If you and your soon-to-be-ex-spouse cannot reach agreements about issues like asset division, child custody, or spousal support on your own, you may need to go to trial. A judge will decide these issues for you based on Pennsylvania’s laws, attempting to reach a fair decision. We understand if you fear the lengthy court battles and stressful debates that can be part of this process.
Here is what you need to know about going to court in a divorce.
How Long Is the Divorce Court Process?
If you and your spouse must use litigation to decide on divorce issues, you can generally expect the process to take about a year. It may be faster or slower, depending on court delays and how long you spend negotiating.
The process generally follows these steps:
- Evidence discovery, where you and your spouse both disclose finances and other relevant information
- Trial preparation and pre-trial conferences
- Motion hearings if either party seeks a specific court order or action
- Trial, where both parties present evidence and witnesses to support their requests for custody or other issues
- Final judgment and divorce decree from the judge
Downsides of Going to Court
For some divorcing couples, going to trial is inevitable. They have tried to settle relevant matters on their own but cannot reach an agreement. Still, it’s worth exploring the potential downsides of going to trial as you and your soon-to-be-ex-spouse attempt to reach a resolution.
Legal fees, court costs, and other expenses often make going to trial expensive. This process also takes more time than reaching a divorce agreement on your own.
During negotiations with your spouse, they can claim rights to any new money you earn. These claims can cost you more time and money, even if they are unfounded. Your finances may not truly be separate from theirs until the divorce is finalized.
Above all, going to trial means you permit a judge to make all decisions about the divorce for you, and you and your spouse must abide by them. While you can attempt to prove your side with evidence and an attorney’s assistance, you won’t have any say in the judge’s final decision, and it may not adequately reflect your wishes or situation.
Divorce attorneys typically advise couples to try mediation before enduring lengthy court battles. This process involves meeting with a trained mediator who can help you resolve your dispute. You and your spouse will each have an opportunity to present your case and negotiate a mutually beneficial solution.
Finding out the downsides of going to court may prompt you and your spouse to be willing to compromise on issues to avoid this process. Mediation is worth a try, as it could save you a significant amount of time and money.
Let Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., Guide Your Divorce Process
Whether you want to try mediation or need an experienced attorney to help you through a lengthy court battle, Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., is here for you. Call (866) 349-4149 to schedule a general consultation.
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Post-Divorce Budget
DivorceTransitioning from a dual-income household to a single-income household after a divorce calls for accurate and detailed expense tracking. Figuring out your post-divorce budget is critical for living within your means and avoiding financial hardships.
Our team will work with you on your post-divorce budget. This budget will serve as a guidepost for when we negotiate alimony, child support, and the division of assets and debts.
How do you budget for your post-divorce life on a single income? Take these steps so you do not struggle financially.
Gather Accurate Information Regarding Monthly Income and Expenses
As we prepare a strategy to negotiate, we will ask for ALL of the details of your anticipated post-divorce budget, including a detailed breakdown of your monthly income and expenses. We will use pay stubs, investment income, and any other incoming cash you receive. If you do not regularly track your expenses, then we will ask you to track receipts and go through credit card statements. Typical expenses can include:
Sometimes we talk about adjusting lifestyle expenses so you live within your means, possibly just in the short term, so you can reach your post-divorce financial goals.
Consider Your Children’s Expenses
When you share children with your ex, the cost of caring for them becomes vital for determining alimony and budgeting properly. You and your spouse will both share financial responsibility for your children based on the number of overnights the children stay with each of you. Think about how much you spend on your children each month. These costs may include:
Your lawyer can negotiate a settlement based on your custody agreement so your children are cared for in a way that is financially reasonable for both parents.
Plan for Educational Costs
No matter how old they are at the time of your divorce, it’s important to include college tuition agreements for your kids in your settlement. Figuring out a plan for your child’s education in advance can save you and your co-parent financial headaches down the road and ultimately set your child up for a successful future.
It’s not just children’s educational costs that come into play. Do you anticipate taking some courses or earning a degree so you can bring new skills into the workforce? Research the cost of advancing your education and account for this in your post-divorce budget.
