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Pennsylvania Divorce Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: We have been separated for 2 years, prior to the housing boom, are they now eligible for the new inflated worth?

Pennsylvania.

Kathryn Hilbush
Kathryn Hilbush
answered on Mar 1, 2023

The value of the marital home equity is generally determined as of the tie the case goes to court, or as near to that date as possible, but there may be factors which would support using a different approach. If you consult with a local attorney experienced in family law, you should be able to... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law and Child Custody for Pennsylvania on
Q: What steps should I take to file for divorce and custody in Ford City Pennsylvania.

I've been the only income for pretty much the whole 6 yr relationship. We have a 4yr old daughter. He's stayed home with her. And still refuses to get a job now that she's in headstart. And it's been nothing but emotional abuse and gaslighting. I have 3 son's from a... View More

Peter Christopher Lomtevas
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answered on Feb 10, 2023

This by no means is a "better" answer than that of my colleague. This merely supplements to a small extent an already effective response.

The asker must retain counsel. One cannot possibly rely on the integrity, impartiality and independence of the Pennsylvania judiciary....
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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law and Child Custody for Pennsylvania on
Q: What steps should I take to file for divorce and custody in Ford City Pennsylvania.

I've been the only income for pretty much the whole 6 yr relationship. We have a 4yr old daughter. He's stayed home with her. And still refuses to get a job now that she's in headstart. And it's been nothing but emotional abuse and gaslighting. I have 3 son's from a... View More

Kathryn Hilbush
Kathryn Hilbush
answered on Feb 4, 2023

I suggest that your first action should be to schedule a private consultation with a local attorney experienced in family to learn about your options and the divorce and custody processes. Even if you then decide to try to go it in your own without an attorney, which is generally not recommended,... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce for Pennsylvania on
Q: How long to physically receive the divorce decree after all paperwork has been filed in PA?

I filed for a 3301c divorce through Philadelphia courts. I submitted all the paperwork, waited all necessary waiting periods, and paid all fees. The Final Praecipe to Transmit Record was filed and I gave two self addressed stamped envelopes (one for me and one for my ex) to receive the completed... View More

Kathryn Hilbush
Kathryn Hilbush
answered on Dec 15, 2022

No way to know. They handle paperwork as it comes in. Judges have to sign decrees and who knows how high the pile on the desk of the judge who got the proposed decree may be. Plus it's the holidays and so court filings are usually much higher in number while the court house personnel are out... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can spousal support not alimony be taking away if I move in with my boyfriend? This is in Pennsylvania
Peter Christopher Lomtevas
Peter Christopher Lomtevas pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 24, 2022

In the absence of much additional information, this question is nearly impossible to answer. We will have to fill in some gaps in the facts.

We will assume the asker is the petitioner for spousal support which is known as "alimony" pending litigation (alimony pendents lite). The...
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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce for Pennsylvania on
Q: My husband wants a divorce and is trying to sell before the divorce a vehicle he gifted me prior to marriage.
Peter Christopher Lomtevas
Peter Christopher Lomtevas pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 24, 2022

There isn't a question here, but we can intuit that this asker wants to know if the husband can sell a vehicle he gifted to the asker spouse. The answer is yes until the divorce is actually filed. Couples are free to transact business without legal permission. That is the essential nature of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce for Pennsylvania on
Q: I paid a divorce attorney a retainer for services. He went out of business. How can I get a new attorney with no money?

I hired a divorce attorney in mid 2020 and paid the retainer off in early 2021. The attorney worked throughout mid 2021 and 2022. The divorce is still not finalized because my ex-husband's attorney has been stalling with returning my attorney's calls and letters. My attorney informed... View More

Peter Christopher Lomtevas
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answered on Nov 24, 2022

The law of lawyering demands that attorney fees be reasonable. "Reasonable" means there must be an objective standard involved in the receipt of fees. That standard is typically an hourly fee for work performed.

This hourly scheme works wonders for an attorney who wants to abandon...
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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can I sue after divorce?

I am married, I work and purchased the house alone, I pay all the bills, and also take care of the kids. My wife works and contributed nothing towards the bills, she does not share her tax refund. After divorce and she is rewarded what ever the court decides, can I sue her after for loss and... View More

Karen  Ulmer
Karen Ulmer pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 6, 2024

The short answer is no. Divorce will determine what you each are awarded based on what you both have at the time of your separation.

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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce for Pennsylvania on
Q: Is anyone able to answer please?

My husband filed a divorce in October 2023. In December, I opened a PFA case against him. I have been granted 3-year protection to stay in our home, which is supposed to be owned by my husband after the divorce. However, his lawyer is pushing me for a divorce with unacceptable financial terms. Will... View More

Peter Christopher Lomtevas
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answered on Feb 24, 2024

There is not enough information here to answer this question. Pennsylvania is an awful state to go to court in and especially in the case of family court, outcomes are never based on operative facts. Pennsylvania courts operate on assumptions and policies, and decisions precede the making of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce for Pennsylvania on
Q: My in laws own the house do I have any claim on it after living there for 5 years?
Peter Christopher Lomtevas
Peter Christopher Lomtevas pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Feb 7, 2024

With such little information, we must fill in many gaps. We assume a divorce action with the asker a spouse residing with the other spouse in the subject home. We are told that "in-laws" own the home and we are not told anything about whether the spouses paid anything toward the purchase... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce for Pennsylvania on
Q: My husband and I are getting divorced and I will continue to live in the house and pay all the bills .

