Same-sex adoptions can take place in the form of a second-parent adoption. A second-parent adoption allows a person to adopt the child of their “unmarried” partner. In 2002, the Supreme Court held that the parental rights of the first parent need not be terminated for the adoption by the second parent to take place. Since […]
Background checks are required for all prospective parents in an adoption matter. In Pennsylvania, there are three background checks that are required: Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance through the Department of Human Services, Pennsylvania Criminal Record Checks through the State Police, Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Criminal Background Check through the Department of Welfare. These […]
November is National Adoption Month. This is the 23rd year for recognition of National Adoption Month which began in 1995 when President Clinton extended the recognition from a week to the entire month of November. Pennsylvania participates in national adoption awareness each year through presentation of a proclamation and renewed pledge to make sure every […]
Before an adoption can be finalized, the rights of the natural parent(s) must be terminated. Parental rights can be involuntarily terminated under certain circumstances. Parental rights can also be voluntarily relinquished via consent to the adoption. Pursuant to 23 Pa. C.S. Section 2711, a consent must be signed by the following individuals where applicable: (1) […]
Prior to an adoption taken place, the rights of the natural parent(s) must be terminated. This may occur via consent, voluntary relinquishment or involuntary termination. Regardless of the method of termination, each county is responsible for keeping a list of qualified counselors who are available to assist natural parents contemplating voluntary relinquishment or facing termination […]
Given the high cost of higher education, student loans carried by either or both spouses can weigh heavily on financial decisions and life choices. Often it can delay the purchase of a house or starting a family. This can cause a great deal of stress. It’s not surprising that 13% of divorced people say student […]
https://ulmerlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/ulmerlaw-logo.png00Karen Ulmerhttps://ulmerlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/ulmerlaw-logo.pngKaren Ulmer2018-10-18 11:59:382020-04-06 16:16:32Student Loans and Your Divorce
A divorce decree is a court order that is final and legally binding on both parties. Besides declaring the marriage legally over, it decides division of property, custody, and support. Reversing any part of the decision requires an appeal to a higher court here in Bucks and Montgomery Counties. In the case of both parties […]
https://ulmerlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/ulmerlaw-logo.png00Karen Ulmerhttps://ulmerlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/ulmerlaw-logo.pngKaren Ulmer2018-10-12 03:07:052020-04-06 16:16:32Can Any Part of a Divorce Decree Be Reversed?
Not every jerk is a narcissist. A true narcissist has low empathy, assumes superiority, craves power and control, and wants to win at all costs. Men outnumber women 2:1 in true narcissism, so for ease of reading, I will assume the husband is the narcissist. But this advice is equally important for a husband dealing […]
https://ulmerlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/ulmerlaw-logo.png00Karen Ulmerhttps://ulmerlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/ulmerlaw-logo.pngKaren Ulmer2018-10-11 02:51:142020-04-06 16:16:32Divorcing a Narcissist: What to Expect, What to Do
Adoptions among certain family members are streamlined and circumvent some of the requirements for a non-kinship adoption. For example, a standard adoption will require a home study to be completed by the local Children & Youth services agency. This process is expensive and takes a number of months. This requirement is waived in the event […]
Termination of parental rights means the natural parent of a child forever loses or forfeits any rights as a parent. This would include the loss of any standing for future custody actions. It also means they are not financially responsible for child support any longer. Termination of parental rights can generally only occur in conjunction […]
https://ulmerlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/ulmerlaw-logo.png00Karen Ulmerhttps://ulmerlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/ulmerlaw-logo.pngKaren Ulmer2018-09-28 03:39:442020-04-06 16:16:32Termination of Parental Rights
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Pets in DivorceApril 8, 2026 - 11:23 am
Same Sex Adoption
Same-sex adoptions can take place in the form of a second-parent adoption. A second-parent adoption allows a person to adopt the child of their “unmarried” partner. In 2002, the Supreme Court held that the parental rights of the first parent need not be terminated for the adoption by the second parent to take place. Since […]
Background Checks for Adoption
Background checks are required for all prospective parents in an adoption matter. In Pennsylvania, there are three background checks that are required: Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance through the Department of Human Services, Pennsylvania Criminal Record Checks through the State Police, Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Criminal Background Check through the Department of Welfare. These […]
National Adoption Month
November is National Adoption Month. This is the 23rd year for recognition of National Adoption Month which began in 1995 when President Clinton extended the recognition from a week to the entire month of November. Pennsylvania participates in national adoption awareness each year through presentation of a proclamation and renewed pledge to make sure every […]
Adoption Consents
Before an adoption can be finalized, the rights of the natural parent(s) must be terminated. Parental rights can be involuntarily terminated under certain circumstances. Parental rights can also be voluntarily relinquished via consent to the adoption. Pursuant to 23 Pa. C.S. Section 2711, a consent must be signed by the following individuals where applicable: (1) […]
Counseling in Adoption
Prior to an adoption taken place, the rights of the natural parent(s) must be terminated. This may occur via consent, voluntary relinquishment or involuntary termination. Regardless of the method of termination, each county is responsible for keeping a list of qualified counselors who are available to assist natural parents contemplating voluntary relinquishment or facing termination […]
Student Loans and Your Divorce
Given the high cost of higher education, student loans carried by either or both spouses can weigh heavily on financial decisions and life choices. Often it can delay the purchase of a house or starting a family. This can cause a great deal of stress. It’s not surprising that 13% of divorced people say student […]
Can Any Part of a Divorce Decree Be Reversed?
A divorce decree is a court order that is final and legally binding on both parties. Besides declaring the marriage legally over, it decides division of property, custody, and support. Reversing any part of the decision requires an appeal to a higher court here in Bucks and Montgomery Counties. In the case of both parties […]
Divorcing a Narcissist: What to Expect, What to Do
Not every jerk is a narcissist. A true narcissist has low empathy, assumes superiority, craves power and control, and wants to win at all costs. Men outnumber women 2:1 in true narcissism, so for ease of reading, I will assume the husband is the narcissist. But this advice is equally important for a husband dealing […]
Family Adoptions
Adoptions among certain family members are streamlined and circumvent some of the requirements for a non-kinship adoption. For example, a standard adoption will require a home study to be completed by the local Children & Youth services agency. This process is expensive and takes a number of months. This requirement is waived in the event […]
Termination of Parental Rights
Termination of parental rights means the natural parent of a child forever loses or forfeits any rights as a parent. This would include the loss of any standing for future custody actions. It also means they are not financially responsible for child support any longer. Termination of parental rights can generally only occur in conjunction […]