Divorce in the digital age comes with a range of unique challenges compared to just 20 years ago. While your spouse may have physically moved out of the shared home, your online activities and assets remain intermingled.

You may be ready to move on from your spouse, yet they continue to use and monitor shared online accounts. Worse, you may be unaware of their behavior.

The right strategies can help protect your assets, privacy, and peace of mind. 

Change Passwords As Soon As Possible

You and your spouse probably learned each other’s passwords during the marriage. Even if you do not think your spouse knows your login information for online accounts, change all passwords as soon as possible. This prevents them from logging into accounts without your knowledge — or worse, stealing assets from financial accounts. 

Check all accounts for suspicious activity and change passwords promptly: 

  • Bank accounts
  • Social media accounts
  • Email accounts
  • Credit card accounts

Scan Your Computer for Keylogger Software

Online privacy protection proves crucial in a volatile divorce. Scan your devices for keylogger software, which could tell your spouse your new passwords and clue them into other sensitive information. Antivirus software can help you identify keyloggers. 

Additionally, clear your browsing history regularly in case your spouse gains access to your activity. 

Be Aware of Pennsylvania’s Digital Asset Division Protocols

Divorce in the digital age also requires you to separate digital assets. Any digital assets you and/or your spouse acquired during the marriage will be subject to equitable distribution, according to Pennsylvania’s marital property classification. These may include:

  • Cryptocurrency
  • Investment accounts
  • Online subscriptions (Netflix, Spotify, etc.)
  • Domain names
  • Assets owned in digital format (books, movies, music, TV shows, video games etc.) 
  • Online businesses

You may need to seek a cryptocurrency valuation or consult a professional to understand the value of certain digital assets. 

Digital photos and videos are part of the shared assets you and your spouse need to deal with during the divorce. In the meantime, turn off auto storage on photo apps to prevent new photos from uploading into a shared account. Your spouse could use photos as electronic evidence against you in the divorce. 

Create a New Email Address

One of the easiest digital security measures to take is creating a new email address to link to all important accounts — including social media. If your spouse still has access to your previous email account, they can use it to enter sensitive online accounts. Change your email and turn on two-factor authentication to further protect your online privacy.

Be Vigilant About Tracking Devices 

Finally, watch out for your spouse’s use of tracking devices such as Air Tags to follow your movements. Using these devices to stalk others is illegal, but you need to find them before any legal action can occur. 

Turn to Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., for Divorce Assistance

A seasoned divorce attorney can help you navigate the complexities of divorce in the digital age while protecting your rights and privacy. Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., is here for you; contact us today at (866) 311-6082 for a confidential consultation. 

Fairly dividing assets and property can be one of the more emotionally and logistically challenging aspects of divorce. But the process becomes even more cumbersome when you and your spouse share significant, complex, high-value assets. 

Navigating a high assets divorce involves careful planning and the assistance of an experienced divorce attorney. 

Types of Assets To Consider in Your Divorce

When the average couple divorces, they may need to consider how they will split the family home, bank accounts, and shared vehicles. However, dividing assets in a high assets divorce adds another layer of complexity. You and your spouse may also need to divide any of the following:

  • Stocks and stock options
  • Complex investment portfolios
  • Vacation homes
  • Income properties
  • Delayed compensation, such as 401(k) plans, pension plans, stock plans, restricted stock units (RSUs)
  • Businesses

One of the first steps in the asset distribution process involves creating an inventory of all assets, both separate and marital. For items without clear value, such as artwork or jewelry, seek asset valuation to determine their worth. 

Understanding Pennsylvania’s Equitable Distribution Policy 

Pennsylvania, along with 41 other states, follows an equitable distribution policy for divorce. Rather than splitting assets exactly down the middle, the court attempts to divide marital assets in a method that would be reasonably fair. Many factors may impact how the court decides to divide your property, such as:

  • The length of the marriage
  • The age and overall health of both spouses
  • Any prenuptial agreements
  • Previous marriages
  • Child custody arrangements
  • The amount of marital and non-marital assets
  • The amount of debts 

Pennsylvania’s Marital Property Classification 

In Pennsylvania, all property acquired by either spouse during the marriage is considered marital property and subject to equitable distribution. Marital property also includes any increase in the value of non-marital property. 

Non-marital property includes assets acquired before the marriage and property excluded through a valid agreement of both parties. 

Avoiding Pitfalls in a High Assets Divorce

Be aware of a few potential pitfalls within your high assets divorce. 

