Entries by Karen Ulmer

Grounds for Annulment

There are two options for ending a marriage in Pennsylvania: divorce or annulment. An annulment may only be pursued where the marriage itself was void or voidable. A marriage is void where either party was still married at the time of the current marriage, the parties are related to a certain degree, either party did […]

Adjustments to Basic Support

Support in Pennsylvania is calculated based on a statewide guideline amount. Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure 1910.16-6 outlines potential adjustments to a basic support obligation. Reasonable child care expenses paid by either parent can be added to a support calculation. The additional cost is then allocated between the parties in proportion to their income. Most […]

New Jersey Alimony Reform

New Jersey is waiting to hear whether the long sought-after changes to their alimony laws will be adopted. Many view NJ’s alimony laws as unfair and inconsistent. The proposed changes to the law would seek to fortify a more uniform and rational framework for determining what amount and duration of alimony is appropriate as well […]

Vacation Schedules in Custody

Vacations are a staple of the summer season and you want to make sure your children are able to enjoy vacation with you. A vacation schedule can be included as part of a custody order to alleviate any confusion or disagreement. Standard provisions specify how many weeks of vacation each party is entitled to per […]

Residency for Jurisdiction

Under Pennsylvania law, specifically 23 Pa. C.S. 3104(b), one of the parties to the divorce action must have been a bona fide resident of Pennsylvania for at least six months prior to the commencement of the divorce. Bona fide residence is defined as actual residence with domiciliary intent. Domicile denotes the place where a person […]

Counseling in Adoption Cases

Prior to an adoption taking place, the rights of the natural parent(s) must be terminated. This may occur via consent, voluntary relinquishment or involuntary termination. Pursuant to 23 Pa C.S. 2505, each county is responsible for keeping a list of qualified counselors who are available to assist natural parents contemplating voluntary relinquishment or facing termination […]

Landlord-Tenant Basics

A lease is the typical agreement outlining the arrangement to occupy property between the tenant, who will become the occupant, and the landlord, who is the legal owner of the property. Leases between landlords and tenants can be oral or written if the lease is for a period of less than three years, although written […]

Retirement Plan Distributions in Divorce

Retirement plans are often one of the significant assets up for distribution in the course of a divorce. Careful attention should be given to the type of retirement plan at issue to avoid tax penalties and/or early withdrawal penalties to the extent possible. First, retirement plans must be distinguished between qualified plans and non-qualified plans. […]

Improper Custody Relocation

Pennsylvania’s custody relocation statute, 23 PA C.S. 5337, requires the party seeking relocation to get court approval or the other parent’s permission prior to relocation. A relocation is defined as any move that would “significantly impair the ability of the nonrelocating party to exercise custodial rights.” Procedurally, the party intending to relocate should give at […]

Increase/Decrease in Asset Value

Property acquired prior to the marriage or in exchange for said property is not marital however the increase in value of that property during the marriage is up for distribution. Pursuant to 23 Pa. C.S. §3501(a)(1), any increase in value for non-marital or separate property should be measured from the date of marriage or date […]