How Long Should You Keep Divorce Papers?

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. 

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Why You May “Conflict Out” in Your Divorce Case

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. 

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When You Are Served With a PFA

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Being served with a protection from abuse (PFA) order can be incredibly scary. You can’t go near your spouse or partner, and maybe you’ve been forced to leave your home. You’re terrified that it’s going to affect your job or custody proceedings.

It’s normal to feel like a ship adrift in the ocean when you are served with a PFA, but Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C. is here to help.

What Is a PFA Order and Why Were You Served?

A PFA is the same thing as a restraining order. If you’ve been served with a PFA, it means that the petitioner (your spouse or partner, for example) is accusing you of abuse, harassment, or stalking. Courts in Bucks County take domestic abuse and harassment very seriously, so they grant PFA orders as a form of protection for the petitioner.

There are three main types of PFAs in Pennsylvania, and there’s a big difference between a temporary and final PFA. 

  • Ex parte (temporary) PFA: An ex parte PFA is a temporary restraining order that lasts for a certain amount of time, typically a week to a few months.
  • Emergency PFA: If the petitioner feels like they’re in immediate danger, the court might grant an emergency PFA.
  • Final PFA: After a formal hearing, a judge might decide to make the PFA permanent. Final PFAs last for up to three years but can be extended to 10 years or longer.

Violating the Order Can Bring Disastrous Consequences

When you’re served with a PFA, one of the first things you’ll likely feel is anger. You’re furious that you can’t stay in your home or even see your kids anymore. What right does your spouse or partner have to do that to you?

You’re tempted to return to your home and give them a piece of your mind, but it’s a temptation you should resist. Bucks County courts don’t look kindly on people who violate PFAs. If that’s you, you could be permanently barred from entering your house or lose custody of your kids. The court can hold you in criminal contempt, too, which might result in hefty fines and/or jail time.

Your Spouse Had You Served With a PFA, Now What?

When you are served with a PFA, do not panic. Here’s what to do:

  • Review the PFA documents: A police officer or process server will likely serve you with a PFA document packet. Do not discard this packet, as it contains important information about what you can and cannot do. For example, your PFA might forbid you from communicating with your partner or visiting their workplace.
  • Hire an attorney: It’s not wise to go through legal proceedings without representation. Your lawyer will help you collect evidence disproving the allegations.
  • Attend the hearing: You’ll have the chance to contest the allegations in a court hearing. PFA hearings are usually set on Wednesdays in Bucks County.

Reliable PFA Hearing and Defense Preparation in Bucks County

When you are served with a PFA, Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C. is here for you. Call (215) 752-6200 for a consultation now.

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Co-Parenting Success

One of the toughest aspects of divorce is sharing your kids with your ex. You may not like your ex, and they might not care for you, but both of you love your kids. How can you make sure your children have a happy relationship with their other parent if the two of you struggle to even make eye contact?

Developing flexible problem-solving skills with your ex is a challenge, but one well worth overcoming. Below, you’ll find tips to guide you on the path to co-parenting success.

Helping Your Child Adjust to Their New Life

Divorce may feel like a breath of fresh air for you, but for your kids, it can be extremely upsetting. Suddenly, they’re splitting time between two homes and two sets of parents. In addition to that, maybe they have new siblings and a new school. It’s a lot to take in for little ones.

To help your kids adjust, work with your ex-spouse to establish consistent routines. Children thrive with a set schedule for meals, homework, playtime, and bedtime. Ask your ex to maintain your child’s schedule when it’s their time with the kids.

Encourage Open Communication Between Your Ex and Kids

Many parents try to keep their kids away from their exes as a way to hurt them. No matter how much you dislike your ex, though, you should never use your children as a weapon. Not only does this hurt your child’s well-being, but courts tend to frown on those who keep children away from the other parent.

Encourage your kids and ex-spouse to talk to each other regularly, whether that’s through phone calls, emails, or in-person meetings. If anything important comes up in your child’s life (health updates, school events, etc.), be sure to share them with your ex. You may not like doing it, but it’s a cornerstone of co-parenting success.

Be a Person of Your Word

It’s your ex-spouse’s week to have the kids, and maybe you’re tempted to show up late to the dropoff just to spite them. Doing that might feel good in the moment, but it only places stress on the kids and damages your relationship with your ex.

If you say you’re going to be somewhere at a certain time, keep your word. Your ex will be more likely to do the same for you.