First, you may face tax implications if you do not split assets according to equitable distribution procedures. These might include:

  • Capital gains taxes
  • Gift taxes
  • Penalties from early retirement account withdrawals

Financial professional involvement is key to reducing your tax burden when transferring assets. This is especially important for high-net-worth divorces involving complex assets and problems like business ownership division. 

Additionally, be wary of your spouse potentially hiding money or assets during the divorce process. Assets can easily become lost or overlooked in high-net-worth divorces. Do your due diligence to thoroughly inventory all property, accounts, and other assets, and alert your attorney if you think your spouse is hiding assets. 

Consult Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., for High Assets Divorce

If you need help effectively navigating a high assets divorce in Pennsylvania, Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., is here for you. Our compassionate, knowledgeable attorneys have helped countless high-net-worth clients protect their assets and avoid financial complications during divorce. 

Contact us today at (866) 311-6082 to schedule a confidential consultation. 

Going through a divorce is stressful for so many reasons. From figuring out how to divide marital assets to coming up with child custody agreements, divorcing couples face their fair share of stressors.

The stress doesn’t end once a divorce is final, either. Filing taxes after a divorce can create a new wave of stress and make you wonder, “Is this ever going to end?”

Discover more about this process to minimize your stress levels.

Choosing the Right Filing Status

When filing taxes after a divorce, one of the first things you must do is select your filing status. It can throw you for a loop immediately.

If you have finalized a divorce, you might automatically assume you should file taxes as a single person or a head of household if you qualify. However, this is only sometimes the case.

Your filing status on the last day of the previous year determines your status. So, if you were still legally married on December 31 of last year, you’ll have to set your filing status as:

  • Married filing jointly
  • Married filing separately

You might also be able to file as a head of household if you meet specific requirements.

Ideally, you and your ex-spouse should have a plan for filing taxes following your divorce if you must file them together. Include this plan in your divorce agreement to avoid miscommunications.

You should also remember to use the Internal Revenue Service’s Tax Withholding Estimator to change the amount of money you withhold from your paychecks to cover taxes. This will account for taxable income adjustments when filing taxes after a divorce.

Claiming Dependents Properly

When you and your former partner were married, you could both claim the children you share as dependents. Once you’re divorced, this isn’t an option.

In your divorce agreement, you and your ex hopefully decided who is going to claim each child for tax purposes. Sometimes the parent who has primary custody of the children will claim them as dependents, giving them access to the Child Tax Credit. In other instances, parents create complicated schedules that switch year to year, or sometimes, in cases of multiple children, each parent claims a child (or two). Whatever you decide, you must follow your agreements.  

In some rare instances, divorced parents might qualify for dependency exemptions that allow them both to claim children when filing taxes. Speak with a tax professional if this is a possibility.

Taking Other Factors Into Account

A couple will go their separate ways at the end of a divorce, but before doing so, they will divide their marital assets and iron out issues like child support and alimony. One spouse might also be required to provide a portion of their retirement plan balance to the other spouse under a qualified domestic relations order (QDRO).

In these cases, child support and alimony tax implications are usually present. Property division taxation issues might also pop up. Those who receive payments under a QDRO might also face substantial tax bills.

Enlist the services of a reputable divorce attorney to help you make sense of a stressful situation.

Still Confused About Filing Taxes After a Divorce? Give Us a Call

Filing taxes after a divorce might make you relive the stress of separating from your ex-spouse. If you have questions about proceeding, don’t hesitate to call Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., for assistance.

Contact us at (866) 311-6082 today.

After coming to terms with a divorce, the next part of the process is the negotiation stage. You may find yourself preparing mentally by asking questions as you try to determine a proper course of action. One critical part of this process is the initial filing. If you’re wondering, “Should I file or negotiate first?” you’re not alone. This question looms over many divorcees as they anticipate how the process will play out. Considering the psychological and legal ramifications will help you understand the advantages of filing first. 

You’ve Reached an Agreement, Now What?

If you’ve reached an agreement with your spouse, congratulations. You’ve arrived at the first step of the divorce process: filing the divorce petition. So, should you file or negotiate first? There are myriad psychological benefits to consider. The planning stages provide you with a strong foundation to move forward with purpose. You may also experience an immediate surge of confidence when you file first. Taking this huge step in your divorce proceedings is liberating and can strengthen your resolve. 

