In Pennsylvania, an engagement ring is considered a “conditional gift” to the recipient of the ring, i.e. the person who was proposed to by another. A condition must be met for “completion” of the gift. The condition that must be met is not the engagement but rather...
As a result of the United States Supreme Court’s historic decision in US. v. Windsor, wherein the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act was determined to be unconstitutional and Pennsylvania subsequent acknowledgement of marriage equality, wedding bells are ringing for...
The Court’s paramount concern in all custody cases in Pennsylvania is what is in the best interests of the child. However, in January, 2011 a new statutory law took effect that requires the Court to consider certain factors when deciding a custody case. Custody...
Credit card debt, as well as other non-secured debt, is divided upon divorce in the same manner as assets. The Court has the discretion to proportionately divide debt as it sees fit taking into consideration fairness and equity. If a dispute arises about a ...
Prior to 1980, a great deal of time was spent determining who was the “innocent” spouse and who was the “injured” spouse. Once Pennsylvania implemented the Divorce Code in 1980, we became a “no-fault” state. Since then, fault, adultery or otherwise, has played a...
In years gone by, there was a preference by the Courts to award custody of children, especially young ones, to the Mother. Times changed and so have the Courts. The guiding principle in any custody action is the “best interests of the child”. This involves...