Don’t Like How Your Ex-Spouse Parents? Keep It to Yourself

Maybe your kids come home excitedly chatting about that treat Daddy fed them or the toy Mom bought as a surprise. You think your ex is spoiling them rotten, and you don’t like it. But if you want to maintain successful boundaries, you’d be smart not to say a word.

Ex-spouses shouldn’t judge each other’s parenting styles. All that does is create hostility and confuse the kids. It’s wiser to just stay silent and maintain respectful boundaries (unless, of course, your ex’s parenting style places your children in danger).

We’ll Help You Create a Positive Co-Parenting Dynamic

Achieving co-parenting success is a big challenge, but the attorneys at Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C. will help you overcome it. For a consultation, call us at (215) 752-6200.

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Stress of 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.

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When the Abuser Flips the Table

“There you go again,” your soon-to-be ex snaps. “Why are you yelling at me? You’re abusive. Maybe you need therapy because I didn’t do anything wrong.”

Spoiler alert: They have, in fact, done something wrong.

When the abuser flips the table, so to speak, they can make you feel like you’re losing your mind. They may not hurt you physically, but emotional damage like this can sting even worse.

You’re not at the mercy of your abuser, though. By recognizing their underhanded tactics, you’ll be better prepared to fight back.

The Dirty, Crazy-Making Tricks Abusers Pull To Convince You That You’re the “Bad Guy”

Abusers are masters at emotional manipulation. Many have honed their techniques for years, and they’re scarily good at what they do.

Gaslighting is one of these techniques. It involves misdirection, essentially shifting the blame from them to you in a way that makes you feel you’re losing your mind.

For example, a gaslighting pro might deliberately do something hurtful, then say, “You’re too sensitive,” or “That never happened.”

Gaslighting can also involve false accusations where the abuser flips the table and makes it seem as though you’re the one who deserves blame. For example, suppose your spouse is an alcoholic, and you call them out for drinking when they were meant to be watching the kids.

They say, “I wouldn’t have been drinking if you hadn’t been checking out that guy at the grocery store,” even though you did nothing of the sort. Suddenly, you’re the one under the microscope. The abuser has successfully shifted blame from themselves to you.

Recognizing Self-Defense vs. Abuse

A very common tactic abusers use is to push their victims until they snap and turn to reactive abuse. The victim might scream back or even hit the abuser. This gives the abuser even more ammunition to use against their victim. “You’re the abusive one,” they tell you.

Is that really true? Probably not. These are clear signs that it’s self-defense, not abuse:

  • Your actions are out of character. You’ve never yelled at or hit anyone else before.
  • You feel guilty for what you did afterward.
  • You didn’t initiate the abuse. You only lashed out after the abuser struck first.
  • You feel confused about why you acted the way you did.

Beating Emotional Abusers at Their Own Game

The only real way to beat an emotional abuser at their game is not to play. The abuser wants a reaction from you, so don’t give them one.

Walk away from the conversation (or better yet, leave the house if the abuser lives with you). Call a trusted friend and talk about what happened. It can also be helpful to journal about the incident.

We Refuse To Let That Abuser Walk All Over You

When an abuser flips the table, flip it back by calling Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C. Our attorneys have seen it all, and we know how to handle abusive gaslighters with the help of Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders and divorce assistance. You’re never alone when you have our firm looking out for you.

To schedule a consultation, call (215) 752-6200.

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What To Expect When Meeting With a CCES Evaluator

If you’ve been ordered to undergo a meeting with a CCES evaluator, you’re probably feeling a bit nervous. What happens during the interview? What kinds of questions will the evaluator ask you?

Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C. explains the Bucks County CCES meeting process and what to expect during your interview below.

What Is CCES?

CCES stands for “Court Conciliation and Evaluation Service.” Its main goal is to help parents create a parenting plan that is in the child’s best interest. If parents can’t agree on a parenting plan, CCES will create one for them based on the evaluation.

CCES takes place over six to eight sessions. In addition to the evaluation, CCES sessions can include co-parenting counseling and education.

The Custody Evaluation Process

The CCES process begins with a referral and ends with the creation of a parenting plan following interviews, document review, and court recommendations.

CCES Referral and Form Completion

Either the Custody Master or judge assigned to your case can submit a referral for CCES. You and the child’s other parent must fill out the Referral Form and Consent and Waiver Form. Once you’ve submitted the forms, you’ll have to pay your portion of the CCES fee within 14 days.