The phrase, “strike while the iron’s hot,” rings true when considering the benefits of filing first. This decision is an important part of your strategy, allowing you to take matters into your own hands and proceed with fortitude and determination. In this case, your opponent is your spouse, and like a good game of chess, catching them off guard will only serve to your advantage. After all, you’ve already prepped with careful planning, making certain your financial and other legal concerns are in order. You’ve likely spoken with a qualified alimony attorney to help you understand the mediation process. Throughout your divorce proceedings, your attorney will help you properly negotiate to your benefit, giving you an even greater edge.

The next consideration for whether or not you should file first is thinking about the opportunity it will give you to fortify your assets. You and your partner’s shared assets must be legally separated, including all physical assets and joint personal finances. In this instance, seeking legal advice ahead of the filing will help you protect yourself and adequately set you up financially for life after divorce. 

Why You Should Consider Filing First

Now that you’ve pondered, “Should I file or negotiate first?” the decision depends on your unique situation. Preparing for this critical step by conferring with legal counsel will help you navigate the timing, present you with options, and prepare you for your next stage in life. When you take the step to file first, you’re making a power move. By taking control of the process before your spouse does, you may secure benefits that you might not gain otherwise.

Book a Consultation Today

A consultation with Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., can help you protect your rights and determine an appropriate course of action if you’re questioning whether you should file or negotiate first. Our team of family practice attorneys serves Pennsylvania and New Jersey. We’re dedicated to providing solutions to our clients. Book your free consultation today, or contact us at (866) 349-4117.

After going through a divorce, friends and family routinely ask if you’re “relieved” that the process is over. You might smile and nod, wanting to be agreeable. However, the truth for many people is that “divorce grief” is real and very present for a long time after the fact.

This is your reminder: it’s perfectly normal to feel emotions similar to mourning and loss after your divorce becomes final. 

Read on to learn more about healing from a divorce and how it may look for you.

Why You May Feel Grief After Divorce

Even though you may feel initial relief at ending a stressful marriage, sadness often turns into grief soon after signing the paperwork. First and foremost, understand that strong feelings are normal. After all, you’ve lost something in the divorce. 

Almost nobody marries with the expectation of divorcing years later. Some common feelings people contemplate at this time include:

  • Losing the hopes and dreams you had for your marriage together 
  • Recognizing your life with your spouse is forever altered
  • Being fearful of the future
  • Worrying about losing time with your children. 

During this period of divorce grief, some ex-spouses may even regret divorcing. All these feelings are normal and part of the process of moving on.

What Triggers “Divorce Grief?”

When you are grieving, a sudden swell of emotions can catch you off guard. You might walk past a restaurant you both loved in happier times and feel overwhelming sadness. You might see your spouse enjoying time with the children and feel a great sense of loss.

Even something as simple as sorting and keeping divorce papers can spark feelings of grief, so keep track of these triggers. Friends or family can support you as you meet tough situations and work through hard feelings.

How Long Does the Grief Last After a Divorce?

According to Psychology Today, the grieving process after your divorce lacks a specific timeline. Everyone reacts differently, from a few weeks of grieving to several months or years after the breakup. Being honest with yourself about your emotions is a key step in moving forward, so give yourself time to process all your emotions, including grief. 

One of the ways to move forward is creating new memories and experiences, whether it’s trying a new restaurant or volunteering your time at a new organization. Friends and family naturally will check on you and support you in the first few weeks after a divorce. Don’t let them drift away if you need more help processing your grief – ask for help and support for as long as you need it!

Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., Supports You Legally and Emotionally in Your Divorce

It’s important to realize that your emotional recovery is important after the separation and divorce. It requires an adjustment on your part to move forward with your life. The stress of the divorce process needs time to work through and settle.

Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., can help legally during your divorce proceedings and chat with you about dealing with “divorce grief” constructively. Call us today for a confidential consultation at (866) 349-4461.

People go through a variety of big emotions during the divorce process. Although anger is a common emotion, it shouldn’t solely drive your reasons for seeking divorce.

Are you angrily filing for divorce right now to seek revenge? Read on to learn why that approach may end up being costly for you.

Harming Your Chance of a Fair Financial Settlement

If you are filing for divorce to gain revenge on your spouse, will it affect your financial settlement? Almost certainly, yes.

Pennsylvania divorce laws don’t specifically call for penalties against a spouse engaging in spiteful behavior. However, a judge could treat your claims for alimony with more scrutiny if revenge is in focus. When letting anger guide your actions, someone might choose to fight every suggestion for mediation a spouse makes, and while it’s their right to use litigation to try to receive a fair settlement, it wastes everybody’s valuable time.

You may believe you’re harming your spouse by refusing to participate in mediation. In reality, you’re harming your own position more. Typically, participating in mediation goes faster and costs you less in legal fees in the long run.

