Pennsylvania Family Law Blog

The right approach to child custody issues

On behalf of Graff & Associates, LLC posted in Child Custody on Thursday, January 17, 2019.

Sometimes, the toughest part of a divorce is the issue of child custody. Child custody matters will also need to be addressed when a couple isn't married and never have been, but they have children together. No matter the family dynamic, child custody issues can be difficult for Pennsylvania residents to address.

Why are child custody issues so problematic in family law court? Well, any of our readers who are parents will understand: their children are the most important part of their lives. Parents, in general, do everything they can to make their children happy and make sure that their children have everything they need. When a child custody dispute arises, the issue at the heart of the matter is very personal for everyone involved.

Expect new tax laws to impact divorce cases in Pennsylvania

On behalf of Graff & Associates, LLC posted in Divorce on Friday, January 4, 2019.

Pennsylvania residents who are preparing to divorce understandably have quite a few questions and concerns. After all, a divorce can be a life-altering event for most people, putting an end to a relationship that, perhaps, lasted for years. No one gets married with the expectation that the union will end in divorce, so the end of a marriage can be an emotional time often made more complicated by the financial issues that must be addressed during the process.

However, despite the emotions involved in a divorce, couples could benefit from taking a stark look at how the divorce will impact their finances. In particular, as a recent report pointed out, couples in Pennsylvania will want to explore how new tax laws that go into effect in 2019 will impact their divorce case and life afterward.

How can finances and debts lead to divorce?

On behalf of Graff & Associates, LLC posted in Divorce on Friday, December 21, 2018.

Some couples in Pennsylvania who are going through a divorce can point to an exact issue or point in time that caused the tension in their relationship, ultimately leading to a split. However, for most couples, the issues that led to a divorce are probably more likely to build over time. This can certainly be the case with financial problems and debt, which can creep up as money issues are not properly addressed.

So, how can financial issues and debt lead to a divorce? Well, according to one recent article, financial and debt problems can lead to frequent arguments for a couple. And, when couples fight more often, the chance of a divorce ending the relationship increases by 30 percent, according to one study that was examined in the recent article.

Can I get custody of my grandchild?

On behalf of Graff & Associates, LLC on Monday, December 10, 2018.

As a grandparent, you have a special relationship with the child of your son or daughter. This may be similar to the one you had with your child, or it could be a typical grandparent-grandchild bond. Regardless, losing contact with your grandchild would be extremely painful for both you and the child.

Do you have any legal rights to gain custody of your grandchild?

What complex issues come up during property division?

On behalf of Graff & Associates, LLC posted in Property Division on Thursday, December 6, 2018.

Although Pennsylvania residents going through a divorce will expect to encounter many complicated issues as the legal proceedings play out, no issue can present as many thorny problems as the property division part of the case. During the course of a marriage, most couples acquire a significant amount of assets - oftentimes, more than they even realize when the divorce case starts. So, what complex issues can come up during the property division part of a divorce in Pennsylvania?

Well, for starters, perhaps the most important part of the property division process is to determine which assets are considered marital assets and which are separate assets. Separate assets, typically, were solely owned by one spouse or the other prior to the marriage and, therefore, remain separate from the assets that will be divided during the divorce. Marital assets, on the other hand, will be subject to a split between the soon-to-be ex-spouses.

How big of a role do money mistakes play in divorces?

On behalf of Graff & Associates, LLC posted in Divorce on Thursday, November 22, 2018.

Each divorce case has its own unique set circumstances. No relationship has the exact same problems as another, but there is one factor that can present an issue in many marriages on the brink: money. Couples throughout the country, including in Pennsylvania, may be dealing with money issues that are leaving them in a position to consider divorce.

But, exactly how big of a role do money issues and mistakes play in divorces? Well, according to a recent article, money is one of the main issues that can lead to relationship problems. So much so that a divorce could stem directly from money mistakes made by one or both of the spouses in the marriage.

Establishing paternity is part of a father's rights

On behalf of Graff & Associates, LLC posted in Fathers' Rights on Thursday, November 22, 2018.

It is common these days for children to be born to couples who are not married. As a result, there is no automatic assumption regarding the paternity of the child, like there would be if the parents were married. This isn't always a problem, but it can become one if the unmarried couple ever break-up. That is why it is crucial for fathers in Pennsylvania to establish paternity.

If the issue of paternity becomes contested, a court proceeding may be necessary. Establishing paternity can be relatively simple: it is accomplished with a DNA test. If the DNA test shows a match of near-certainty as to the father's paternity claim, it becomes legally established.

Know your options when it comes to child support

On behalf of Graff & Associates, LLC posted in Child Support on Thursday, November 8, 2018.

Pennsylvania residents who are going through a divorce have a lot on their minds. There are important issues to address in divorce cases, such as property division, alimony and child custody. An issue that is equally important is the determination of the amount and duration of child support payments.

Of all the issues in a divorce, the child support issue is the one that may lead to a high level of tension between the soon-to-be ex-spouses. Of course, all parents want what is best for their children, but in the middle of a divorce case it can be hard to see how paying money to your ex-spouse is in the best interests of the child. Many parents think that, sure, they are obviously willing to spend money on their child's needs, but they want to be in control of how that money is spent.

Telling social media about your divorce

On behalf of Graff & Associates, LLC posted in Divorce on Saturday, October 20, 2018.

In a world where we know more about the people we don’t see than the people we do, it almost seems logical to share about your divorce on social media. After all, that’s where all of your closest friends from high school and college are, right?

While your best friends may care very deeply for what you are going through, when you are still in the process of getting a divorce (and sometimes even after it is finalized), sharing on social media can be a bad idea.

3 tips for successful co-parenting after divorce

On behalf of Graff & Associates, LLC on Friday, September 14, 2018.

Divorce is a difficult and emotionally trying event for anyone, but parents have an especially complicated set of challenges. Not only do parents have to find ways to manage their own stress and emotional well-being, they also must consider the needs of their children and adapt appropriately based on the children's ages and circumstances.

Following a divorce, the ideal situation is one in which both ex-spouses are active co-parents and find ways to harmoniously raise their children despite the divorce. This does not come easy, however, and those who do it well often have several factors in common. Here are three tips to help you find your way to a successful co-parenting situation with your ex after divorce: