Divorces offer a fresh start and an opportunity to move to a new location, putting the past behind you. However, moving out of state becomes more complicated if you have children with your ex-spouse. 

Relocating will affect your child custody arrangement and parenting plan. If you plan to take your child with you, be sure you understand the guidelines around moving out with your child before the divorce. 

Can You Move Out of State Before or During the Divorce? 

You can relocate before or during the divorce, but you’ll need to navigate the process correctly. The steps may look different depending on whether you plan to bring your child with you during the move.  

Moving Out of State With Your Kids

Moving out of state with your child before the divorce may sound like a tempting idea, especially if you don’t want your spouse to gain shared custody. But you cannot do this without severely disrupting the custody process — unless your spouse fully agrees. 

The court prioritizes the best interests of the child when drafting parenting plans. If you want to move out of state with your child, you’ll need to show that the move would be in their best interests. A judge would consider all of the following to make this determination: 

  • The child’s preference in custody
  • The ability of the child to maintain a relationship with the non-relocating parent
  • The reason for relocation
  • The age and needs of the child
  • The anticipated emotional and educational impact of the move

Working with an experienced child custody attorney can help show that the move would be in the child’s best interests.

Moving Out of State Without Your Kids

If you plan to move out of the state sometime after the divorce, even if you don’t plan to bring your children, make your intentions known. You would need to file a parenting plan modification to update the court about your relocation. You would also need to ensure your spouse can handle tasks like selling the house on their own. 

Planning for the move before you finalize the parenting plan will make this process much easier. If you move out of state, sharing custody with the child’s other parent becomes more challenging. You will need to consider both of your locations when drafting a reasonable and fair parenting plan. 

What About Relocating After the Divorce? 

If you want to move out of state after the parenting plan has been finalized, you’ll need to meet relocation notice requirements and modify the parenting plan. This involves attending a relocation hearing and explaining why the move would be in the child’s best interests. The child’s other parent has the option to submit an objection and counter-affidavit to your request. 

Seek Assistance With Custodial Rights and Relocation 

Your divorce shouldn’t stop you from pursuing career goals or aspirations that require you to move states. Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., can help you protect your rights to custody during a relocation. Contact us today at 866-349-4461 for your consultation. 

Your divorce decree dictates the actions you and your ex-spouse need to take post-divorce, such as distributing property and paying alimony or child support. You may also desire to modify your separation agreement after it has been finalized. Enforcing either of these actions typically requires you to stick to a specific timeline — known as the statute of limitations. 

Learn more about this statute and how it affects your rights and options post-divorce. 

Statute of Limitations for Enforcing Child Support and Alimony

If your spouse agreed to provide child custody or alimony under your separation agreement, you expect them to send the payments by the specified deadlines. But what happens if they fail to do so? 

You can take them to court to enforce alimony and child support orders, and both Pennsylvania and New Jersey statutes give you a generous amount of time to do so. Pennsylvania has no statute of limitations for enforcing child support and alimony, and you have 20 years to go after missed payments. In New Jersey, you have until a child turns 23 to collect back child support. 

While these deadlines are generous, you should stick to reasonable alimony and child support timeframes. The sooner you take enforcement action against your spouse, the faster the process will be. Trying to enforce these orders five or ten years down the line will make it more challenging to access the original support orders and provide evidence of your spouse’s failure to pay.

Additionally, enforcing these orders down the line likely means you want to request a lump sum equal to the amount your spouse owes you. If your spouse can’t afford this lump sum, you probably won’t have much luck in this endeavor.  

Timeline for Property Division Enforcement

Your separation agreement likely lists the property that will go to each spouse after the divorce. But what happens if your spouse fails to transfer the stock, retirement assets, or property they agreed to? 

In Pennsylvania, a party usually has 90 days to enforce a property division order. In New Jersey, you can file for contempt of court within two years of your spouse’s failure to provide the specific property. 

