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Making Shared Custody Easier During the Holidays
Holidays are traditionally viewed as family time, but for those who have gone through a divorce or separation, they are frequently seen as a time to do battle. Birthdays, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Hanukkah, all become something to fight for, and parents often spend so much time and emotional energy trying to keep the event on their side of the custody win column that they lose sight of the joy of the celebration itself. With a little planning and flexibility, divorced or separated parents can void this stress for themselves and for their children. Here are some pointers on how to …Read More ➡
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The First Steps of Filing for Divorce
No matter what your circumstances, filing for divorce involves a significant amount of uncertainty. You may be committed to ending the marriage, but the process itself is a mystery. What you’ve seen on television or movies or even what you’ve heard from friends or relatives is unlikely to come close to the reality of the experience. Getting divorced is a detail-oriented, document-heavy process. The more you know what to expect, the less stressful it will be. The first thing that a person considering divorce should do is to seek legal guidance. Your initial consultation with a lawyer will answer many …Read More ➡
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What Happens to My Investments During Bankruptcy?
Filing for bankruptcy is a big step. It is an admission that you are simply unable to keep up with your bills or repay your debt, and that you need significant help. When you decide to file for bankruptcy under Chapter 7, non-exempt assets will be sold or used to pay off your debts, and this includes many of the financial instruments and investments that you own. The first thing that you need to know about how filing for bankruptcy will impact your investments is that anything that is considered an ERISA-qualified retirement plan will not be touched. There are …Read More ➡
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Can My Spouse and I File for Bankruptcy Separately?
The marital vows may say “for richer, for poorer,” but when it comes to dealing with debt, you and your spouse need to think carefully about whether to file for bankruptcy separately or together. Both options are available, and you can also limit a bankruptcy filing to just one of you, but it’s important to know all the potential advantages and drawbacks before moving forward, and an experienced bankruptcy attorney is going to be the best source of guidance available. When you and your spouse meet with a bankruptcy attorney, they will ask you several important questions about the property …Read More ➡
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If You’re Struggling with Student Debt, Can Bankruptcy Help?
Are you having a hard time paying your bills? Is a big part of your problem your student loan debt? If so, you’re not alone. According to Investopedia.com, 54% of all college attendees assume student debt at an average of over $35,000, and almost 15% carry that debt into adulthood. Even more troubling is the fact that over 10% of student debt is currently at least 90 days past due. If you are one of those who sees no way to paying this debt off, you may be considering bankruptcy. You may also have heard that student debt will not …Read More ➡
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What Kind of Property is Liquidated During Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?
If you’ve been struggling to pay your bills and your income is simply not enough to cover your debts, it’s probably time to file for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Of the two types of bankruptcy filings most frequently used by consumers, Chapter 7 is the one that will entirely discharge most of your debts rather than simply reducing, reorganizing or recalibrating your existing debts (which is what happens under a Chapter 13 bankruptcy). Though the discharge of debts has the obvious advantage of presenting you with a brand-new financial start, it also comes with the downside of having to sell …Read More ➡
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Can a Bankruptcy Filing be Denied?
For most people, filing for bankruptcy is not an easy decision, but once they’ve made up their mind to move forward, the idea of a fresh start becomes very appealing. Unfortunately, the process is not as easy as simply filling out some paperwork. There are strict eligibility rules for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing, and if you don’t qualify you are likely to be shuffled into a different category of bankruptcy, Chapter 13. Though both can eliminate the harassing phone calls and collection notices that often drive people to file in the first place, the two are very different. Under …Read More ➡
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Is Marriage Abandonment Grounds for Divorce?
Pennsylvania is a no-fault divorce state which means that in most cases, there is no need to prove or justify a divorce filing. However, there are some situations that demand more aggressive divorce action than the no-fault process allows. When this is the case, Pennsylvania also provides a few possibilities for filing for an at-fault divorce, and marriage abandonment is one of them. There are a few good reasons for wanting to pursue an at-fault divorce. You may need the divorce to move more quickly than the at-fault divorce allow. You may hope to qualify for spousal support, and that …Read More ➡
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Is Debt Repayment Easier After Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?
When you’ve decided to file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, it puts you in a position that is different from that of people who file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Where a Chapter 7 bankruptcy discharges almost all of your debts, under Chapter 13 the terms of your debts are modified with the specific mission of making it easier for you to satisfy your creditors. In most cases, a Chapter 13 bankruptcy will allow you to pay off your debts in a five-year period. The repayment plan may extend the amount of time you have to pay off the debt as well …Read More ➡
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Do You Qualify for Bankruptcy Exemptions in Pennsylvania?
The idea of filing for bankruptcy is extremely stressful, especially when you’re faced with the very real possibility of losing assets. Though there are certain exemptions available, the state of Pennsylvania has particularly strict rules regarding exemptions. It’s important for any Pennsylvania resident filing for bankruptcy to work with an attorney who truly knows and understands the rules and who can guide you through the process. When an individual who lives in Pennsylvania files for bankruptcy, they have the choice of using either the federal bankruptcy exemptions or the ones offered under Pennsylvania’s state laws. Though you’ll want to review …Read More ➡
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