Many Pennsylvania dads may fear becoming separated or alienated from their children or losing custody and access after a divorce. Increasingly, however, courts and family professionals are emphasizing the importance of shared parenting and joint custody to protect the best interests of the child.
Taxes important issue during divorces
A Pennsylvania couple who is ending their marriage often goes through a long period of making arrangements to split their financial lives. Before the divorce is finalized, they should consider tax issues and document everything thoroughly. In the case of alimony, the party paying it typically may deduct it, and the recipient must declare it as taxable income. For the payer to qualify for the tax deduction, the payments must be spelled out within a divorce agreement.
Options for determining child support
Pennsylvania parents who are getting a divorce may be concerned that child support will be imposed upon them by a judge, but there are a number of ways that parents can come to an agreement. This is often done with the assistance of their separately-retained attorneys. The issues that need to be agreed upon are how long the child support will last, how much it will be and how often it will be paid.
Nesting as a physical custody option
Many Pennsylvania parents going through divorce are looking for new and innovative solutions for child custody. In many cases, arrangements in which both parents share relatively equal time with their children are preferred by judges as well as child development experts.
Is your spouse hiding money from you?
Americans find it difficult to talk about money, more than even death, politics or religion. According to one study, more than seven million Americans hide a bank account or credit card from their partners. About 20 percent of people have spent over $500 in secret. This is often called financial infidelity, and it can be detrimental to a relationship or marriage.
How to help kids handle a divorce
Both children and adults may have a hard time adjusting to life during and after a divorce. However, there are ways in which Pennsylvania residents and others may be able to help themselves and their children cope. Parents are encouraged to be honest about what is happening and make themselves available to answer questions about the divorce process. Parents should tell their children that the divorce wasn't their fault and that they will always love them.