Again, the sooner you seek to enforce this aspect of the divorce decree, the better. Talk to your attorney if your spouse is refusing to cooperate. 

Statute of Limitations for Modifying Your Separation Agreement

Your separation agreement doesn’t need to be permanent. You can seek to modify the agreement through a court order if at least one year has passed since you signed the original decree.

You’ll need to meet a few modification criteria to show that exceptional changes in circumstances have occurred and provide documentation of financial changes. 

Contact Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., Today

Do you need legal representation in a divorce in New Jersey or Pennsylvania? Are you seeking assistance with spousal support modifications, wanting to explore mediation and negotiation options, or needing help enforcing your divorce decree within the statute of limitations? 

Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., offers personalized legal assistance. Call (866) 349-4461 to request a confidential consultation. 

Your arduous Bucks County divorce process is finally over, and you have the papers to prove it. While you may be tempted to rip them to shreds, throw them away, and never think about the process again, you should plan to hold on to them. You’ll probably need them in the future.

How long should you keep divorce papers? Ideally, forever. Learn why you may need your divorce papers down the road and which documents you should keep in a safe space. 

Do You Really Need To Keep Divorce Papers Forever? 

Maybe your divorce was finalized 20 years ago, and you just stumbled on the paperwork hidden in a drawer somewhere. Is it safe to throw it away? Unfortunately, no. 

Any divorce attorney will tell you to keep your complete divorce file forever. Store this paperwork in a safe place, such as a locked, fireproof legal document storage box or a safe deposit box at a bank. You’re also welcome to tuck it away in a basement or the back of a closet and avoid looking at it; just ensure it’s easily accessible should you ever need it. 

What Will You Need Your Divorce Paperwork for in the Future?

How long should you keep divorce papers, and which ones take precedence? If your spouse signed any child custody or alimony agreements, you’ll want to keep these on hand as proof of their responsibilities under the arrangement. In the case that your spouse fails to follow one of these orders, you can bring the original agreement to court to prove your spouse’s wrongful behavior. 

You may also need your divorce paperwork for future endeavors, such as:

  • Changing your name
  • Remarrying
  • Applying for a mortgage
  • Claiming Social Security benefits (if you were married for more than 10 years)

Which Documents Should You Keep From Your Divorce?

You should keep your entire divorce file in a safe place. At the very least, store all of these documents somewhere secure:

  • Divorce decree with the raised seal
  • Separation agreement
  • Marriage license
  • Spousal and child support records 
  • Property appraisal documents
  • Financial records

What Happens If You Lose Your Divorce Papers?

If you misplace any of your divorce papers, you can request a new copy from the court where you finalized the divorce. Contact the clerk of courts and provide the date of your divorce, your name, and your ex-spouse’s name. 

You may need to pay a fee for the new copies of the paperwork, which can take some time. Hanging on to the original paperwork will ensure you always have access to these documents when you need them. 

Contact Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., for Divorce Assistance

Navigating a divorce doesn’t stop once the divorce is finalized. You’ll likely encounter questions about your divorce for some time after the process is over. If you need assistance with your divorce before, during, or after the process, Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C. is here for you. 

Contact us today at (866) 349-4461 for a consultation. We’re committed to calming the chaos and creating solutions for you. 

Divorce attorneys must be very careful to avoid conflicts of interest when representing clients. Unfortunately, angry spouses in a divorce case sometimes use this issue to their advantage, effectively barring their spouse from working with an attorney with whom they have already shared their side of the story. 

Learn why you may “conflict out” in a divorce case and how to proceed when your spouse uses this tactic against you. 

What Does It Mean To “Conflict Out?” 

“Conflicting out” is a tactic used to prevent a person from working with an attorney. When you call a divorce attorney’s office to inquire about hiring them, they will conduct a conflict check to ensure they have not had a conversation with your spouse. 