Can he prohibit me from renting space in the home and he is trying to get me to sign a document that if I get married I need to immediately move out of the house

Peter Christopher Lomtevas
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answered on Jan 26, 2024

The asker had better sign nothing without a divorce attorney's detailed review of the document. Ordinarily, living separate and apart is expected after a divorce judgment, but America's decrepit economy under Biden compels couples to find ways to economize on everything, including... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Hello. I live in PA. My wife moved out in February 2023. She and her kids still have belongings here at my house.what2do

I have asked her multiple times to come get the stuff. It's still here. we are not divorced yet, but I'm hoping very soon because I already paid half of the filing fee to file for divorce. I feel like I'm being taken advantage of. what should I do and should I seek legal advice?

Peter Christopher Lomtevas
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answered on Jan 26, 2024

What to do with the belongings is a difficult question to answer as we do not know the nature of the belongings. Ordinarily, marital property cannot be discarded near to the time of the filing of a divorce as doing that will lead to an allegation of marital waste followed by a demand for a refund... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Submitted divorce papers back in October.. can’t get him to sign them. What are my next moves to finalize my divorce?

I mailed him a copy of the divorce packet to be filled out. He has not filled them out or sent them back. He claims he won’t sign them until he gets his dog back..and she is registered to me! He had until November 19th to get the papers returned so now I’d like to know what my next move should be?

Peter Christopher Lomtevas
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answered on Jan 4, 2024

We cannot answer this question. We do not know what Pennsylvania "divorce papers" or "divorce packet" the asker mailed to her spouse. There are several very different "packets" as well as different waiting periods.

Assuming the asker filed a 3301(c)(1)...
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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Divorce and Family Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: "Redlining" and Child Relocation

Is anyone out there aware of "redlining" and how it can affect a child relocation decision, or appeal? Explanation: Parent was allowed to relocate child to the Upper East Side of Manhattan (2 hrs away). Non Relocating parent can not afford to move closer to NYC. Essentially... View More

Peter Christopher Lomtevas
Peter Christopher Lomtevas pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Dec 29, 2023

This asker confuses issues to the extent that he can never understand what happened and how it happened. We will disassemble the best we can how a §5337 relocation went south for the asker.

Synopsizing the facts, we see there was a modification of an order of custody that granted the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce for Pennsylvania on
Q: I've been divorced for 2 years. Was Married for 22. My x is very well off. He had done fraudulent things, hid money.

I receive $3500 in alimony that ends in two more years all the money that he hothead is now out and he is using it getting remarried vacationing all over the world and spending it like you used to when we were married. What can I do I deserve to get our alimony adjusted I think I don't know if... View More

Kathryn Hilbush
Kathryn Hilbush
answered on Jun 26, 2023

Alimony is usually non-modifiable but it depends on what your property settlement agreement or equitable distribution order says. Please schedule a private consultation with a local attorney experienced in family law to review your alimony award and learn what options you might have.

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce for Pennsylvania on
Q: My husband and I have been married for seven years. Do I have any right to the house?

My name is not currently on the house. It is completely paid off. The house was purchased before we married, but during our 14 years together. We keep our money in separate banks, so no joint accounts. We have two young children.

Kathryn Hilbush
Kathryn Hilbush
answered on May 30, 2023

It's possible that you have a claim to a share of the increase in value of the house from date of marriage to date of separation, but a more in depth review of your marital estate would be required. I urge you to consult in person with a local attorney experienced in family law to obtain more... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce for Pennsylvania on
Q: Should I file a motion to strike

Both unrepresented partied in ED. I filed everything according to the order. He filed nothing, yet was allowed to split his screen during Zoom hearing to enter evidence

Kathryn Hilbush
Kathryn Hilbush
answered on May 26, 2023

Honestly, it's really impossible to answer your question without a lot more information. Please discuss your situation with a local attorney experienced in family law. This is a question which is not appropriate for an online site like this.

1 Answer | Asked in Social Security, Divorce and Family Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Been married 40 years need to leave and my husband has disability and pension for income I said I need half to move out

He said he will only give me half pension he said he will not give me half of disability income it's against law is that true

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
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answered on May 2, 2023

In general, disability income is considered separate property and not subject to division in a divorce. However, the laws vary by state, and it's best to consult with a family law attorney who can advise you on your specific situation. Additionally, pensions and other retirement accounts... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy, Criminal Law, Divorce and DUI / DWI for Pennsylvania on
Q: I don't have a lot of money and I want to file bankruptcy what can I do

I receive allimony from my x husband. However I started out in the negative when he left me after 22 years of marriage and now I have a ton of credit card bills that are all suing me . On top of it I am in the process of getting a dui charg and my life has fallen apart. I am trying to get it back... View More

Timothy Denison
Timothy Denison
answered on Apr 22, 2023

Have a competent bankruptcy attorney review your situation snd help you make the best decision as how to proceed.

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can I reopen my divorce to ask for more retirement income. Divorce was in 2005.

I received part of the pension which was put in an account until he retired about 3 years ago. I get $400 but I don't think it is for the rest of my life as they took out a lump sum out of the pension.

Kathryn Hilbush
Kathryn Hilbush
answered on Jan 31, 2023

It's probably not likely but the way to find out is to take your settlement agreement/order from your divorce and a copy of the QDRO to an attorney who practices family law in your county for a private consultation.

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