Pennsylvania Legal Blog
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...
Pennsylvania probate: Do you need a pour-over will?
Having a will prepared, even a basic one, is better than having nothing. Having a trust created is better still, for Pennsylvania residents who want to make sure their assets are truly protected and passed on as intended. However, a trust is only useful if it is...
4 positives of gray divorce for women
Divorce is difficult to go through at any stage of life, but it can be especially emotional and challenging with longer marriages. Although the divorce rate has decreased in general, more and more people split up in their senior years. The name of this trend...
Don’t let divorce cost you more than it should
Ending a marriage is costly, both emotionally and financially. Most people expect this, but many may not fully realize just how costly it is. From a financial standpoint, it is possible to lessen the blow if one prepares for divorce long before it enters the picture....
“Best interests” is key in determining child custody
If you face a divorce, your primary considerations will be the wellbeing of your children and helping them adjust to a new path in life. In line with those thoughts and the important matter of child custody, the court bases its determinations on the “best...