Costing You More Than Just Money

If you have children and mutual friends, trying to gain revenge on a spouse through the divorce process can be extremely stressful for these other parties. They may feel like they’re stuck in the middle of a tug-of-war that makes little sense from the outside. When you have clouded judgment because you’re focused on revenge, you may not be able to see: 

  • How you’re affecting your children’s well-being
  • How you’re manipulating your children or loved ones without even realizing it

Some friends will be able to see through the actions you’re taking if you are focusing on revenge. What if they side with your spouse when you are clearly being spiteful and unfair during the divorce proceedings?

We’re only human. If you are going through the divorce proceedings with anger and revenge as your primary driving factors, you may also lose control of your emotions more easily. With the temptation to do almost anything to avenge your failed relationship, ethical behavior may feel like a gray area – and that’s always risky in the divorce process.

If a judge learns that you are lying about your spouse’s actions, you could open yourself up to legal problems and lawsuits. It’s best to sit back and let your divorce attorney do the talking.

Let Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., Help You Navigate the Divorce Process Calmly

Did your spouse cheat on you, lie to your face, or betray your trust in some way? You have every right to be angry, but using revenge as your reason for filing for divorce doesn’t help your case in court.

Take a deep breath, and have a confidential discussion with Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., before you file for divorce. It’s important to go through your divorce process for the right reasons. To learn more about affording a divorce or what to expect, call (866) 349-4117 today.

Creating a prenuptial agreement before a marriage is an excellent idea. It protects your interests in the event that you and your spouse divorce down the line. It also prompts you and your spouse to communicate about important issues like finances, property, and shared bank accounts. 

But you must understand the difference between a legal and illegal prenup to ensure that yours holds up in court. Know what you can and cannot include in a prenuptial agreement under Pennsylvania law and how to validate one. 

What Items Can a Prenup Include?

One way to ensure a legal and valid prenuptial agreement is to address only the specific items that can be covered in these agreements. Typically, you can include provisions about all of the following in a prenup: 

  • Asset division: Distinctions about marital vs. separate property in a divorce, including what happens to shared property, what property will stay separate, etc. 
  • Spousal support: Whether one spouse will owe the other spousal support, waiving future requests for spousal support, the minimum or maximum amount owed, etc. 
  • Providing for children from previous relationships: If one spouse has a child from a previous relationship, the prenup can include provisions for how both partners will financially provide for them and what assets (if any) the child would receive in a divorce. 

Meanwhile, a prenuptial agreement generally cannot protect any of the following: 

  • Child custody and support: Your prenuptial agreement cannot include terms regarding child support or custody. The court will decide these matters in the final judgment based on the child’s interests, not the parents’. 
  • Financial incentives for divorce: The prenup cannot encourage divorce in any way, such as providing a financial incentive for filing for divorce
  • Day-to-day household matters: This agreement shouldn’t cover any day-to-day household matters like who will complete certain chores, how you will raise children, what religious beliefs you will adhere to, etc. 
  • Anything inherently unfair: Prenups should spell out terms that are fair and just for both spouses and should not explicitly favor either spouse. Attempting to enact unfair terms could lead to a contempt of court charge in a divorce. 

How Do You Validate a Prenuptial Agreement? 

Take these steps to ensure that your prenuptial agreement is valid: 

  • Put the agreement in writing. Oral prenuptial agreements are never valid. 
  • Ensure full disclosure: You and your spouse must fully disclose your finances to ensure the prenup will hold up in court. 
  • Have an attorney draft it. Don’t create a prenuptial agreement without the help of an attorney. Better yet, you and your spouse should enlist separate attorneys to support your interests. 
  • Notarize the agreement. Have a notary sign and validate the prenup and give you a certified copy. 

Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., Offers Support With Prenuptial Agreements 

Do you need help distinguishing between a legal and illegal prenup and ensuring the validity of your agreement? Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., can help you draft a prenuptial agreement that will hold up to court orders, enforcement actions, and legal scrutiny. Contact us today at (866) 349-4117 for a consultation. 

Your divorce decree exists for a reason. It provides tangible evidence of the terms your spouse agreed to in the divorce. 

You may be tempted to give your spouse wiggle room when it comes to alimony payments, child support, or asset distribution. However, straying from the divorce decree may only hurt your financial outcomes and encourage more shady behavior from your spouse moving forward. 

Is a Divorce Decree Legally Binding? 

Your divorce decree is the legal document that marks the end of your marriage. It also spells out important details about child custody, spousal support, asset division, and visitation guidelines. 

