Tag Archive for: divorce

Post-Divorce Budget

Transitioning from a dual-income household to a single-income household after a divorce calls for accurate and detailed expense tracking. Figuring out your post-divorce budget is critical for living within your means and avoiding financial hardships. 

Our team will work with you on your post-divorce budget. This budget will serve as a guidepost for when we negotiate alimony, child support, and the division of assets and debts.  

How do you budget for your post-divorce life on a single income? Take these steps so you do not struggle financially.   

Gather Accurate Information Regarding Monthly Income and Expenses

As we prepare a strategy to negotiate, we will ask for ALL of the details of your anticipated post-divorce budget, including a detailed breakdown of your monthly income and expenses. We will use pay stubs, investment income, and any other incoming cash you receive. If you do not regularly track your expenses, then we will ask you to track receipts and go through credit card statements. Typical expenses can include:  

  • Rent or mortgage payments
  • Utility costs
  • Groceries
  • Transportation
  • Existing loan payments
  • Personal care
  • Entertainment

Sometimes we talk about adjusting lifestyle expenses so you live within your means, possibly just in the short term, so you can reach your post-divorce financial goals. 

Consider Your Children’s Expenses

When you share children with your ex, the cost of caring for them becomes vital for determining alimony and budgeting properly. You and your spouse will both share financial responsibility for your children based on the number of overnights the children stay with each of you. Think about how much you spend on your children each month. These costs may include:

  • Daycare programs
  • School lunch plans
  • Extracurricular activities and hobbies
  • Tutoring programs
  • Medical care 

Your lawyer can negotiate a settlement based on your custody agreement so your children are cared for in a way that is financially reasonable for both parents. 

Plan for Educational Costs

No matter how old they are at the time of your divorce, it’s important to include college tuition agreements for your kids in your settlement. Figuring out a plan for your child’s education in advance can save you and your co-parent financial headaches down the road and ultimately set your child up for a successful future. 

It’s not just children’s educational costs that come into play. Do you anticipate taking some courses or earning a degree so you can bring new skills into the workforce? Research the cost of advancing your education and account for this in your post-divorce budget. 

Set Aside Emergency Funds

An important part of financial planning after divorce is preparing for the unexpected. What would you do if your car suddenly broke down and you had to pay thousands for a new one? Would an urgent medical crisis put you into debt?

Establish an emergency savings account and commit to putting a little bit in it each month. This account will build over time, so you eventually accrue enough to cover six months of your living expenses. Having this safety net will give you peace of mind should you lose your job or face some other financial hardship.

Team Up With a Trusted Divorce Attorney

Creating a post-divorce budget will help you move on from your marriage and be financially independent. Approach this process with the help of Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C. Contact our family law firm at (866) 261-9529 or submit our online form to schedule a consultation.

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Divorce and Your Credit Score

Simply ending your Bucks County marriage cannot cause your credit score to drop. The actions you and your spouse take before, during, and after your divorce can cause credit problems in the short term and long into the future. You can mitigate credit damage by reassessing your financial obligations during proceedings, ensuring bills are paid, and separating your financials as soon as possible.  

Below, we discuss the connection between divorce and your credit score, as well as tips to limit the fallout.  

Be Strategic About Paying Bills

Your credit score after divorce can remain the same as during your marriage as long as you pay your bills on time. Financial separation is crucial during this period, so you (and you alone) are responsible for your bills.  

Think about the bills in your name and who pays for them. For example, paying off your credit card each month will remain your responsibility if the account belongs to you alone. Joint assets can create problems for divorcing spouses, especially if they default on a loan.

Say you and your spouse share a home, and both of your names appear on the deed and mortgage. If you move out and don’t pay your share of the mortgage, your credit can suffer because your name is still attached to the loan. 

The connection between divorce and lower credit scores often has to do with not paying bills. Whether this is due to stress or lifestyle changes, your credit score might take a hit. 

Don’t Take On New Debt

Lawyers often guide couples through the complex process of divorce and debt division. Legal professionals strongly advise against taking on new debt, especially if the asset doesn’t belong to you. This includes:

  • Mortgages
  • Car payments
  • Student loans
  • Credit card debt

You could be on the hook for payments that you agreed to during your marriage, especially if you signed as a primary or co-signer for your spouse. For example, if a husband has student loan debt and the wife was a co-signer on that loan, she could become liable for future payments despite a divorce. If she stops paying amid a separation and the husband is not able to pay, then the wife’s credit score could be impacted.

Avoid Joint Account Liability

Perhaps the biggest credit impact of divorce boils down to keeping joint accounts when you’re no longer legally married. Start over by closing these accounts and only using bank or credit card accounts solely in your name. I recommend this step because it helps alleviate certain financial obligations tied to your ex once you officially end the marriage. 

Changing your existing account numbers in case your former spouse still has access to them is a good idea. For example, your computer may save one of your credit cards and allow your ex to make purchases on your dime. Changing your account information prevents this, helping you achieve an independent financial future. 

Prepare for Your Future With a Professional Divorce Attorney

Mitigate the impact of divorce and your credit score with the help of Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C. Our knowledgeable family lawyers can guide you through proceedings and assist with child custody agreements, alimony, and more. 

Call (866) 261-9529 or submit our online booking form to request a consultation – we’re standing by and ready to help.

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What You Need To Know About Lengthy Court Battles in Divorce

If you and your soon-to-be-ex-spouse cannot reach agreements about issues like asset division, child custody, or spousal support on your own, you may need to go to trial. A judge will decide these issues for you based on Pennsylvania’s laws, attempting to reach a fair decision. We understand if you fear the lengthy court battles and stressful debates that can be part of this process. 

Here is what you need to know about going to court in a divorce. 

How Long Is the Divorce Court Process? 

If you and your spouse must use litigation to decide on divorce issues, you can generally expect the process to take about a year. It may be faster or slower, depending on court delays and how long you spend negotiating. 

The process generally follows these steps: 

  1. Evidence discovery, where you and your spouse both disclose finances and other relevant information
  2. Trial preparation and pre-trial conferences
  3. Motion hearings if either party seeks a specific court order or action 
  4. Trial, where both parties present evidence and witnesses to support their requests for custody or other issues
  5. Final judgment and divorce decree from the judge

Downsides of Going to Court

For some divorcing couples, going to trial is inevitable. They have tried to settle relevant matters on their own but cannot reach an agreement. Still, it’s worth exploring the potential downsides of going to trial as you and your soon-to-be-ex-spouse attempt to reach a resolution. 

Legal fees, court costs, and other expenses often make going to trial expensive. This process also takes more time than reaching a divorce agreement on your own. 

During negotiations with your spouse, they can claim rights to any new money you earn. These claims can cost you more time and money, even if they are unfounded. Your finances may not truly be separate from theirs until the divorce is finalized. 

Above all, going to trial means you permit a judge to make all decisions about the divorce for you, and you and your spouse must abide by them. While you can attempt to prove your side with evidence and an attorney’s assistance, you won’t have any say in the judge’s final decision, and it may not adequately reflect your wishes or situation. 

Mediation May Help You Avoid Court 

Divorce attorneys typically advise couples to try mediation before enduring lengthy court battles. This process involves meeting with a trained mediator who can help you resolve your dispute. You and your spouse will each have an opportunity to present your case and negotiate a mutually beneficial solution. 

Finding out the downsides of going to court may prompt you and your spouse to be willing to compromise on issues to avoid this process. Mediation is worth a try, as it could save you a significant amount of time and money. 

Let Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., Guide Your Divorce Process

Whether you want to try mediation or need an experienced attorney to help you through a lengthy court battle, Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., is here for you. Call (866) 349-4149 to schedule a general consultation. 

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Meta Description: Going to trial in a divorce sometimes involves lengthy court battles. Learn what to expect and how to avoid going to trial from Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C.

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Adapting the Parenting Plan As Children Age

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When you and your spouse divorced, you created a parenting plan that met your children’s needs at the time. But schedules and priorities never stay the same. Adapting the parenting plan as children age can ensure that it meets their needs now and fits with your family’s Bucks County lifestyle. 

Understand That Children’s Schedules and Needs Change

Perhaps you divorced when your children were young, and now they are entering middle school or high school. What made sense for your family at the time of your split may no longer fit these evolving needs. 

Maybe one child is into sports, while another is involved in several clubs or extracurriculars. Perhaps one child attends a different school now or seriously practices an instrument. Equally dividing their time between both parents may not be realistic with these new schedules. Remember that the goal of a co-parenting agreement is doing what is best for the child, not for the parents. 