Sometimes, in heated divorces, one spouse will call every divorce attorney in the area and set up a consultation with them. Even your spouse speaking with an attorney briefly about your divorce can bar you from working with them. Suddenly, you cannot work with attorneys in your area due to a conflict of interest. 

Types of Conflicts That May Prevent You From Working With an Attorney 

Many conflicts of interest can lead to disqualification in legal cases. Attorneys take confidentiality obligations seriously as part of their prospective client rules. If there is any barrier to confidentiality in your case, they won’t work with you. 

Any of the following may also be a reason to conflict out:

  • Your children know the attorney’s children 
  • Your spouse has been divorced before, and this attorney represented them
  • Your attorney has a personal interest that interferes with their ability to represent you fairly
  • Your attorney is concerned about any other “materially adverse interests” 

Under an attorney’s rules of professional conduct, they will not accept any clients that may violate the confidential attorney-client relationship. This is why attorneys complete an initial conflict check process before you sign a retainer agreement.

What To Do If Your Spouse Has “Conflicted Out” Your Preferred Attorney 

If you are concerned that your soon-to-be-ex-spouse will attempt to conflict you out, explain why this would not be wise. Preventing you from seeking good legal counsel will only prolong your divorce case. If you both have access to strong attorneys, you can finalize the divorce faster and move on with your lives. 

But if your spouse has already used this tactic with an attorney you were interested in hiring, document their behavior. You won’t be able to work with your preferred attorney, but the attorney you end up with can use your spouse’s behavior to your advantage during the divorce. This may give you a leg up during the property division or child custody process. 

The attorney you were hoping to work with can recommend other divorce attorneys in your area.

Schedule a Consultation With Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., Today 

Knowing why you may “conflict out” when hiring a divorce attorney can help you prepare for your spouse’s tactics. Contact Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., today at (866) 349-4461 for help protecting your rights during the divorce. 

Fewer things in life are more stressful than going through a divorce. Who will end up with the house? What’s going to happen to your kids? The stress of divorce, and its many unknowns, really can feel like it’s eating you alive.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. Below, find must-follow tips for managing stress throughout your divorce.

Follow the Boy Scout Motto and Be Prepared

What would happen if you were called into a work meeting, but hadn’t prepared any notes or talking points? You’d be pretty stressed, right? The same principle applies to your divorce.

You never want to go into a divorce unprepared. To be forewarned, as they say, is to be forearmed.

Stress reduction starts with preparing yourself for what’s going to come. The more you know what to expect, the more at ease you’re going to feel. That means you’re less likely to make rash decisions that could torpedo your divorce case.

This is why it’s so important to hire a good divorce attorney. Your lawyer can tell you what to expect in divorce negotiations regarding child custody arrangements, alimony, and property division.

Keep Your Organization Game on Point

The divorce process involves plenty of paperwork to fill out and deadlines to remember. It may be unpleasant, but if you want your divorce to go smoothly, you’ll need to treat organization like a full-time job.

Start by gathering important financial documents, such as bank statements, savings account information, retirement account details, and paystubs. Your lawyer will want to take a look at these to determine the fair division of property between you and your ex-spouse. If you have insurance policies (such as life insurance), make copies of those documents, too.

To stay organized, buy a binder and sort documents into categories, such as financial and legal. You can also scan documents and store them in the cloud or on your computer for quick access.

Take Care of Your Mental Health

The stress of divorce can be truly overwhelming and the emotional burden can be difficult to bear. Between talks with your ex and meetings with your lawyer, you might feel like there’s hardly any time to focus on yourself.

However, you won’t do yourself any favors by neglecting your mental health. Find moments where you can relax, breathe, and quiet your racing thoughts. It can help to keep a journal and talk to a therapist about how you’re feeling. And if you have a good friend, now’s the time to rely on them.

