Pennsylvania Legal Blog
Do you need to change your custody order in Pennsylvania?
The terms set by the court for child custody in your divorce are official, but they are not permanent. Either parent can ask the state to make changes to the custody or support orders. They can do so by filing a motion requesting a modification hearing. The courts can...
Do you have to be someone’s executor?
A friend or relative just died and you found out that you are named in their will as the executor of their estate. While you’re understandably honored, you’re also a bit hesitant about doing the job. Are you stuck? No, not actually. You may have to take a few formal...
How to divide household items in a divorce
At some point during a divorce, every couple has to go through the somewhat tedious (and stressful) process of dividing up their shared accumulations. Knowing where to start -- and how to be smart about it -- can save you both a lot of frustration and legal fees. Here...
Establish paternity to gain custody rights as an unmarried dad
Many circumstances can lead to the birth of a child, and marriage isn't always part of the equation. Plenty of modern families don't marry before having children, and it is possible for unmarried parents to share custody even after their relationship ends. As an...
Why you should never pursue a DIY divorce
Divorce is more prevalent in some areas of Pennsylvania than in others. According to a recent analysis, Jefferson County has the highest divorce rate in the state, with 155 divorces occurring in the last year even though the county only has a population of...
When kids question holiday custody arrangements
The holiday season is here. It should be a joyful time filled with family, friends, activities and fun. Unfortunately, the many Pennsylvania families who are in transition due to divorce may find it difficult to make it all these things. This is particularly true if...
Protect your disabled child with a special needs trust
As the parent of a disabled or special needs child, you may have concerns about exactly what will happen to your child once you pass on and cannot provide for, or look out for, that child yourself. Financing the lifetime costs of care for a special needs...
Are electronic wills coming to Pennsylvania?
Every year, there is a bigger push to move away from paper documents and use electronic documents. While there is something to be said for keeping certain things on paper, such as wills, for example, people's need for convenience seems to be outweighing all the...
Thinking about filing a “strategic” divorce?
Most couples who go through the marital dissolution process do so because their relationships are not working out as they had hoped. There are, however, more couples choosing to end their marriages for tax and other financial benefits. This is called a strategic...
Mistakes you want to avoid in your role as executor
Your uncle died unexpectedly. Now you must take up your duty to administer his estate, but you feel unprepared. To help you carry out your responsibility successfully, here are five common mistakes to avoid. 1. Not understanding the task at hand There is more to...
