Entries by Karen Ulmer

Consenting to Adoption

One of the ways an adoption can proceed is if the natural parent(s) consent to the adoption. Pursuant to 23 Pa. C.S. Section 2711, a consent must be signed by the following individuals where applicable: (1) the child(ren) being adopted if over 12 years of age; (2) the spouse of the adopting parent if that […]

Military Service and Child Support

There are several options in providing for child support of minor children when one of the parents is in the military. One option is the traditional method of pursuing court-ordered support through the state court with jurisdiction. An issue that may pop up in this instance is the Servicemember’s Civil Relief Act (SCRA) which mandates […]

Splitting Real Estate Outside of a Divorce

A Partition Action is the type of legal proceeding needed to divide property amongst unmarried individuals that cannot agree what to do with the property. There are two options in a partition action. One option involves physically splitting the property, if possible. The alternative option, and more likely occurrence, involves the home being sold with […]

Same-Sex Marriage & Divorce

Last month the U.S. Supreme Court found that the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) was unconstitutional as it violates the Fifth amendment in failing to provide due process for all. DOMA was initially enacted in 1996 and provided that the federal government could refuse to recognize same-sex marriages granted under state laws. This resulted in […]

Tax Consequences

Many clients going through family law matters will have questions regarding how they can/should file their taxes as well as what tax consequences may arise in their situation and the answers vary depending on if it’s a divorce, custody, or support matter. To start with divorce, while married parties can choose between married filing jointly […]

Post-Divorce Issues

Finally receiving the divorce decree is an accomplishment for divorcing parties, however, it does not always mean the end of the matter. If custody and support were issues were raised as part of the divorce, even though an initial resolution may have been met, both are issues which can be revisited based on change of […]

Disability Pension

Pensions are generally considered marital property and subject to distribution at the time of divorce. The pension may need to be appraised to determine the marital value of the pension, specifically in an instance where the party began accruing the benefits prior to the marriage or the parties were separated for numerous years before a […]

Morality Clauses in Family Law

Some states routinely include a morality clause as part of a divorce case. A morality clause would prevent the parties from doing certain things following separation. In family law, the clause usually prevents either party from having a new partner stay overnight while minor children of the former marriage are present. Texas is one of […]

Practical Steps in Preparing for Divorce

Many clients contemplating divorce have questions about what they should do even prior to filing for divorce to protect themselves. Below is a list of some proposed actions from personal finance company, Kiplinger’s. Obtain a credit card in your own name if you don’t already have one. Obtain a checking and savings account in your […]

Fault Grounds for Divorce

Most divorces proceed on the basis of no-fault or irretrievable breakdown of the marriage based on mutual consent after ninety days or two year separation, however, fault grounds for divorce can still be utilized. Under 23 Pa CS 3301(a), the fault grounds for divorce are listed and include(1) desertion for the period of one or […]