Having an excellent lawyer is a wonderful way to manage stress during divorce. Your lawyer will help by:

  • Providing solid advice to help you avoid legal mistakes that could jeopardize your financial stability
  • Handling paperwork so you don’t miss deadlines
  • Guiding you through divorce negotiations and ensuring a fair deal for you

Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C. deeply understands the stress of divorce and will work hard to make the process as smooth as can be for all involved. To schedule your consultation, call (215) 752-6200.

Just because you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse are ending your marriage doesn’t mean your kids can’t still receive a college education. You should, however, devise a plan regarding college and divorce to ensure your kids can afford to enroll one day.

See how to accomplish this goal below.

Who Pays College Tuition for Kids Following a Divorce?

In a perfect world, divorced parents with kids wouldn’t have to worry about who would pay for their children’s college tuition since the school would provide enough financial aid and scholarships to cover those costs.

In reality, most situations involving college and divorce are more complicated and involve some level of financial investment. It isn’t always clear which parent should pay for college-related expenses, leading to confusion and, in some cases, resentment.

You and your ex-spouse should be on the same page as far as who will cover which college costs. In some cases, one of you might be in a financial position that allows you to cover significantly more costs than the other. However, you might also need to agree to fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form with your kids to take out loans to pay for their schooling.

Do Child Support Payments Continue When Kids Attend College?

When a married couple with kids chooses to divorce, they usually come up with a custody agreement. As part of it, one parent typically agrees to pay the other child support until their kids turn 18.

However, you and your ex-spouse might decide to extend child support payments beyond this point and use them to pay for your kids’ college tuition. This could turn into one parent’s contribution while the other pays out of pocket for additional expenses.

How Can You and Your Ex-Spouse Plan Ahead for College?

Married couples ready to divorce shouldn’t wait until their kids are college-aged to figure out who will pay for higher education. Instead, they should talk about their expectations for paying for college while working on their initial divorce settlement.

Whether your kids are still small or on the verge of going to college in a few years, make the proper plans for paying for their college educations in advance. This will prevent you from having to scramble to come up with last-minute solutions to dealing with college and divorce.

Call Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., To Assist With Your Divorce

When it comes to who pays for college and divorce, there aren’t any definitive laws. It’s one of the many instances in which divorced couples must set their feelings for one another aside and do what’s right for their kids.

Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., can help make this possible. Call (866) 311-4783 to learn about your options.

Serving divorce papers is typically the first step taken during the divorce process. One party will file for either a no-fault or fault-based divorce through a lawyer. This attorney will put together the proper divorce paperwork and have it served to the other party to start the process.

But what happens after divorce papers are filed and served? It often varies from one divorce case to the next.

Keep reading to find out which steps take place once divorce papers have been filed.

The Spouse Who Received Divorce Papers Responds

The spouse who files an initial divorce complaint is considered the plaintiff in a divorce case. They must arrange to have their soon-to-be ex-spouse served with divorce papers. This spouse is considered the defendant in a divorce case and has 20 days in Pennsylvania to review the papers and respond.

In some cases, the defendant in a divorce case is expecting divorce papers and can respond to them quickly. In others, they’ll find themselves caught off guard and want to connect with a divorce lawyer before taking any further action to learn the answers to questions like, “What happens after divorce papers are filed?”

A Divorcing Couple Goes Through a Separation Period

In Pennsylvania, married couples aren’t allowed to simply file for divorce and go their separate ways in a matter of days, weeks, or months. Even if a couple plans to keep things amicable and go through a mutual consent divorce, they’ll need to endure a mandatory separation period before they can officially divorce.  

In the greater Bucks County area, we follow Pennsylvania laws for divorce.  The Keystone State imposes a one-year separation period for no-fault divorce cases. However, this can be shortened to 90 days (also known as the cooling off period) in instances in which the couple agrees to move forward. Fault-based divorces are an exception to this rule. They won’t need to go through a waiting period since these cases usually involve serious issues like adultery, domestic violence, substance abuse, etc.