Divorce decrees aren’t mere suggestions for how to behave after a divorce; they are legally binding. Your ex-spouse is required to follow these rules to a T. If you start giving them leeway now, they will only continue taking advantage of you. Worse, the court will assume that you were okay with their behavior, harming your ability to file a motion for contempt of court in the future.  

Once your divorce is finalized, go to the family court clerk’s office and request a certified copy of your divorce decree. Keep it on hand and ensure your spouse’s adherence to every term. 

Enforce the Elements of Your Divorce Decree Precisely

Ensure that your ex-spouse follows all of these aspects of your final judgment closely:

  • Sends alimony and/or child support payments on time according to the timeline in the decree
  • Adheres to all custody times precisely
  • Divides assets in accordance with the decree
  • Sells the house promptly

What If Your Spouse Refuses To Follow This Court Order? 

Your ex-spouse cannot simply refuse to follow the terms of your divorce decree. If they disagree with any of these terms, they will need to request a modification with the court. This is a legal process. 

If you do not agree with their modification request, they will need to present their reasoning in court and allow a judge to decide whether to grant it. Unless your ex-spouse’s requests are reasonable, the judge probably won’t grant their wishes.

Should your ex-spouse violate the divorce decree and not seek a modification, you can file a motion for contempt of court or request an enforcement action. This prompts the court to assess their actions and intervene. If your ex-spouse is found in contempt of court, the court can: 

  • Impose fines
  • Issue a warning
  • Create a new order that makes up for their non-compliance
  • Order your ex-spouse to comply by paying the support they owe, plus attorney’s fees
  • Impose jail time

Your first step should be to have your attorney contact your ex-spouse’s attorney and warn them about your intention to file for contempt of court. 

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

Do you need help enforcing your divorce decree? Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., offers compassionate legal support throughout the divorce process. We can help you file a motion for contempt of court or request an enforcement action to prompt your ex-spouse to adhere to your divorce decree. 

Contact us today at (866) 349-4117 for a confidential consultation. 

One of the more challenging steps in the divorce process is separating your finances from your spouse’s. Nearly every divorcing couple in Bucks County experiences some tension around the division of assets. However, some individuals exhibit abusive behaviors that make this process more arduous. 

Knowing what constitutes financial abuse can help you recognize and address these financial problems in a divorce. You have the right to equitable distribution of property. If your spouse has begun stealing money from your accounts or otherwise tampering with your finances, contact an experienced divorce attorney for help. 

Examples of Financial Abuse in a Divorce

Financial abuse can take many forms in a divorce process. Watch out for any of these shady tactics from your spouse: 

  • Hidden assets: Your spouse may have started transferring money to a private account to exclude it from the property division process, essentially stealing it from your shared account.
  • Running up legal bills: They may use your shared bank account to run up legal bills or even call your attorney incessantly to increase your legal costs.
  • Using a higher income as leverage: If your spouse makes more money than you, they may try to hold that over you to gain leverage in the divorce.
  • Racking up debt: The debt allocation process usually requires divorcing couples to split debt equitably. Your spouse may rack up more debt before the divorce to increase your financial burden. 
  • Wrecking your credit: Any irresponsible behaviors on your spouse’s part could harm your credit, making it more challenging for you to secure loans or other financial opportunities in the future.

How To Navigate Financial Problems in a Divorce

You don’t have to stand by and watch your spouse use abusive tactics to control your finances. You can navigate financial problems in a divorce with these tips:

  • Retain your own attorney: Never share a divorce attorney with your spouse. Retain an attorney who can support your interests and help you achieve a fair outcome. 
  • Limit bank account access: If your spouse currently has access to your private accounts, contact your bank immediately to start the process of removing their access. 
  • Keep records of your spouse’s behavior: If your spouse has been withdrawing money from your accounts, take screenshots of their activity and keep them on file. The more evidence you have of their actions, the more leverage you’ll gain in your divorce proceedings. 
  • Document your finances: Gather documentation for all of your bank accounts, deeds, life insurance policies, and car titles to show in court.  
  • Enlist the help of a forensic accountant: Forensic accounting can uncover your spouse’s abusive financial activity. 

Let Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., Help You Protect Your Finances in a Divorce

Is your spouse using shady tactics to gain economic control in your divorce? At Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., we help clients protect their rights in the PA divorce process. We make it easier to navigate the division of assets, spousal maintenance, and other financial problems in a divorce while promoting an equitable outcome and prioritizing your interests. 

Contact us today at (866) 349-4117 for a general consultation. 

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.