Set Aside Emergency Funds
An important part of financial planning after divorce is preparing for the unexpected. What would you do if your car suddenly broke down and you had to pay thousands for a new one? Would an urgent medical crisis put you into debt?
Establish an emergency savings account and commit to putting a little bit in it each month. This account will build over time, so you eventually accrue enough to cover six months of your living expenses. Having this safety net will give you peace of mind should you lose your job or face some other financial hardship.
Team Up With a Trusted Divorce Attorney
Creating a post-divorce budget will help you move on from your marriage and be financially independent. Approach this process with the help of Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C. Contact our family law firm at (866) 261-9529 or submit our online form to schedule a consultation.
Divorce and Your Credit Score
DivorceSimply ending your Bucks County marriage cannot cause your credit score to drop. The actions you and your spouse take before, during, and after your divorce can cause credit problems in the short term and long into the future. You can mitigate credit damage by reassessing your financial obligations during proceedings, ensuring bills are paid, and separating your financials as soon as possible.
Below, we discuss the connection between divorce and your credit score, as well as tips to limit the fallout.
Be Strategic About Paying Bills
Your credit score after divorce can remain the same as during your marriage as long as you pay your bills on time. Financial separation is crucial during this period, so you (and you alone) are responsible for your bills.
Think about the bills in your name and who pays for them. For example, paying off your credit card each month will remain your responsibility if the account belongs to you alone. Joint assets can create problems for divorcing spouses, especially if they default on a loan.
Say you and your spouse share a home, and both of your names appear on the deed and mortgage. If you move out and don’t pay your share of the mortgage, your credit can suffer because your name is still attached to the loan.
The connection between divorce and lower credit scores often has to do with not paying bills. Whether this is due to stress or lifestyle changes, your credit score might take a hit.
Don’t Take On New Debt
Lawyers often guide couples through the complex process of divorce and debt division. Legal professionals strongly advise against taking on new debt, especially if the asset doesn’t belong to you. This includes:
You could be on the hook for payments that you agreed to during your marriage, especially if you signed as a primary or co-signer for your spouse. For example, if a husband has student loan debt and the wife was a co-signer on that loan, she could become liable for future payments despite a divorce. If she stops paying amid a separation and the husband is not able to pay, then the wife’s credit score could be impacted.
Avoid Joint Account Liability
Perhaps the biggest credit impact of divorce boils down to keeping joint accounts when you’re no longer legally married. Start over by closing these accounts and only using bank or credit card accounts solely in your name. I recommend this step because it helps alleviate certain financial obligations tied to your ex once you officially end the marriage.
Changing your existing account numbers in case your former spouse still has access to them is a good idea. For example, your computer may save one of your credit cards and allow your ex to make purchases on your dime. Changing your account information prevents this, helping you achieve an independent financial future.
Prepare for Your Future With a Professional Divorce Attorney
Mitigate the impact of divorce and your credit score with the help of Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C. Our knowledgeable family lawyers can guide you through proceedings and assist with child custody agreements, alimony, and more.
Call (866) 261-9529 or submit our online booking form to request a consultation – we’re standing by and ready to help.
Divorcing? Get Your Credit Report
DivorceStarting the initial steps of a divorce can feel overwhelming. You may be unsure what processes to prioritize or how to set yourself up for success. One step you can take now is requesting a copy of your credit report.
This can aid you in your next steps as you start to move forward financially after the property division process.
Why Do You Need Your Credit Report?
Your credit report offers a summary of your credit activity, including loans and other debts. It includes information such as your:
When you apply for loans or other financial opportunities, the financial institution will view your report to determine your trustworthiness and eligibility. If you have a significant amount of debt or a history of late payments, it may deny your application.
Requesting a copy of your report can help you prepare for certain financial processes in your divorce, such as refinancing your mortgage or applying for an apartment rental. If this report paints a negative picture of your finances, you can start taking steps now to improve your credit or explore other opportunities that won’t hinge on your creditworthiness.
