is that this is for a divorce in which there are no issues, no assets, and it likely does not include a filing fee. You also have to do much of […]

No jury trials for custody or divorce cases

Many people who are going through a divorce or custody case are unfamiliar with the court system and what to expect unless they have had friends or family who already went through the process. In most family law cases, there are several levels of proceedings. In Pennsylvania, custody, support and divorce issues are usually heard […]

Exclusive Possession and Divorce

Sometimes when a divorce is pending, a party may decide that they no longer wish to live in the marital residence. When a party moves out and establishes residence elsewhere, the party who remains in the home may seek and will usually always be granted an order for exclusive possession of the marital residence while […]

Holidays and Custody

When it comes to holidays and custody, the courts generally will alternate the holidays so that one parent has the children in even years and the other parent has the children in odd years. Easter is usually only considered as a Sunday holiday not an overnight the night before. It is important, however, to always […]

Who provides medical insurance in divorce and support

Typically during a divorce, medical insurance is already in place when parties separated. Unless the parties agree otherwise, you cannot unilaterally drop your spouse from medical insurance during a divorce and must provide coverage until a divorce decree is entered as long as it still available through work. When parties go to support court, if […]

Documents to bring when beginning the probate process

Clients often ask what documents to bring when probating an estate. First, if there is a will, you need the original signed will. The executor(s) named in the will must be present. If the executor does not wish to handle the estate, then they will need to sign a renunciation which will be presented to […]

SSD vs SSI

Social Security benefits may count as income depending on the nature of the benefits be received. For that purpose, it is important to differentiate the types of Social Security benefits to ensure an appropriate support calculation. Social Security disability (SSD) benefits are counted as income. The disability payments are meant to replace the income the […]

File to Modify Support if you are laid off

Whenever there is a change income, whether it is the party receiving child support or the party paying child support, it is that person’s responsibility to file to modify the support order. When someone is suddenly let go from work, even if they qualify for unemployment income, it is often necessary to file to modify […]

Communications with your Ex’s Divorce attorney

Are you getting divorced and represented by counsel? Under the PA Rules of Professional Responsibility, an attorney is not permitted to communicate directly with a party whom they are aware is represented. This applies to that other party as well. These rules are there to protect not only the attorney but also the party. While […]

Keeping Medical Records for Support Orders

If you have a charging support order in PA for either child or spousal support, you likely have to pay the first $ 250 in out of pocket medical expenses each year per person before the remainder are allocated based on a percentage. You need to keep good records in order to receive your remainder […]