Tag Archive for: divorce

Is Your Spouse Snooping on You?

Is your spouse snooping on you? Maybe you caught them surreptitiously handling your phone or noticed they always seem to know when you step outside. If your marriage is under tremendous strain, your spouse has threatened divorce, or you have talked about separating, it is critical that you protect your privacy.  

Spying on one’s partner is a serious violation of boundaries, especially if your marriage is already under strain. Learn how to tell whether your spouse is keeping you under surveillance and how you can shield your privacy. 

Why Would Your Spouse Spy on You?

People may spy on their significant other for many reasons, like jealousy, lack of trust, or obsessive control. When a marriage is nearing its end, it’s not uncommon for one partner to spy on another to try to uncover something they could use as leverage in divorce proceedings. 

For example, adultery can serve as grounds for a fault-based divorce in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Your spouse may harness advanced technology or physically stalk you to try and prove you’ve been cheating and use the evidence to their advantage, such as by asking the court to order less alimony.

Your spouse could also decide to monitor your financial activities, including whether you’re taking funds out of a joint account or purchasing a major asset.  

Above all, snooping and stalking is a toxic power dynamic. Knowing you’re under constant surveillance can make you feel helpless, trapped, and afraid.

How To Know Your Spouse Is Snooping on You

Determining whether your spouse is snooping on you can be difficult. The following signs may hint that you’re the target of your partner’s unethical spying:

  • You notice strange apps on your phone that you don’t remember installing
  • Some of your messages are marked as read, even though you know you haven’t opened them yet
  • Your phone’s records don’t match your activity, e.g., they show you were using your phone when you were asleep or display recently used apps you didn’t open

If you suspect your spouse is snooping on you, change all your phone, tablet, and computer passcodes and enable logins for all apps. At the very least, this may prevent them from continuing this behavior while you figure out the next steps.

Disable location data so your spouse can’t track you. Take your phone to a cybersecurity professional to screen it for concealed surveillance apps and check your car for hidden GPS devices.

Before confronting your spouse, talk to a lawyer and discuss your options. Using illegal means to spy on someone, even one’s spouse, could carry serious legal consequences. Moreover, any information gathered this way would likely be inadmissible as evidence in court proceedings.

Call Us If You’re Facing Divorce and Suspect Your Spouse Is Spying on You

Is your spouse snooping on you? This is an unsettling notion, particularly if you’re planning a divorce and suspect your spouse is trying to uncover sensitive information that could harm your interests. Contact us at Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., to find out how you can protect your rights and defend your private data. Book a consultation today.

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Why We Seal Divorce Documents in Bucks County

By default, divorce court records are available to the public. Thus, theoretically, anyone can browse the record of your divorce proceedings and access the contents of your divorce petition, court orders, asset division decisions, and custody agreements.

Although courts often restrict public access to sensitive details like Social Security numbers or minor children’s identities, divorce records can still compromise your privacy. However, there’s a solution: asking the court to seal those records. Learn why we seal divorce documents and how to request this type of legal protection.

Why Seal Divorce Records?

You may wish to keep the records of your divorce proceedings private for many reasons. For instance, maybe:

  • You have minor children and want to conceal any personal information that could potentially allow someone to identify or locate them
  • You’ve suffered domestic violence or stalking and need to protect yourself from further threats
  • Your divorce records mention issues that may cause you harm if they became public, like details about your business, medical data, addiction, or mental health 
  • Your divorce proceedings have included false allegations that could damage your reputation or safety if revealed

When Would a Court Agree To Seal Divorce Records?

Divorce records and other court records are public to ensure transparency in the judicial system. When you look at why we seal divorce documents, you may encounter different scenarios, but all have something in common: The potential harm from revealing the information overshadows the public’s right to know.

For example, if you or your spouse are well known in your community and your divorce would attract public scrutiny, you may request the court to seal records to avoid unwanted attention or identity theft.

If you own a business and your divorce records mention proprietary information, you could ask to remove these details from public records to protect your company. However, concerns about general privacy or embarrassment usually aren’t enough to seal records.