You can also identify any hidden debts or assets that will eventually come to light during the marital dissolution process. If you find any discrepancies in your report, potentially indicating malicious behavior from your spouse, you can address them now.
Protecting Your Credit During and After Divorce
Divorce can have indirect consequences on your credit score, which could limit future financial opportunities. Years of marriage and combined finances can be challenging to untangle. These tips may help you protect your credit during the divorce process:
If your score is on the lower side, take steps now to begin building credit. You might apply for a secured credit card, practice making bill payments on time, and reach out to a credit counselor for help.
How To Request a Copy of Your Credit Report
You should never need to pay for a copy of your credit report. You can request a free report as often as once per week through AnnualCreditReport.com, a service authorized by federal law.
You will need to answer a few personal questions before you can see your reports. This ensures that no one else can access your information aside from you.
Let Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., Help You Protect Your Finances During Divorce
Legal separation and divorce can strain your finances. At Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., we help clients protect their rights while divorcing. Let us guide you through the settlement agreement, divorce petition, alimony discussions, and more. Call (866) 349-4149 to schedule a general consultation.
What You Need To Know About Lengthy Court Battles in Divorce
DivorceIf you and your soon-to-be-ex-spouse cannot reach agreements about issues like asset division, child custody, or spousal support on your own, you may need to go to trial. A judge will decide these issues for you based on Pennsylvania’s laws, attempting to reach a fair decision. We understand if you fear the lengthy court battles and stressful debates that can be part of this process.
Here is what you need to know about going to court in a divorce.
How Long Is the Divorce Court Process?
If you and your spouse must use litigation to decide on divorce issues, you can generally expect the process to take about a year. It may be faster or slower, depending on court delays and how long you spend negotiating.
The process generally follows these steps:
Downsides of Going to Court
For some divorcing couples, going to trial is inevitable. They have tried to settle relevant matters on their own but cannot reach an agreement. Still, it’s worth exploring the potential downsides of going to trial as you and your soon-to-be-ex-spouse attempt to reach a resolution.
Legal fees, court costs, and other expenses often make going to trial expensive. This process also takes more time than reaching a divorce agreement on your own.
During negotiations with your spouse, they can claim rights to any new money you earn. These claims can cost you more time and money, even if they are unfounded. Your finances may not truly be separate from theirs until the divorce is finalized.
Above all, going to trial means you permit a judge to make all decisions about the divorce for you, and you and your spouse must abide by them. While you can attempt to prove your side with evidence and an attorney’s assistance, you won’t have any say in the judge’s final decision, and it may not adequately reflect your wishes or situation.
Mediation May Help You Avoid Court
Divorce attorneys typically advise couples to try mediation before enduring lengthy court battles. This process involves meeting with a trained mediator who can help you resolve your dispute. You and your spouse will each have an opportunity to present your case and negotiate a mutually beneficial solution.
Finding out the downsides of going to court may prompt you and your spouse to be willing to compromise on issues to avoid this process. Mediation is worth a try, as it could save you a significant amount of time and money.
Let Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., Guide Your Divorce Process
Whether you want to try mediation or need an experienced attorney to help you through a lengthy court battle, Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., is here for you. Call (866) 349-4149 to schedule a general consultation.
SEO Title: Lengthy Court Battles – Causes, Impacts, and Resolutions
Meta Description: Going to trial in a divorce sometimes involves lengthy court battles. Learn what to expect and how to avoid going to trial from Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C.
Adapting the Parenting Plan As Children Age
Child Custody, ParentingWhen you and your spouse divorced, you created a parenting plan that met your children’s needs at the time. But schedules and priorities never stay the same. Adapting the parenting plan as children age can ensure that it meets their needs now and fits with your family’s Bucks County lifestyle.
Understand That Children’s Schedules and Needs Change
Perhaps you divorced when your children were young, and now they are entering middle school or high school. What made sense for your family at the time of your split may no longer fit these evolving needs.
