I recently read an article, ‘Gray Divorce’: Over 50, and Splitting Up, (www.npr.org/2012/03/08/148235385/gray-divorce-over-50-and-splitting-up) about the doubling of the divorce rate among those over 50 in the past
SMART MONEY WRITES ABOUT 10 DIVORCE THINGS LAWYERS WON’T DISCUSS; SO WE DO.
The Wall Street Journal’s Smart Money on line edition featured an article about how to manage the divorce process. It is both short and well written as it captures
Continue Reading SMART MONEY WRITES ABOUT 10 DIVORCE THINGS LAWYERS WON’T DISCUSS; SO WE DO.
Strengthening Families in the Time of Crisis
I recently read an article by Stephen R. Covey (www.stephencovey.com/blog/?tag=the-7-habits-of-highly-effective-families) about the stress on families during these difficult economic times. Losing your job is a blow – to
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New York Strikes Down Defense of Marriage Act, Too
The Defense of Marriage Act continues to be found unconstitutional in various jurisdictions across the country. Most recently, the Southern District of New York held it to be unconstitutional for discriminating
Continue Reading New York Strikes Down Defense of Marriage Act, Too
Superior Court Upholds Distribution of Pre-Embryos in Equitable Distribution Case
The Pennsylvania Superior Court recently decided its first case addressing the allocation of frozen pre-embryos between divorcing spouses. The pre-embryos were created as part of the parties’ in vitro fertilization process shortly after wife was diagnosed with breast cancer and would likely be unable to reproduce after treatment. The appeal was brought by the husband from the trial court’s decision to award wife the thirteen (13) pre-embryos in equitable distribution. The parties in Reber v. Reiss (2012 PA Super 86; 2012 WL 1202039 (Pa.Super.))
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Study Indicates that Divorce Adversely Affects Childhood Development
A study conducted by the University of Chicago and Georgetown University revealed that children whose parents divorce when they are between three and five years old are more likely to have to behavior problems than older children, such as middle school or adolescent children.
That divorce has an adverse impact on child development should come as a surprise to no one; considering the emotional and daily routine disruption of moving from a two parent household to a single parent household, there undoubtedly be a lasting impression left on a young child.Continue Reading Study Indicates that Divorce Adversely Affects Childhood Development
Cohabitation Does Not Always Lead to Happy Marriages
Advising individuals as to how to handle their cohabitation with a significant other is becoming an increasingly important aspect of my practice. There are many studies, theories, and myths as to the impact (positive or negative) on whether cohabitating before marriage is beneficial or detrimental to a marriage. A recent New York Times article addresses this very issue and finds that the results from a study by the National Marriage Project at the University of Virginia indicate that those who cohabit are less satisfied with their marriages.Continue Reading Cohabitation Does Not Always Lead to Happy Marriages
ARE PERSONAL INJURY CLAIMS MARITAL PROPERTY? AN OLD QUESTION REVISITED?
In a case decided late last year the Pennsylvania Supreme Court visited an old and persistently nagging question. Are personal injury settlements marital property where the injury occurred before separation but the trial or settlement of the claim occurred afterward?
In Focht v. Focht, the husband was injured at a raceway in Leesport, PA in April, 1999. He and his wife retained counsel shortly after the injury with the wife raising a claim for loss of the consortium of her husband (i.e, his services as a spouse). A divorce action was initiated in early 2004. The personal injury cases ultimately settled later that year for a gross value just over $400,000.
Continue Reading ARE PERSONAL INJURY CLAIMS MARITAL PROPERTY? AN OLD QUESTION REVISITED?
CASE SCHILLER BRINGS BAD NEWS FOR HOMEOWNERS
The 2011 numbers are in an homes in America lost another 4% of their value last year. Add the rate of inflation for 2011 to that and the number comes to
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Insurance
I recently met with a financial planner who commented to me that something divorcing parties neglect to handle is their insurance – whether it’s car, life, homeowners, or health insurance.