How To Request a Divorce Record Seal

To have your divorce records sealed, your attorney would need to file a motion and give compelling reasons for keeping this particular information private. You’d have to show that your employment, reputation, or physical safety may suffer unless the court seals the records.

This request must be as specific as possible. Courts rarely agree to seal the entire divorce record. You’ll have a better chance of approval if you ask that certain sensitive details from public records, such as family members’ names and addresses or child support amounts, be removed. It’s important to work with a seasoned divorce attorney who knows how to phrase a request for sealing court records.

Once the court accepts your request, your divorce attorney will check that any relevant records have been sealed within the next few days.

Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., Can Help Protect Your Privacy During Divorce

Are you concerned about confidentiality during divorce proceedings? Call us at Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C. We will explain why we seal divorce documents and help you keep sensitive information private. Book a consultation today. 

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Should You File for Divorce First?

If your marriage is nearing its end, should you file for divorce first? Does it matter who initiates the divorce process here in Bucks County? It may, but this doesn’t mean you should rush to file when you aren’t ready. An experienced divorce lawyer can help you work out an individually tailored legal strategy for this challenging time. 

Does It Matter Who Files for Divorce?

In many cases, filing for divorce first can give you an advantage, both throughout the divorce process and in its financial and emotional outcome. First, you’ll have your pick of local divorce attorneys. A divorce lawyer can’t represent both sides in a divorce due to a conflict of interest, so whatever legal professional your spouse has already talked to would be off-limits to you.

Initiating the divorce can also help with financial planning. For example, if you’ve been a stay-at-home parent throughout your married life, you may be financially vulnerable and need, not just more time, but to control the start of the process.  

Taking a proactive approach to the divorce process could give you enough time to collect all your financial information (like savings and retirement accounts) and possibly prevent your spouse from siphoning joint funds. You could start separating your finances from your spouse’s and look into insurance plans if you have relied on your spouse’s insurance until now.

Finally, strategically timing the divorce could help you prepare mentally and emotionally. You could begin helping your children process the upcoming shift, start building a supportive social network, and plan for changes like leaving your home, relocating, enrolling your children in different schools, or starting a new job.

Potential Drawbacks of Filing First

“Should you file for divorce first?” may have a different answer if you aren’t sure you want to end your marriage right now, even if you know it’s falling apart. For example, maybe you’re dealing with health issues or have other considerations that might make you decide to delay divorce if possible. 

You should also consider family dynamics, such as how your spouse may react to your filing for divorce. If possible, you should try to avoid a hostile escalation that will make any negotiations difficult. 

Finally, ending a marriage costs money, so you may have to plan ahead to make sure you can afford a divorce.

Uncontested Divorce in NJ and PA

An uncontested divorce is a friendlier and less stressful alternative to filing first or waiting for your spouse to take this step.

In this scenario, you and your spouse sit down to agree on important matters like property division, spousal support, and child custody. When you finalize your divorce settlement agreement, you’ll file a joint petition for divorce. 

If both sides are willing to work together and compromise, an uncontested divorce can save a lot of time and prevent conflicts. Just make sure to consult a divorce lawyer first to ensure you sign a fair and reasonable agreement. 

Considering Divorce? Call Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C.

If you are wondering, “Should you file for divorce first?” contact the legal team at Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C. Our skilled and empathetic team will protect your interests and help you navigate divorce with minimum stress. Book a consultation today.

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Divorce in the Digital Age

Divorce in the digital age comes with a range of unique challenges compared to just 20 years ago. While your spouse may have physically moved out of the shared home, your online activities and assets remain intermingled.

You may be ready to move on from your spouse, yet they continue to use and monitor shared online accounts. Worse, you may be unaware of their behavior.

The right strategies can help protect your assets, privacy, and peace of mind. 

Change Passwords As Soon As Possible

You and your spouse probably learned each other’s passwords during the marriage. Even if you do not think your spouse knows your login information for online accounts, change all passwords as soon as possible. This prevents them from logging into accounts without your knowledge — or worse, stealing assets from financial accounts. 

Check all accounts for suspicious activity and change passwords promptly: 

  • Bank accounts
  • Social media accounts
  • Email accounts
  • Credit card accounts

Scan Your Computer for Keylogger Software

Online privacy protection proves crucial in a volatile divorce. Scan your devices for keylogger software, which could tell your spouse your new passwords and clue them into other sensitive information. Antivirus software can help you identify keyloggers. 

Additionally, clear your browsing history regularly in case your spouse gains access to your activity. 

Be Aware of Pennsylvania’s Digital Asset Division Protocols

Divorce in the digital age also requires you to separate digital assets. Any digital assets you and/or your spouse acquired during the marriage will be subject to equitable distribution, according to Pennsylvania’s marital property classification. These may include:

  • Cryptocurrency
  • Investment accounts
  • Online subscriptions (Netflix, Spotify, etc.)
  • Domain names
  • Assets owned in digital format (books, movies, music, TV shows, video games etc.) 
  • Online businesses

You may need to seek a cryptocurrency valuation or consult a professional to understand the value of certain digital assets. 

Digital photos and videos are part of the shared assets you and your spouse need to deal with during the divorce. In the meantime, turn off auto storage on photo apps to prevent new photos from uploading into a shared account. Your spouse could use photos as electronic evidence against you in the divorce. 

Create a New Email Address

One of the easiest digital security measures to take is creating a new email address to link to all important accounts — including social media. If your spouse still has access to your previous email account, they can use it to enter sensitive online accounts. Change your email and turn on two-factor authentication to further protect your online privacy.

Be Vigilant About Tracking Devices 

Finally, watch out for your spouse’s use of tracking devices such as Air Tags to follow your movements. Using these devices to stalk others is illegal, but you need to find them before any legal action can occur. 

Turn to Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., for Divorce Assistance

A seasoned divorce attorney can help you navigate the complexities of divorce in the digital age while protecting your rights and privacy. Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., is here for you; contact us today at (866) 311-6082 for a confidential consultation. 

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The Role of Experts in Child Custody Cases

Following filing a child custody case, the court has limited information about the case, which often leaves parents feeling confused and unsettled. A judge’s knowledge only extends as far as the custody disagreement. It then becomes the court’s responsibility to thoroughly review all case-related information to determine the proper course of action. They accomplish this task with the assistance of court-assigned experts. These court appointees serve different roles and administer three types of evaluations: custody, psychological, and parental fitness.

The Role of Experts in Administering Evaluations

Input from experts who serve as critical evaluators in child custody cases helps the court navigate the case’s complexities. These valuable professionals include psychologists and counselors; they are responsible for determining which parent is suitable as the child’s primary custodian. In addition, they also make recommendations regarding which parent should have the right to make decisions and whether the judge should award joint custody.

Three Types of Evaluations

Three types of evaluations administered by court-appointed experts are critical in child custody cases.

1. Custody Evaluations

In child custody evaluations, court-appointed experts address the parents’ child-rearing capabilities, as noted by the American Psychological Association (APA). When psychologists work alongside other mental health professionals, like counselors, the counselors often serve as mediators. Next, the psychologists administer psychological testing to both parents so the court can determine each parent’s child-rearing style. The tests assess both parents’ temperaments, character, and cognitive abilities. The purpose of the testing process is to determine whether the parents are psychologically competent to foster the child’s continued growth and development. 

2. Psychological Evaluations

During a child custody case, psychological evaluations are also essential tools; they help court experts determine undiagnosed mental health issues and other problems that might impact the legal outcome. Psychological evaluations give the court insight into whether the parent is mentally fit enough to care for the child. If the mental issues are severe, these parents are typically not awarded custody.

3. Parental Fitness Evaluations

In rare cases, experts recommend parental fitness evaluations to assist the court in determining whether a parent-child relationship is appropriate. These evaluations are typical in situations involving child abuse, domestic violence, and substance abuse. In these cases, expert witnesses help decide what the child needs. For example, following a parental fitness evaluation, the court-appointed psychologist determines whether a parent should be allowed supervised visitation with their child.

Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C. Can Help

Each child custody expert is essential in cases where parents are at odds over who should care for their children. Using thorough evaluations, they provide unbiased testimonies to help the court make informed decisions. Ultimately, their work assists the judge in determining the familial arrangement that best serves the child’s interests.

If you have questions about your child custody case, contact Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C. today. Our experienced team of attorneys is highly qualified to walk you through the complexities of your legal casework to support your child’s well-being. Call or text us at (866) 349-4117. You can also book a free consultation by filling out our online form.

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Grieving After Your Divorce

After going through a divorce, friends and family routinely ask if you’re “relieved” that the process is over. You might smile and nod, wanting to be agreeable. However, the truth for many people is that “divorce grief” is real and very present for a long time after the fact.

This is your reminder: it’s perfectly normal to feel emotions similar to mourning and loss after your divorce becomes final. 

Read on to learn more about healing from a divorce and how it may look for you.

Why You May Feel Grief After Divorce

Even though you may feel initial relief at ending a stressful marriage, sadness often turns into grief soon after signing the paperwork. First and foremost, understand that strong feelings are normal. After all, you’ve lost something in the divorce. 

Almost nobody marries with the expectation of divorcing years later. Some common feelings people contemplate at this time include:

  • Losing the hopes and dreams you had for your marriage together 
  • Recognizing your life with your spouse is forever altered
  • Being fearful of the future
  • Worrying about losing time with your children. 

During this period of divorce grief, some ex-spouses may even regret divorcing. All these feelings are normal and part of the process of moving on.

What Triggers “Divorce Grief?”

When you are grieving, a sudden swell of emotions can catch you off guard. You might walk past a restaurant you both loved in happier times and feel overwhelming sadness. You might see your spouse enjoying time with the children and feel a great sense of loss.

Even something as simple as sorting and keeping divorce papers can spark feelings of grief, so keep track of these triggers. Friends or family can support you as you meet tough situations and work through hard feelings.

How Long Does the Grief Last After a Divorce?

According to Psychology Today, the grieving process after your divorce lacks a specific timeline. Everyone reacts differently, from a few weeks of grieving to several months or years after the breakup. Being honest with yourself about your emotions is a key step in moving forward, so give yourself time to process all your emotions, including grief. 

One of the ways to move forward is creating new memories and experiences, whether it’s trying a new restaurant or volunteering your time at a new organization. Friends and family naturally will check on you and support you in the first few weeks after a divorce. Don’t let them drift away if you need more help processing your grief – ask for help and support for as long as you need it!

Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., Supports You Legally and Emotionally in Your Divorce

It’s important to realize that your emotional recovery is important after the separation and divorce. It requires an adjustment on your part to move forward with your life. The stress of the divorce process needs time to work through and settle.

Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., can help legally during your divorce proceedings and chat with you about dealing with “divorce grief” constructively. Call us today for a confidential consultation at (866) 349-4461.

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PA Divorce – Forced To Pay for College?

Divorcing your spouse raises many questions about how you will handle future tasks involved in raising your child. One important question you need to consider now is: “How will we handle paying for our child’s college education?”

Some states have laws requiring parents to contribute to payments for higher education. Learn how these laws affect your PA divorce and other considerations you should discuss now. 

Does Pennsylvania Require Divorcing Parents To Pay for Their Child’s College?

Twenty-four states across the U.S. — including New Jersey and New York — have laws about parents financially contributing to a child’s higher education, but Pennsylvania is not one of them. This means that in a divorce, neither parent will have a legal obligation to pay for or contribute to a child’s college education. Instead, you’ll look to your divorce agreement to determine how to approach this matter. 

You and your soon-to-be-ex-spouse have the right to determine how you will split future financial endeavors involving your shared children. If you cannot agree on these issues, a judge may help you decide when creating your parenting plan. It’s always better to work out an agreement on your own or with an attorney instead of letting a judge decide for you. 