Maybe one child is into sports, while another is involved in several clubs or extracurriculars. Perhaps one child attends a different school now or seriously practices an instrument. Equally dividing their time between both parents may not be realistic with these new schedules. Remember that the goal of a co-parenting agreement is doing what is best for the child, not for the parents.
Sit Down and Talk With Your Children
Now that your children are older, they should have more of a say in their visitation schedule. Sit down together with your ex-spouse and children and have an open discussion about what the custody arrangement should look like now.
Ask each child individually whether they have any preferences about the schedule, and take their opinions seriously. They don’t need to have the final say, but the custody arrangement should reflect their wishes as much as possible. They may have more insight into what schedule makes sense than you and their other parent do.
Be Realistic About Their Best Interests
It may be challenging to realize that your children should spend more time with your spouse than with you. Try to be realistic when adapting the parenting plan as they age. Even if they previously went back and forth every week, this may no longer make sense for their schedules and needs.
Not seeing them as often doesn’t mean you are any less of a parent or an influence in their lives. Remember that children naturally need their parents less the older they get. Physical custody doesn’t need to significantly impact their relationship with you.
Be Flexible and Prioritize Good Communication
Keep in mind that whatever you decide about the parenting plan now may only last for a year or two before you need to change it again. Be open to adapting it as needed and communicate with your ex-spouse regularly about what makes sense for your shared children moving forward.
Acting with hostility toward your ex-spouse will only drive a wedge between you and your children. Instead, maintain a mature mindset and show that you value their opinions.
Give Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., a Call If You Need Assistance
If you need help adjusting your parenting plan as children age, changing your child support agreement, or updating any other aspects of your legal custody arrangement, our attorneys can advise you. Contact Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., today at (866) 349-4149 to book a consultation.
First Steps in Dividing Assets in Your PA Divorce
Equitable DistributionDividing assets in a divorce is often one of the more stressful steps of the process. Pennsylvania follows an equitable distribution policy, meaning the courts attempt to divide a divorcing couple’s assets fairly between them. This is often easier said than done.
Following these initial steps can help you begin to separate property from your spouse and start moving forward financially.
Pinpoint the Date of Separation
What day did you and your spouse separate and/or begin the divorce process? Write down this date. This will help you determine which assets and debts are considered community property or marital assets and which are separate.
The assets you acquire after the date of separation could be considered separate property. This date is also important in determining the length of the marriage and the start date for spousal support or child support, if applicable.
Close All Joint Bank Accounts and Open Your Own
Begin by opening your own separate bank account and start putting your paychecks and other income into it. This will allow you to begin accruing your own money that is completely separate from your spouse. Furthermore, you won’t have to worry about accidentally stealing from their share of the funds when you begin paying legal fees or other associated expenses from the divorce.
Eventually, you will want to close any joint bank accounts that you share with your spouse. However, in the beginning, you may want to keep a joint account open from which you can pay household and other shared bills until you decide who will be responsible for paying which bills.
Close All Credit Cards and Examine Your Debt
Next, contact your credit card companies and close any shared accounts as well. Open your own credit cards that are solely in your name.
If any of your shared credit cards are in the red, talk to your attorney about how to proceed. Along with dividing assets in a divorce, you must divide shared debts fairly.
Hold On to Pensions and Brokerage Accounts for Now
You may assume that the next step should be to divide pensions or brokerage accounts between you. Instead, hold off on this until you have spoken with your attorney. You may need a qualified domestic relations order (QDRO) to gain permission to divide the accounts between you.
Talk to Your Mortgage Broker About Keeping the House
You may also assume that you will keep the house and that your spouse will find somewhere else to live. While this might be your preference, it isn’t always doable. You should speak with your mortgage broker about the requirements to maintain the mortgage on your own.
If you cannot afford the mortgage based on your finances, you may need to sell the house as part of the property division agreement. Alternatively, perhaps you could sacrifice other assets to keep the house.
Let Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., Assist in Your Asset Division
Dividing assets in a divorce may feel overwhelming, but our attorneys are here to guide you through this process. We can help with asset valuation and maintain your right to equitable distribution. Contact Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., today at (866) 349-4149 to book a confidential consultation.
