Since May 2014 when DOMA was struck down in Pennsylvania, same-sex couples have been celebrating. Lines formed outside the marriage license department and numerous couples were finally able to make their vows official and legal. However, did some run to the altar...
Year: 2014
Estate Planning Matters: Robin Williams Did The Right Thing
Proper estate planning is crucial for every person no matter how big or small your estate is. After news spread of the tragic passing of famed actor Robin Williams, we also learned that Williams planned ahead with a trust for his children. According to TMZ, Williams...
A NEW WAY TO PART WAYS: COLLABORATIVE DIVORCE
Everyone knows someone who has gone through a divorce and most would say it was not a pleasant experience. It does not have to be. What if the spouses, with the assistance of two collaboratively trained lawyers, were empowered to settle their divorce out of court...
Divorce Options: Is the Collaborative Process Right for You?
When considering a divorce, there are many factors to consider in making such a big decision. There are several possible approaches for couples entering into divorce proceedings. The "kitchen" table approach is when the parties are able to work everything...
Annulment versus Divorce in Pennsylvania
Divorce might be easy? Well, when it is difference between an annulment and a divorce, an annulment is much harder to get. There are two categories of marriages for which an annulment may be sought in Pennsylvania. The first are marriages that are void by...
Child Support and Paternity Suits: Beyonce’s New Sister
Paternity issues in child support matters are not uncommon. Beyonce Knowles may soon find out that she has a secret half-sister. Her father, Mathew Knowles, 63, is facing a paternity suit from 30 year old, Taqoya Branscomb, who alleges that Knowles is the father of...
Estate Administration: Who Gets Casey Kasem’s Estate?
In Estate Administration, dying without a will can be complicated. Casey Kasem, best known for his time as the "American Top 40" radio host, passed away one June 15, 2014 as a result of complications from dementia. He was 82 years old. Kasem is survived by his second...
Western Pennsylvania Child Custody Procedures
Child custody in Pennsylvania is governed by the same set of laws, compiled in Chapter 53 of the Domestic Relations Code. However, the procedure for enforcing Pennsylvania child custody laws varies county to county. All custody actions are initiated either by the...
Spousal Support In Pennsylvania: What You Need to Know
When most individuals think of payments made from one spouse to another in connection with divorce proceedings, most immediately think of the term alimony. Alimony is one form of spousal support in Pennsylvania; however, there are also two others, spousal support and...
Dividing Pensions in Equitable Distribution
What happens in equitable distribution if one divorcing spouse has a pension?If one divorcing spouse has a pension, it is usually safe to say that the pension makes up a significant portion of the marital estate. However, a pension is usually one of the most difficult...