Sit Down and Talk With Your Children 

Now that your children are older, they should have more of a say in their visitation schedule. Sit down together with your ex-spouse and children and have an open discussion about what the custody arrangement should look like now. 

Ask each child individually whether they have any preferences about the schedule, and take their opinions seriously. They don’t need to have the final say, but the custody arrangement should reflect their wishes as much as possible. They may have more insight into what schedule makes sense than you and their other parent do. 

Be Realistic About Their Best Interests 

It may be challenging to realize that your children should spend more time with your spouse than with you. Try to be realistic when adapting the parenting plan as they age. Even if they previously went back and forth every week, this may no longer make sense for their schedules and needs. 

Not seeing them as often doesn’t mean you are any less of a parent or an influence in their lives. Remember that children naturally need their parents less the older they get. Physical custody doesn’t need to significantly impact their relationship with you. 

Be Flexible and Prioritize Good Communication 

Keep in mind that whatever you decide about the parenting plan now may only last for a year or two before you need to change it again. Be open to adapting it as needed and communicate with your ex-spouse regularly about what makes sense for your shared children moving forward.

Acting with hostility toward your ex-spouse will only drive a wedge between you and your children. Instead, maintain a mature mindset and show that you value their opinions.

Give Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., a Call If You Need Assistance

If you need help adjusting your parenting plan as children age, changing your child support agreement, or updating any other aspects of your legal custody arrangement, our attorneys can advise you. Contact Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., today at (866) 349-4149 to book a consultation.

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Divorce and Paying for College

In October 2024, a class action lawsuit was filed against 40 private American universities — including Harvard, Northwestern, and Yale — alleging that they conspired to charge students more tuition than they should have. The lawsuit claimed these institutions did this by asking for and considering the assets of non-custodial parents when calculating financial aid and scholarships for children of divorce, putting them at a decided disadvantage.

This legal claim highlighted the ongoing confusion surrounding divorce and paying for college. If you and your spouse are preparing to split, make sure you understand the legal obligations of divorced parents when covering tuition down the line.

Discover what you need to know below.

The Importance of Coming Up With Tuition Agreements in Divorce Settlements

Paying for college is often the last thing on parents’ minds when divorcing. In some instances, it is such an afterthought that they don’t bother including it in their divorce settlements at all.

However, parents should avoid making this mistake at all costs. While divorcing, they must negotiate child custody agreements, and college expenses should be discussed. They should talk about:

  • Which parents will pay tuition
  • Which types of schools they will encourage their kids to attend
  • How far away they would like these schools to be
  • How they will handle extra fees and expenses

They should also consider setting up 529 college savings plans and negotiating potential child support extensions for higher education.

Key Factors To Consider When Deciding Who Pays for Higher Education After a Divorce

As parents working through divorces make critical decisions about paying for college for their children, they should consider several key factors. These are the factors they must keep in mind:

  • Their respective financial situations
  • Children’s academic performances
  • Possible financial aid opportunities

Generally speaking, parents should also be prepared to prioritize their kids’ needs and aspirations.

Why Divorced Parents Must Continue Working Together and Discussing Tuition

No matter how hard parents work to agree on who will pay for college, so much might change between the finalization of their divorce and their children’s first day away at school. For this reason, they must commit to continuing to work together in the coming years to collectively create plans for paying for college.

They should discuss filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which nearly 60% of prospective college students complete as they prepare to graduate from high school. They should also explore the possibility of applying for financial aid for specific schools their kids would like to attend.

This will keep them on the same page, taking advantage of available financial assistance as they seek to support their children in their quest for higher education.

Call Us for More Information on Paying for College for Kids Following a Divorce

Paying for college is more expensive than ever. This is reason enough for parents preparing to divorce to hold extensive discussions about who will be financially responsible for covering their children’s higher education costs.

The trusted attorneys at Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., will assist you in every aspect of your divorce. Contact us at (866) 309-3307 today to schedule a confidential consultation.

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How To Get Copies of Your Divorce Records

If you recently went through the divorce process in Bucks County, PA, you should have received a certified copy of your divorce decree signed by a judge shortly after it was finalized. However, you may need to secure additional copies of your decree, either now or sometime in the future.

Learn how to get copies of your divorce records in the Keystone State. Find out how to procure them below.

Why You May Need Copies of Your Divorce Records

Before we discuss how to obtain copies of your divorce documents, let’s briefly touch on why you might need to locate them in the first place.

These documents serve as legal proof of divorce. You may need to have certified copies on hand in many instances throughout your life.

It’s necessary to have them in your possession in any of the following situations:

  • You plan to remarry and have to apply for a new marriage license
  • You apply for government benefits, such as Social Security
  • You seek to remove a former spouse from a property deed
  • Your former spouse isn’t complying with the agreed-upon terms of your decree

How To Secure Copies of Your Divorce Records

When determining how to get copies of your divorce records, you will be happy to hear that you may do it in several ways. Here are your options.

Searching for Them Online

If you want to look up your Bucks County divorce records online, it should be simple enough to find them. Take these steps:

  1. Visit http://pennsylvaniacourtrecords.us/bucks/
  2. Utilize the site’s Case Search tool
  3. Look for your records case or party

While this is an effective option for those who wish to peruse through the terms listed in a divorce decree, it isn’t the right choice for those searching for certified copies of divorce records.

Picking Them Up in Person

You can pick up certified copies of your divorce records in person. The Bucks County Court of Common Pleas Family Division retains these records.

You may ask for county clerk and court records by visiting the Office of the Bucks County Prothonotary at the Bucks County Justice Center at 100 North Main Street #2 in Doylestown, PA 18901. This is a reliable way to minimize fees and processing time for records.

Requesting Them by Mail

Additionally, you may request copies of your divorce records by mail through the Office of the Bucks County Prothonotary.

Send a self-addressed stamped envelope to this office along with a check made out to the Prothonotary for $5.75 per decree.

Contact Us To Discover More About Tracking Down Copies of Your Divorce Records

Are you still unsure of how to get copies of your divorce records in Bucks County? Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C.’s divorce attorneys are here to help and can explain your options further. We can also explain the differences between a divorce decree and divorce certificate, as well as between certified and informational copies of divorce decrees.

Call us at (866) 309-3307 today for assistance in Pennsylvania or nearby New Jersey.

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What Do You Do If You Don’t Want a Divorce?

Divorce may feel like a last resort, something you want to avoid at all costs. Just because your spouse seems to have their mind made up doesn’t mean you have followed suit. You may still be hanging on to the last threads of your marriage and hoping to reach a resolution. This is often a gut-wrenching situation. 

If your spouse has already filed with the courts here in Bucks or Montgomery Counties, you must obey all deadlines. It is time to hire an attorney to go over the initial paperwork with you and prepare you for the next steps. 

Understanding what to do if you don’t want a divorce starts with knowing what you are legally required to do. Then, you can explore your options and start to move forward. 

Can You Refuse a Divorce? 

Denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. These are the five stages of grief and the stages many divorcees go through when approaching this process. You may initially be in denial and wonder whether you can simply refuse the action or pretend it doesn’t exist. 

If your spouse has legally initiated the divorce, there is immediacy in following deadlines. However, keep in mind that your divorce will take some time. By law, Pennsylvania has a 90-day mandatory cooling-off period for divorce. After filing, you and your spouse must wait at least 90 days to finalize the process. This gives you time to reconsider the decision and negotiate any issues, like child support or property division. 

Pennsylvania follows no-fault divorce laws, meaning a spouse can choose to end their marriage without assigning blame or proving fault. While you cannot refuse this legal action, you maintain the right to contest a divorce if you disagree with the terms and want the court to intervene. 

What To Do If You Don’t Want a Divorce and Your Spouse Does

If you don’t want a divorce, now may be a good time to sit down with your spouse and determine whether they are open to reconsidering. Would they be willing to try anything to make your marriage work? Or are they already checked out? 

A few options you can present to them are:

  • Divorce counseling and mediation: Counseling can work wonders for healing a marriage. If you are going through a contentious divorce, you may even need to complete court-mandated marriage counseling. A mediator could also help you and your spouse reach a compromise. 
  • Legal separation: You and your spouse can live separately without officially ending your marriage. Perhaps your spouse is open to delaying divorce proceedings and instead living separately to start. 

If your partner isn’t open to any of these, it’s time to work on acceptance. This doesn’t need to be a fast process. Take it a day at a time, and start moving forward. 

Seek Guidance From Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C. 

Your life isn’t over just because you are going through a separation. You have a world of opportunities ahead of you, and you may look back and realize that this step was for the better in the long run. 

At Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., we would be happy to advise you on what you can do if you don’t want a divorce. Contact us today at (866) 309-3307 for a legal consultation.

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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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