Divorce and Paying for College
Child SupportIn October 2024, a class action lawsuit was filed against 40 private American universities — including Harvard, Northwestern, and Yale — alleging that they conspired to charge students more tuition than they should have. The lawsuit claimed these institutions did this by asking for and considering the assets of non-custodial parents when calculating financial aid and scholarships for children of divorce, putting them at a decided disadvantage.
This legal claim highlighted the ongoing confusion surrounding divorce and paying for college. If you and your spouse are preparing to split, make sure you understand the legal obligations of divorced parents when covering tuition down the line.
Discover what you need to know below.
The Importance of Coming Up With Tuition Agreements in Divorce Settlements
Paying for college is often the last thing on parents’ minds when divorcing. In some instances, it is such an afterthought that they don’t bother including it in their divorce settlements at all.
However, parents should avoid making this mistake at all costs. While divorcing, they must negotiate child custody agreements, and college expenses should be discussed. They should talk about:
They should also consider setting up 529 college savings plans and negotiating potential child support extensions for higher education.
Key Factors To Consider When Deciding Who Pays for Higher Education After a Divorce
As parents working through divorces make critical decisions about paying for college for their children, they should consider several key factors. These are the factors they must keep in mind:
Generally speaking, parents should also be prepared to prioritize their kids’ needs and aspirations.
Why Divorced Parents Must Continue Working Together and Discussing Tuition
No matter how hard parents work to agree on who will pay for college, so much might change between the finalization of their divorce and their children’s first day away at school. For this reason, they must commit to continuing to work together in the coming years to collectively create plans for paying for college.
They should discuss filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which nearly 60% of prospective college students complete as they prepare to graduate from high school. They should also explore the possibility of applying for financial aid for specific schools their kids would like to attend.
This will keep them on the same page, taking advantage of available financial assistance as they seek to support their children in their quest for higher education.
Call Us for More Information on Paying for College for Kids Following a Divorce
Paying for college is more expensive than ever. This is reason enough for parents preparing to divorce to hold extensive discussions about who will be financially responsible for covering their children’s higher education costs.
The trusted attorneys at Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., will assist you in every aspect of your divorce. Contact us at (866) 309-3307 today to schedule a confidential consultation.
How To Get Copies of Your Divorce Records
DivorceIf you recently went through the divorce process in Bucks County, PA, you should have received a certified copy of your divorce decree signed by a judge shortly after it was finalized. However, you may need to secure additional copies of your decree, either now or sometime in the future.
Learn how to get copies of your divorce records in the Keystone State. Find out how to procure them below.
Why You May Need Copies of Your Divorce Records
Before we discuss how to obtain copies of your divorce documents, let’s briefly touch on why you might need to locate them in the first place.
These documents serve as legal proof of divorce. You may need to have certified copies on hand in many instances throughout your life.
It’s necessary to have them in your possession in any of the following situations:
How To Secure Copies of Your Divorce Records
When determining how to get copies of your divorce records, you will be happy to hear that you may do it in several ways. Here are your options.
Searching for Them Online
If you want to look up your Bucks County divorce records online, it should be simple enough to find them. Take these steps:
While this is an effective option for those who wish to peruse through the terms listed in a divorce decree, it isn’t the right choice for those searching for certified copies of divorce records.
Picking Them Up in Person
You can pick up certified copies of your divorce records in person. The Bucks County Court of Common Pleas Family Division retains these records.
You may ask for county clerk and court records by visiting the Office of the Bucks County Prothonotary at the Bucks County Justice Center at 100 North Main Street #2 in Doylestown, PA 18901. This is a reliable way to minimize fees and processing time for records.
Requesting Them by Mail
Additionally, you may request copies of your divorce records by mail through the Office of the Bucks County Prothonotary.
Send a self-addressed stamped envelope to this office along with a check made out to the Prothonotary for $5.75 per decree.
