by Karen UlmerOftentimes when people are getting divorced, there are many emotional issues involved. In instances where one spouse did not want the divorce, or even when they did but they endured physical abuse, adultery, mental abuse, or just the trauma of change that a separation brings, counseling with a qualified therapist or psychologist can be invaluable. […]
Divorce and Deferred CompensationApril 29, 2026 - 12:41 pm
Rental Properties and DivorceApril 17, 2026 - 9:37 am
Pets in DivorceApril 8, 2026 - 11:23 am
SSD vs SSI
Social Security benefits may count as income depending on the nature of the benefits be received. For that purpose, it is important to differentiate the types of Social Security benefits to ensure an appropriate support calculation. Social Security disability (SSD) benefits are counted as income. The disability payments are meant to replace the income the […]
File to Modify Support if you are laid off
Whenever there is a change income, whether it is the party receiving child support or the party paying child support, it is that person’s responsibility to file to modify the support order. When someone is suddenly let go from work, even if they qualify for unemployment income, it is often necessary to file to modify […]
Communications with your Ex’s Divorce attorney
Are you getting divorced and represented by counsel? Under the PA Rules of Professional Responsibility, an attorney is not permitted to communicate directly with a party whom they are aware is represented. This applies to that other party as well. These rules are there to protect not only the attorney but also the party. While […]
Keeping Medical Records for Support Orders
If you have a charging support order in PA for either child or spousal support, you likely have to pay the first $ 250 in out of pocket medical expenses each year per person before the remainder are allocated based on a percentage. You need to keep good records in order to receive your remainder […]
Dividing Retirement Accounts in a Divorce
If you are getting divorced, you may have accumulated retirement plans during your divorce. Sometimes clients are surprised when they learn that the retirement plan that they have earned in their own name is subject to equitable distribution. Not only can your current spouse be ordered to be named your beneficiary in the event of […]
Weighing the Cost of Litigation in Divorce
When issues arise in a divorce that are in dispute, parties oftentimes are concerned with being right or getting justice. The divorce action itself, aside from the peripheral issues of custody if there are children, involves money. The court does not assess who is right and who is wrong in wanting to get a divorce. […]
Bifurcation
Bifurcation is the process whereby a divorce decree may be granted prior to resolution of the economic rights of the parties. Where granted, the court retains jurisdiction over the parties’ equitable distribution claims as well as support claims. Section 3323 (c)(1) of the Divorce Code discusses where bifurcation might be available. If both parties consent […]
Support Orders and Retroactivity
Normally a support order is retroactive to the date of filing. If, however, there was a reason someone was precluded from filing for support, say for a physical or mental disability, the support order could be retroactive to the date they could have filed if they had been able. If a party conceals their income, […]
Counseling during a Divorce
Oftentimes when people are getting divorced, there are many emotional issues involved. In instances where one spouse did not want the divorce, or even when they did but they endured physical abuse, adultery, mental abuse, or just the trauma of change that a separation brings, counseling with a qualified therapist or psychologist can be invaluable. […]
Changing Your Name Legally
There are many reasons why someone may want to change their name. It could be they have never really bonded with their parent and want a new last name. It may be that they wish to change their name for business purposes. Perhaps, they are from another country and want to change it formally to […]