Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, Family Law Blog

The only gift you want for the holidays is peaceful co-parenting

On behalf of Gardner Law Office on Thursday, October 18, 2018.

If you have been to just about any store lately, you have probably seen the holiday merchandise begin to come out. As Halloween rapidly approaches, the holiday season is essentially just around the corner. Even as joyous as the holidays can be, they also tend to cause stress and anxiety as people prepare, arrange for family to visit and so on.

Divorced or divorcing parents have all of the same concerns as the holidays approach with the added stress of sharing the children. Making that work and keeping the season a happy time for everyone will probably require some work.

What does joint custody involve following a marital breakup?

On behalf of Gardner Law Office on Friday, July 20, 2018.

The dissolution of your marriage can understandably take an emotional toll on you and your spouse. However, if you share children, it can affect them just as much.

One of the biggest questions you may have is how you will handle child custody following your marital breakup. Here is a glimpse at what joint custody in particular involves in Pennsylvania.

Military divorce and your privileges as a civilian spouse

On behalf of Gardner Law Office posted in blog on Tuesday, April 17, 2018.

Whether you are in a civilian marriage or a military marriage, the frustration and pain when your relationship is in trouble are universal. Certainly, you and your spouse have your own unique issues, and many of those may stem from your partner's work, but the struggles you face — money, communication, in-laws — are common to many couples.

Being a civilian spouse in a military marriage, you may have many concerns if your marriage is approaching divorce. Even though the personal issues you face may be similar to other marriages, a military divorce has some unique differences. If you approach your military divorce as if it were just another civilian divorce, you may deny yourself important rights and benefits.

Mediating your divorce may result in better end to your marriage

On behalf of Gardner Law Office posted in blog on Friday, January 19, 2018.

You have decided to finally end your marriage, and you're looking forward to the newfound freedom you will soon experience. The challenge is getting there.

Your greatest fear when embarking on your divorce journey is that the process will be hostile and drawn out. Fortunately, mediating your divorce in Pennsylvania may help you to quickly finalize your divorce and move on with your own life.

Protect your tomorrow with a strong prenuptial agreement today

On behalf of Gardner Law Office posted in blog on Monday, October 16, 2017.

If you are recently engaged or considering marriage in the future, you know that it is an exciting time for Pennsylvania couples. It can be difficult to see past the wedding day and the honeymoon, but there are things that you would be wise to go ahead and do in order to protect your future interests.

Drafting a prenuptial agreement does not sound fun or romantic, and many people only associate these documents with the rich and famous. In reality, they can be beneficial for couples of all income levels, and it can save you a world of trouble in the event that your marriage does not end happily. A little effort today can help you avoid stress in the future.

Regardless of age, everyone needs a will

On behalf of Gardner Law Office posted in blog on Sunday, July 23, 2017.

Despite the fact that a will can offer various protections and make life remarkably simpler for loved ones in case of an unexpected death, many people fail to ensure that they have this type of legal protection in place. Regardless of your age or income levels, experts recommend that everyone have a will. This is a relatively simple way to both protect your loved ones and maintain control over your assets.

If you do not have a will, you would be prudent to have one drafted as soon as possible. This is not something reserved only for the rich and famous, but is a smart step for every Pennsylvania adult.

Do you need permission to take a summer vacation with your child?

On behalf of Gardner Law Office posted in blog on Monday, April 24, 2017.

Summer is fast approaching and many Pennsylvania families are already making plans for vacations. In fact, those renting beach houses or planning trips out of the country typically make reservations and create their itineraries well in advance of the scheduled dates of their vacations. For some, this year's summer vacation will be different from all the rest since it's the first time they'll go away with their children following a divorce.

If you're one of many parents adapting to a new lifestyle after divorce, you may be wondering about rules concerning summer excursions. Can you take one any time you like? Do you need your former spouse's approval or the court's permission to take your children with you on a trip? These types of questions are common for newly divorced parents.

Overcoming potential roadblocks in same-sex adoptions

On behalf of Gardner Law Office posted in Family Law on Wednesday, January 25, 2017.

When the United States Supreme Court ruled the Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional, the LGBT community celebrated. Unfortunately, that decision failed to remove other potential prejudices facing the community when it comes to expanding their families through adoption. Fortunately, overcoming any potential roadblocks is possible if you remain optimistic and take the right steps.

What do you need to know about child support in Pennsylvania?

On behalf of Gardner Law Office posted in Family Law on Tuesday, November 29, 2016.

Pennsylvania family courts follow certain guidelines to determine the amount of child support paid each month. Understanding these guidelines can help a parent understand his or her potential financial obligations, as well as avoid unnecessary disputes during divorce.

The formula used to determine child support is a guideline, and a deviation from these guidelines may be appropriate when certain circumstances are present. The intent of child support is to provide stability and protect the best interests of the children, and it is beneficial to work with a lawyer who can help guide you through this process.

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