CCES Evaluator Assignment

After submitting forms and paying the fee, you’ll have a CCES evaluator assigned to your case. If there is a mutual preference, parties can select up to three names from the CCES evaluator list.

Evaluator assignment is based on:

  • The evaluator’s caseload
  • No conflicts of interest
  • The parties’ geographical area
  • Mutual preference

Individual and Joint Interviews

First, the CCES evaluator will meet with you and the child’s other parent individually. During the meeting, you can discuss the history of the custody case and any issues you have regarding the current parenting plan. Bring documents that you want the evaluator to review to this meeting.

After meeting with both parents separately, there will be a joint meeting. This meeting allows the evaluator to see how the parents interact with each other. The evaluator watches:

  • Body language
  • How each parent speaks about the other
  • Consistency in their stories

Next, the evaluator will meet with the children if they’re of an appropriate age. The evaluator may also want to interview grandparents, stepparents, or other parties that spend a lot of time with the children.

Document Review

Lastly, the evaluator will review all relevant documents, which may include medical records, school transcripts, text messages, etc. They will then create a clinical report with a recommendation on how to resolve the disputes between parents. Depending on the evaluator’s caseload, it can take several months for them to finish their report.

If the parents can’t reach an agreement after reviewing the report, they may file a motion for a hearing with a judge. 

Our Attorneys Can Help You Create the Right Co-Parenting Plan

Do you need advice on preparing for your meeting with a CCES evaluator? Considering trying mediation? Reach out to Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C. at (215) 752-6200 to schedule a consultation.

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I Don’t Talk to My Kids – Reunification Therapy

Not having a relationship with your children can be heartbreaking. Regardless of the circumstances that led to you and your children not speaking, you can attempt to repair the relationship with reunification therapy. This process could even help you resolve custody disputes and allow you to regain visitation with your kids. 

Here’s what you need to know.

What Is Reunification Therapy? 

Reunification therapy is a form of mental health therapy that aims to restore parent-child relationships. Judges sometimes order reunification therapy to help resolve messy child custody disputes. Courts like parents and children to be involved in each other’s lives, and this is one way to promote a healthy familial unit. 

In many families where the parents do not share custody, there is a “favored parent” and a “rejected parent.” Reunifying the rejected parent with the child and strengthening the relationship often requires therapeutic intervention. 

During reunification therapy, a therapist works with a parent and their child to improve communication and restore the bond between them. Techniques may include:

  • Family systems therapy, which involves resolving conflicts within the family unit
  • Education sessions about family dynamics
  • Setting boundaries and discussing co-parenting guidelines

Reunification therapy is child-focused and moves at the child’s pace. While the entire family can experience emotional healing through this therapy, the main goal is for the child to find healing and strengthen their relationship with the rejected parent. 

Reunification Therapy and Child Custody 

Judges often recommend or order reunification for families going through stressful custody disputes. It’s often a necessary method of resolving parental alienation. Alienation happens when one parent turns the child against the other parent to attempt to secure more favorable visitation or custody. 

After a family goes through reunification therapy, they may be more willing to concede to split custody. The child may also be happier in the home with the alienated parent. 

This process is often slow and involves other steps, such as individual therapy. With these tools, estranged families learn how to restore their relationships while maintaining healthy boundaries. 

Who Needs Reunification Therapy? 

Not having any communication with your kids is a surefire sign that you could benefit from reunification therapy. Your family may also benefit from this therapy if any of the following are true. 

  • Your ex has turned your child against you. 
  • Your relationship with your child has become strained, and the child favors the other parent.
  • A judge has ordered reunification therapy as part of your child custody arrangement. 

Reunification therapy is sometimes recommended in cases where a parent has been in drug or alcohol rehab, and their addiction has impacted their relationship with their child. In this case, supervised visitation may be safer for the child. 

Seek Child Custody Assistance From Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C. 

Gaining custody can be challenging if you don’t talk to your kids. Reunification therapy can help. You should also work with an experienced family law attorney to navigate the child custody process successfully while prioritizing your child’s interests. 

Contact Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., today at (866) 349-4721 to schedule a consultation.

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No-Contact Order vs. Protection From Abuse (PFA) Order: What’s the Difference in Pennsylvania?

