Monthly Archives: May 2013

Three Types of Spousal Support in Pennsylvania

By Anna Ciardi Cordell & Cordell Pennsylvania Divorce Lawyer There are three types of spousal support in Pennsylvania that are distinguishable from one another dependent upon the different stages of the Pennsylvania divorce process. 1. Pennsylvania Spousal Support The first type, spousal support, is applicable from the date of separation until either party files a divorce complaint. The support figure is determined by a formula. It is determined by taking the net income of the higher-earning spouse, minus the net income of the lower-earning spouse, and then the lower-earning spouse would be awarded 40% of the sum difference. For example, Read more

Pennsylvania Child Custody Modification Rules and Procedures

By Caroline Thompson Cordell & Cordell Pennsylvania Divorce Lawyer A Pennsylvania child custody modification request is not unusual after a divorce is final and circumstances have changed, such as a party’s relocation to another state or problems relating to the proper care of his minor children. In Pennsylvania, family law courts will utilize the “best interest” of the child analysis when determining if a child custody order should be modified. Under the law, a custody determination must be made based on the best interests of the child. The Pennsylvania Statute, section 5328, sets forth factors the court must consider in the Read more

Pennsylvania Property Laws

By Anna Ciardi Cordell & Cordell Pennsylvania Divorce Lawyer According to Pennsylvania property laws, the term that applies to the division of marital property in Pennsylvania is equitable distribution. Pennsylvania Definition of Marital Property Note that “marital property” means all property acquired by either party during the marriage in addition to the increase in value of any nonmarital property acquired prior to the marriage (or in exchange for property acquired prior to the marriage) and the increase in value of any property acquired by gift, bequest, devise, or descent during the marriage (or property acquired in exchange for such property). Read more