Contact Us To Discover More About Tracking Down Copies of Your Divorce Records
Are you still unsure of how to get copies of your divorce records in Bucks County? Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C.’s divorce attorneys are here to help and can explain your options further. We can also explain the differences between a divorce decree and divorce certificate, as well as between certified and informational copies of divorce decrees.
Call us at (866) 309-3307 today for assistance in Pennsylvania or nearby New Jersey.
What Do You Do If You Don’t Want a Divorce?
DivorceDivorce may feel like a last resort, something you want to avoid at all costs. Just because your spouse seems to have their mind made up doesn’t mean you have followed suit. You may still be hanging on to the last threads of your marriage and hoping to reach a resolution. This is often a gut-wrenching situation.
If your spouse has already filed with the courts here in Bucks or Montgomery Counties, you must obey all deadlines. It is time to hire an attorney to go over the initial paperwork with you and prepare you for the next steps.
Understanding what to do if you don’t want a divorce starts with knowing what you are legally required to do. Then, you can explore your options and start to move forward.
Can You Refuse a Divorce?
Denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. These are the five stages of grief and the stages many divorcees go through when approaching this process. You may initially be in denial and wonder whether you can simply refuse the action or pretend it doesn’t exist.
If your spouse has legally initiated the divorce, there is immediacy in following deadlines. However, keep in mind that your divorce will take some time. By law, Pennsylvania has a 90-day mandatory cooling-off period for divorce. After filing, you and your spouse must wait at least 90 days to finalize the process. This gives you time to reconsider the decision and negotiate any issues, like child support or property division.
Pennsylvania follows no-fault divorce laws, meaning a spouse can choose to end their marriage without assigning blame or proving fault. While you cannot refuse this legal action, you maintain the right to contest a divorce if you disagree with the terms and want the court to intervene.
What To Do If You Don’t Want a Divorce and Your Spouse Does
If you don’t want a divorce, now may be a good time to sit down with your spouse and determine whether they are open to reconsidering. Would they be willing to try anything to make your marriage work? Or are they already checked out?
A few options you can present to them are:
If your partner isn’t open to any of these, it’s time to work on acceptance. This doesn’t need to be a fast process. Take it a day at a time, and start moving forward.
Seek Guidance From Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C.
Your life isn’t over just because you are going through a separation. You have a world of opportunities ahead of you, and you may look back and realize that this step was for the better in the long run.
At Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., we would be happy to advise you on what you can do if you don’t want a divorce. Contact us today at (866) 309-3307 for a legal consultation.
How Do You Protect Your Money and Your Financial Future During a Divorce?
Divorce, Equitable DistributionGoing through a Bucks County divorce may feel like you are completely upending your life. If you are a stay-at-home parent or a low-income-earning spouse, or you simply rely on your partner for financial support, the thought of separating may feel immensely scary.
How do you protect your money during a divorce? How will you financially recover? Strategic planning with the help of the right divorce attorney can allow you to navigate this process as smoothly as possible.
What Will Happen to Your Money in a Divorce?
Before you can start protecting your money, you need to understand what is at stake. In Pennsylvania, the court distinguishes between marital vs. non-marital property. Marital property includes anything you or your spouse acquired during the marriage or any assets that increased in value during this time.
Marital property is subject to an equitable distribution of assets, meaning the court would attempt to divide these items fairly between you. If you have any prenuptial or postnuptial agreements in place, these may play into the distribution process. Asset protection trusts can also prevent certain accounts from being divided.
Tips To Protect Your Money as a Low-Income-Earning Spouse or Stay-at-Home Parent
If you are a low-income-earner, the court will take this into account when determining what assets and funds to leave you with in the divorce. Still, you may have trouble moving forward independently. The following tips can help you protect your money during divorce and plan your financial future:
Seek Legal Guidance From Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C.
Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., is here to help you protect your money during a divorce. We can explain the tax implications of divorce settlements, advise on strategic practices to build financial independence, and protect your right to equitable distribution. Contact us today at (866) 309-3307 for a general consultation.