Best Divorce Lawyer in Pittsburgh
Dividing Retirement Accounts In Divorce
In many divorce cases, the spouses’ retirement accounts represent the largest assets in the marital estate. Retirement accounts such as a spouse’s 401(k), IRA, or pension may be valued at tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. Retirement accounts opened during the marriage are considered marital property subject to division at divorce.
If a retirement account was opened prior to the marriage, then any increase in value from the date of separation until the divorce is finalized may be subject to equitable distribution. It may be necessary to calculate the marital portion of your retirement accounts, which can be divided by court order in a divorce settlement without tax consequences.
Spivak Law Firm provides smart, compassionate, cost-effective representation in all divorce matters. To schedule a consultation, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
PFA And Divorce: Date Of Separation
The filing of a Protection From Abuse (PFA) petition against a married partner may be the first step toward divorce.
If so, the PFA will usually as a clear date of separation when the couple stopped living together.
This may prove important, as divorce laws in Pennsylvania permit a spouse to delay the divorce process by a year.
The filing of a PFA often starts the clock on the one-year waiting period.
Spivak Law Firm handles all areas of family law, including: divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, and PFAs.
To schedule a consultation with an experienced family law attorney, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
Divorce: Risks For Kids
Research shows that divorce poses serious physical and emotional risks for children that can cause problems well into adulthood. Divorce can be a rough transition for children and it may be wise to enlist the help of a professional.
However, it is not abnormal for children to show signs of stress as they adjust. There are some general clues to look for when trying to decide whether your child needs therapy.
If you notice unusual behavior that persists for more than a couple of weeks, it is a sign your child might need help. Other specific symptoms include social withdrawal, increased sleepiness, and persistent mood swings.
Spivak Law Firm handles all areas of family law, including: divorce, child custody, child support, and PFA hearings. To speak with an experienced family law attorney, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
Divorce: Who Gets The Family Pets?
When undergoing divorce or separation, you are likely worried about child custody, division of your property, and your pets.
You may view your dog or cat as a member of the family, but under Pennsylvania law, they are as much family as your television set. Pets are technically personal property, which means that a court will not order visitation or custody schedules for pets.
Courts will likely classify the pet as marital or non-marital property. If your ex purchased the pet prior to the marriage, the pet will be considered non-marital property and will likely go to your ex.
However, you have the option to bypass formal court proceedings and mediate this issue with your ex to develop an agreement that works for both of you.
Spivak Law Firm handles all areas of family law, including: divorce, child custody, child support, and PFA hearings. To speak with an experienced family law attorney, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
Child Custody and Divorce: Holiday Tips
The holidays are stressful, particularly for divided families, but they can still be enjoyable if you plan ahead.
In order to avoid needless stress or confusion, let your children know in advance where they will be during the holidays, and assure them they will have a good time.
Although you may be feeling lonely or sad without them, try encouraging them to be happy and have fun.
Spivak Law Firm wishes you a safe, happy Memorial Day weekend.
Spivak Law Firm handles all areas of family law, including: divorce, child custody, child support, and PFA hearings.
To speak with an experienced family law attorney, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
Attorney Spivak Honored By Super Lawyers
Todd Spivak, attorney and owner of Spivak Law Firm, has been selected to the 2017 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list.
Super Lawyers reserves this honor “for those lawyers who exhibit excellence in practice.”
Only 5 percent of attorneys in Pennsylvania receive this distinction.
Attorney Spivak will be featured in Super Lawyers Magazine, Pittsburgh Magazine, and Philadelphia Magazine, reaching more than one million readers.
A former investigative reporter, Attorney Spivak has won numerous national awards and was twice-nominated for The Pulitzer Prize.
Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Attorney Spivak focuses his practice on all areas of family law and criminal defense with a special focus on Protection From Abuse (PFA) and child custody.
To schedule a free consultation, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.