You’re scared, and you need to put distance between yourself and your spouse in fear that they will hurt you or your children. You know that filing some type of restraining order can help, but you are unsure about which one is appropriate and how the two differ. The idea of navigating the court system and following all the rules can also feel daunting. 

A Protection From Abuse (PFA) order and a no-contact order could both bring you peace of mind. Learn the difference between no contact vs. PFA in Pennsylvania, then seek legal assistance.  

What Is a PFA?

A Protection From Abuse (PFA) order is a court order that prohibits an abuser from coming into physical contact with you. This is a type of restraining order and is often used in cases of domestic violence. PFAs last up to three years and are available to individuals 18 or older or teens and children when accompanied by an adult. 

When you file for a PFA, a police officer will serve notice to your abuser. They must attend a PFA hearing, where a judge will hear both sides and determine whether to issue the court order. If you are in immediate danger, you can also seek a temporary PFA that would go into effect immediately.

PFA orders prevent the abuser from entering your home, school, and/or place of work. If you live with the abuser, they will need to vacate the home. You will also gain custody or visitation rights of your children during this period. 

However, if the defendant fights this restraining order, the judge may not grant it unless you can provide evidence of a physical threat or assault. 

PFAs offer victim protection, but they aren’t the only type of protective order in Pennsylvania. Ask your attorney whether a Sexual Violence Protection Order (SVPO) or Protection From Intimidation Order (PFI) may be better. 

What Is a No-Contact Order?

A no-contact order is a protective order that prohibits a person from contacting you in person, by phone, or by any other means. The main difference between a no-contact order and a PFA is that a no-contact order can only go into effect after a violent act has occurred, not just after the threat of an action. 

No-contact orders go both ways — neither of you can contact each other. This protective order seeks to prevent future crimes. You may seek a no-contact order while waiting for a judge to issue a PFA.

If your abuser violates a no-contact order, they may be found in contempt of court, which can lead to jail time and fines. 

Do you need help understanding the difference between a no-contact order and a PFA? Are you seeking an appropriate protective order? Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., is on your side and can help you navigate every step of this legal process. Contact our Pennsylvania attorneys today at (866) 349-4721 to schedule a consultation. 

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Child Custody – What Not To Say About Your Ex

Your emotions are probably intense if you’re navigating a heated child custody battle. Saying something negative about your ex may seem like a good idea. After all, couldn’t it show the judge that you should have full custody instead of them?  

In reality, saying the wrong thing during a custody battle can hurt your case. It can also place more stress on your children during an already tumultuous process. Our Bucks County, PA child custody attorneys provide a few tips on what not to say or do during a child custody battle. 

Don’t Say Negative Words About Your Ex to Your Children

Your children are at the heart of your custody battle. It can be tempting to involve them in your arguments by slandering your ex in front of them. 

Maybe you want to vent to your kids about how rude your ex is. It’s much better to vent to a friend or an attorney than to involve your children. 

Kids become confused easily and don’t need to know the details of your dispute with your spouse. If the judge hears you were complaining about your ex to your kids, they may believe you were trying to alienate them, which could affect your co-parenting agreement and visitation rights. 

Don’t Tell Your Children What Your Ex Did

Did your ex cheat on you? Steal money from your joint accounts? Lie about their behavior? Tell it to the court — not your children. On the rare chance your child is called to testify, a judge will not look favorably on your tattling about your ex to your kids. Your custody battle is already stressful enough for your children without you encouraging them to choose sides or lose trust in their other parent. 

Don’t Tell Lies About Your Ex

You may be tempted to make up lies about your ex in court to prove poor parental conduct. Maybe you believe your ex would be neglectful of your child, but you don’t have any proof of them acting that way, so you decide to make up a story about how they forgot to pick your child up from school. 

If a judge finds out you lied in court, it could have devastating consequences for your child custody case.  

Don’t Be Rude or Disrespectful 

While tensions run high during child custody battles, avoid being rude or disrespectful to anyone involved in your case. Unkind words to your spouse can make their way to the judge’s ears and hurt your case.

You especially need to watch what you say in court. Judges make decisions in the child’s best interest, and if they see you acting immaturely or aggressively, they’ll consider your behavior when finalizing the court orders. 

Contact Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., for Guidance Through Your Custody Battle

Knowing what to say and what not to say during a child custody dispute can be challenging. Allow experienced and compassionate divorce attorney Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., to guide you. Contact us today at (866) 349-4721 to schedule a confidential consultation. 

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