The Rest of the Divorce Process Moves Forward

After a married couple spends a year living separately, they can go to divorce court in Pennsylvania to go through the formal divorce process. This process involves ironing out issues, such as marital property division, alimony, child custody, and more, in front of a judge.

You and your partner might also have the option to skip divorce court by coming up with a divorce agreement. Divorce lawyers for you and your partner can work on hammering out an agreement outside of court so you don’t have to deal with the stress of going through the usual divorce proceedings.

Start Working With Trusted Divorce Attorney Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C.

In some situations, the answer to the question, “What happens after divorce papers are filed?” is straightforward. In other instances, it can confuse a person going through divorce proceedings for the first time.

Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., is here to help you make sense of the divorce process. Call (866) 311-4783 to speak with a divorce lawyer you can count on.

Studies have shown that going through a divorce can take a huge physical and mental toll on a person. Divorcees are more likely to have health-related issues including heart issues and depression.

A divorce can also present problems for a person’s financial situation, especially if they share joint finances with their soon-to-be ex-spouse. They might struggle to answer the question, “Who pays the bills during divorce proceedings?”

If you’re going through a divorce, you’ll want to answer this question first. It will prevent you from falling behind on your financial obligations during the divorce process.

If You and Your Partner Are on Good Terms

Recent surveys suggest about one-third of divorced couples describe their splits as “amicable.” If you and your partner are ending your marriage but are still on good terms, it should bode well for you when answering the question, “Who pays the bills during divorce proceedings?”

In this case, you and your partner should attempt to stick to the status quo and continue paying your bills just like you always have. If, for instance, you’ve traditionally used both your paychecks to cover household expenses, keep doing this.

Take this approach to paying:

  • Mortgages
  • Insurance premiums
  • Utilities
  • Car notes
  • Grocery bills
  • Daycare costs

Just confirm your partner is holding up their end of the bargain. Gain access to online accounts you share and check to see that they’re making payments.

If You and Your Partner Aren’t on Good Terms

While some couples keep things cordial during divorces, others end up on bad terms from the second they separate. This can complicate matters when answering the question, “Who pays the bills during divorce proceedings?”

If you and your partner are going through a contentious divorce, you shouldn’t simply trust them to continue to operate in good faith when it comes to paying the bills. You both need to sit down and come to an official agreement about who is in charge of paying which bills.

You might even want to secure a temporary order from a judge laying out how you’ll pay your bills. This order will reveal:

  • How much income you and your partner make
  • Which of you is responsible for paying which bills
  • What will happen if one of you decides not to pay bills

A Word of Caution

Divorce often brings out the worst in people. This is especially true in divorce cases involving alimony and child support.

If you have the slightest inclination that your divorce proceedings might not go smoothly, work with a divorce attorney to create an agreement between you and your partner.

Contact Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., for Help With Complicated Divorce Issues

“Who pays the bills during divorce proceedings?” is just one of many questions you’ll encounter as you go through the divorce process. You might also have to work out issues as you divide your marital assets and take other important steps.

Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., can speak with you about your situation and aim to make your divorce less stressful. Call 866-311-4783 to schedule a consultation.

Wealth and divorce are a combination with a high potential for conflict. Many divorcing couples clash over money, but it can get much worse when the stakes are high and both sides have a lot to lose. 

If you hold significant assets, you need a solid strategy for protecting your finances during divorce. You may want to look into the following high-net-worth divorce considerations. 

Separate vs. Marital Property

Generally, all the assets you gain during marriage, including real estate, businesses, IRAs, and other investments, count as marital property and are subject to division during divorce. In contrast, assets you acquired before your marriage and kept separately, as well as inheritances, gifts, and some settlements and benefits, are separate property and aren’t part of the marital estate.

In addition, you and/or your spouse may hold assets you defined as separate in a prenuptial agreement. Spousal support and prenuptial agreements are another issue to consider as you prepare for divorce.

