South Hills Divorce Lawyer
Listening To Your Child
Children want to talk. Children need to talk, and they also need someone to listen to them.
Think about how you might feel if you wanted to tell something to somebody and you could not find anyone to tell. Children must be able to express themselves freely and comfortably.
As adults, we can provide children with the security of listening to whatever they need to say. Be careful to respect something said in confidence if your child asks you to keep it just between the two of you.
If there are not good “listening times” available during your schedule, try to set aside some “special time” to just talk to your child on a regular, consistent basis.
There is a distinct difference between listening to your children and pumping them for information about the other parent. Enter their world and listen to what they need to talk about as children.
To speak with an experienced child custody attorney, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
Becoming a Better Parent Through Divorce
Divorce can be an awakening for parents that results in them actually becoming better parents and taking more active roles in the children’s lives. If you were the main caregiver before divorce and did most of the work, wondering why your ex couldn’t take a greater parental role, his or her turnaround after the divorce can be frustrating.
But while it may be upsetting at first, ultimately you should come to realize that it is better for your children to have both parents involved in their lives. It may also make things easier for you if you find that you can share responsibilities such as driving the children to their friends’ homes, program, and other events.
To speak with an experienced Pittsburgh family law attorney, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
Calculating Support in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, support is based upon the net monthly incomes of the parties. To calculate a party’s net monthly income, the following items are deducted from his or her gross income:
- Federal, state, and local taxes
- FICA (Social Security and Medicare) or self-employment taxes
- Non-voluntary retirement contributions
- Union dues
- Alimony paid to the other party
In calculating support, the trial court must consider income from all sources. To learn more about calculating support, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.