As a child of divorce, I know there is nothing more heartwarming than when your parents can get along and co-parent well. No, you do not need to be besties with your ex. However, you owe it to your children to strive toward more cordial and respectful communications. Here are some tips: Use “please” and… Read more »
When I practiced family law in Georgia for 12 years, mediation or other forms of alternative dispute resolution were ordered in every case. Indeed, no judge would hear any nonemergency matter without litigants jumping through this required hoop. The courts scheduled multiple cases to be heard at the same time. While one case was being… Read more »
For divorce lawyers, Valentine’s Day means two things: engagements and prenuptial agreements. While others are throwing away wilted roses and finishing off the last few chocolates from heart shaped boxes, divorce attorneys are fielding calls about prenuptial agreements. As I discussed in “Getting Married? Four Reasons Why You Need a Prenuptial Agreement,” here are four… Read more »
A recent meeting regarding succession planning with an owner of a closely held business resulted in a surprise twist in the conversation: his daughter, who the business owner intended to take over his role and ownership interest, had accepted a marriage proposal. Worse, she planned to tie the knot on Valentine’s Day, less than a… Read more »
Kenneth J. Horoho, Jr., partner and chair of the Family Law Practice Group at Pietragallo Gordon Alfano Bosick & Raspanti, LLP and former Pennsylvania Bar Association President, has been appointed by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court as Vice-Chair of its Domestic Relations Procedural Rules Committee. Ken’s Vice-Chair term on the committee began February 1, 2024. The… Read more »
Pietragallo partner Carla Schiff Donnelly was trained in mediation years ago and has participated in more than 100 mediations. Mediation is one of the best tools to resolve a family law matter. She recently took a refresher course for mediators to further hone her skills and learn more techniques to help couples navigate their family… Read more »
Divorce attorneys see an uptick in new client calls come January each year. Some bide their time in order to get through the holidays for the sake of the children. For others, the stress of the holidays can cause the straw that breaks the camel’s back. Many, however, see a new year as time to… Read more »
Your initial consultation with an attorney is your time, especially if you are paying for it. The goal of an initial consultation is to have the client leave with all of their questions answered and a game plan for moving forward in the short term. Getting Started We start by asking some introductory questions so… Read more »
Year-end and the beginning of the New Year are good times to check in on your family law matters. Myriad events might be triggered as the calendar switches over. A little pre-planning can avoid unpleasant surprises or unnecessary emergencies later. We like to remind our clients of a few things, including: Save and send us… Read more »
Divorce and custody issues can make Christmas and other holidays stressful for parents. Children are very perceptive and will feel your stress. Here are some ways to lower your stress and survive the holidays: Focus on new traditions. Christmas will never be the same as it was when you were married. Maybe that is a… Read more »