Hidden Assets

Having wealth and divorcing also means you should keep an eye on your assets to ensure your spouse isn’t trying to conceal property. For example, as soon as your spouse understands the marriage is over, they may start siphoning money from your joint accounts into an offshore trust. 

Pay attention to red flags like inexplicable cash withdrawals or transfers, incomplete financial records, or a sudden decrease in your spouse’s income. If you suspect your spouse is concealing assets, your next step should be finding qualified divorce lawyers for wealth management.

Tax Implications

You’ll also need to consider the tax implications of high-asset divorces. For example, if you retain real property as part of your asset division, from now on, you’ll be solely responsible for property taxes and rent taxes if it’s investment property.

Divorce-related property transfers are generally tax-free. However, you must maintain careful records of any transfers because you need to note the cost basis for capital gains tax on any property you sell after divorce.

Businesses, Intellectual Property, and Patents

Property division becomes even more complicated if you run a business or hold intellectual property jointly with your spouse. You may need to decide what to do with your joint venture, like selling the business and splitting the proceeds. Alternatively, one of you may buy out the other’s share.

Patents and other intellectual property are also part of the marital estate if acquired during the marriage. This means that if one spouse holds a trademark or patent, the other may be entitled to some of the profits from the intellectual property and awards from infringement lawsuits.

Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C.: Protecting Your Wealth During Divorce in PA and NJ

Are you divorcing and wondering what to do about personal wealth? You need a legal professional to protect your financial interests and peace of mind.

The skilled lawyers of Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C. can guide you through the division of assets in a complex divorce and help you reach a fair agreement. Call (866) 349-4907 or schedule a consultation online

Your marriage is over, but you’re still dealing with the Bucks County legal process as you finalize your divorce. Can you take the leap and start seeing new people, or should you wait until you’re officially single again?

Dating during your divorce is a highly personal choice, but you’ll need to consider the emotional, practical, and legal implications of dating post-separation. The following tips will help with navigating dating while divorcing.

Your Spouse Could Get Upset and Delay Divorce

Even though your relationship has ended, your ex may become resentful if they learn you’re dating someone new. This is especially true if you initiated the divorce. Your ex may suspect you broke up with them for your new romantic partner’s sake and even drag your name through the mud in front of family and friends.

Moreover, Pennsylvania recognizes adultery as grounds for a fault-based divorce. If you start dating during your divorce and your spouse decides to fight you in court, support payments could be put in jeopardy. Your ex could also complicate your life on purpose and back out of decisions you’ve already agreed on, like property division or a parenting plan.

Don’t Involve Your New Significant Other

Keep in mind the emotional considerations of dating during divorce. Finding healthy relationships post-divorce is a challenge for many. Even if you feel ready to date, you may still carry mental baggage from your past relationship, often without being aware of it.

You may need time (and possibly therapy) to leave negative relationship patterns behind and rebuild your life with someone new. If you decide to start dating before your divorce is final, avoid involving your new partner in the divorce process, conflicts with your ex, or negotiations over property division, custody, or child support.

Don’t Introduce the Kids Too Soon

When asking, “Is it too early to date after divorce?” consider how your love life may affect your kids. Divorce can be a painful transition for children, especially if they’re too young to understand what’s going on. Introducing a new partner too soon can make the situation even more confusing.

Besides, your children might tell the other parent about your new romantic partner. This could be a problem if you want to keep your new relationship private. It could heighten tensions, which is the last thing you need during a divorce.

Protecting children when dating after divorce should be a top priority. Let some time pass before introducing your new significant other to your kids. Do so only once you’re convinced they’re a safe and emotionally healthy person who is going to become a part of your life long-term.

Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C.: Helping You Navigate Divorce in PA and NJ

Should you consider dating during your divorce? Do you have other questions about the divorce process? At Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., we help you minimize stress and protect your interests as you transition into this new chapter of your life. 

Call (866) 349-4907 or book a consultation online for reliable legal advice about divorce in Pennsylvania or New Jersey.