Creating a Parenting Plan That Includes College Tuition 

When you work with an experienced Pennsylvania divorce attorney, they can help you create a reasonable parenting plan that covers how you and your spouse will handle financial contributions for college. This agreement must hold up long into the future, which can be challenging. You’ll need to be as specific as possible to avoid confusion and disagreements down the line.

Be sure to discuss all of the following when creating your parenting plan: 

  • Type of school (private or state)
  • Textbooks, room and board, and other expenses
  • University vs. trade school

What If You Don’t Discuss College in the Parenting Plan? 

If your child is only a few years old at the time of your PA divorce, their college education may be the furthest thought from your mind. So, what happens if you fail to address this matter in your parenting plan? 

You and your child’s other parent can attempt to reach an agreement privately about how you will split college expenses, but this may not be wise. It’s better to create a written agreement and sign it in the presence of a notary. 

You can modify your parenting plan by filing a motion with the court. The court can intervene if both parents do not consent to the modification.

Remember that child support obligations only extend until a child turns 18 in Pennsylvania. You may decide to purposefully leave college out of your parenting plan and agree that your child will pay for their own college. Whatever you do, discuss it now to avoid headaches later on. 

Seek Assistance With PA Divorce Agreements From Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C. 

Do you need help drafting a divorce agreement, understanding equitable distribution in a divorce, or determining the custodial parent? Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., offers compassionate legal support through your entire divorce. Call (866) 349-4117 for a confidential consultation.

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The Statute of Limitations and Your Bucks County Divorce Decree

Your divorce decree dictates the actions you and your ex-spouse need to take post-divorce, such as distributing property and paying alimony or child support. You may also desire to modify your separation agreement after it has been finalized. Enforcing either of these actions typically requires you to stick to a specific timeline — known as the statute of limitations. 

Learn more about this statute and how it affects your rights and options post-divorce. 

Statute of Limitations for Enforcing Child Support and Alimony

If your spouse agreed to provide child custody or alimony under your separation agreement, you expect them to send the payments by the specified deadlines. But what happens if they fail to do so? 

You can take them to court to enforce alimony and child support orders, and both Pennsylvania and New Jersey statutes give you a generous amount of time to do so. Pennsylvania has no statute of limitations for enforcing child support and alimony, and you have 20 years to go after missed payments. In New Jersey, you have until a child turns 23 to collect back child support. 

While these deadlines are generous, you should stick to reasonable alimony and child support timeframes. The sooner you take enforcement action against your spouse, the faster the process will be. Trying to enforce these orders five or ten years down the line will make it more challenging to access the original support orders and provide evidence of your spouse’s failure to pay.

Additionally, enforcing these orders down the line likely means you want to request a lump sum equal to the amount your spouse owes you. If your spouse can’t afford this lump sum, you probably won’t have much luck in this endeavor.  

Timeline for Property Division Enforcement

Your separation agreement likely lists the property that will go to each spouse after the divorce. But what happens if your spouse fails to transfer the stock, retirement assets, or property they agreed to? 

In Pennsylvania, a party usually has 90 days to enforce a property division order. In New Jersey, you can file for contempt of court within two years of your spouse’s failure to provide the specific property. 

Again, the sooner you seek to enforce this aspect of the divorce decree, the better. Talk to your attorney if your spouse is refusing to cooperate. 

Statute of Limitations for Modifying Your Separation Agreement

Your separation agreement doesn’t need to be permanent. You can seek to modify the agreement through a court order if at least one year has passed since you signed the original decree.

You’ll need to meet a few modification criteria to show that exceptional changes in circumstances have occurred and provide documentation of financial changes. 

Contact Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., Today

Do you need legal representation in a divorce in New Jersey or Pennsylvania? Are you seeking assistance with spousal support modifications, wanting to explore mediation and negotiation options, or needing help enforcing your divorce decree within the statute of limitations? 

Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., offers personalized legal assistance. Call (866) 349-4461 to request a confidential consultation. 

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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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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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