by Karen UlmerOn April 21, 2016, Governor Wolf signed into law a bill which essentially simplifies the process for victims of domestic violence to obtain a divorce. Currently, under the Divorce Code, even in the case of domestic violence, if a spouse refuses to consent to the divorce after 90 days, the divorce cannot proceed until there […]
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Additional Expenses in Child Support
Child support in Pennsylvania is based on statewide guidelines established by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. The guidelines are intended to ensure that similarly situated parties are treated similarly. Accordingly, all parties making $3000 per month with 3 kids would pay the same amount of support based on the guideline amounts. The guidelines are based on […]
Wills For Heroes – May 14, 2016
Bucks County has a “Wills for Heroes” event this upcoming Saturday, May 14, 2016. This is a program in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Bar Association that provides free wills, living wills, and powers of attorney to first responders and their spouses/significant others. Proof of military or public service affiliation is required. Appointments are required and […]
Estate Accounting
One of the most important duties of the executor or administrator is keeping an accurate accounting of the estate assets. Prior to distribution, an executor should prepare an accounting of all of the assets and liabilities of the estate, including all sources of assets (i.e. bank accounts, refunds, sale of real estate) and all liabilities […]
Do you need a will?
Do you need a will? Most people don’t think so, or don’t get around to it. While an estate can proceed without a will, i.e. by intestacy, a will can resolve many problems. For example, if you have minor children, a will can designate guardians in case both parents pass away. Likewise, you may appoint […]
Inheritance Tax
Pennsylvania is one of a handful of states that requires a tax paid on inheritances. There is also a federal estate tax, but your estate is exempt as long as your estate is valued at less than $5,450,000 for 2016. Pennsylvania, on the other hand, has no minimum threshold. The inheritance tax in Pennsylvania only […]
Opening an estate
In order to open an estate, you must go to the courthouse located in the county where the decedent was residing when he or she passed away. The executor must bring the original will, signed and witnessed by the decedent. The executor(s) named in the will must be present. If the executor does not wish […]
Earning Capacity
In a support matter, the incomes of the parties will be used to calculate an appropriate award based on the support guidelines applicable throughout the Commonwealth. At the initial appearance for a support matter, both parties are asked to bring in proof of their income in the form of W-2s, tax returns, pay stubs, or […]
Helping Your Children Move Between Two Homes
When you divorce with children, you are going to have to transition them between two homes. For a minor child of any age, this can be not only traumatic when it starts but also feel like a constant state of flux. It is critical that you children know they are loved by both parents, have […]
The finances of your divorce – Three Important Parts
During your divorce every nook and cranny of your financial picture will be evaluated. Together we will take a look at the finances you brought into your marriage and then what you and your spouse accumulated together. It is very important that you have a full understanding of your financial picture and copies of all […]
Pennsylvania Victims of Domestic Violence May Have Easier Road to Divorce Under New Law
On April 21, 2016, Governor Wolf signed into law a bill which essentially simplifies the process for victims of domestic violence to obtain a divorce. Currently, under the Divorce Code, even in the case of domestic violence, if a spouse refuses to consent to the divorce after 90 days, the divorce cannot proceed until there […]