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Divorce and Family Law Office of Joanne Kleiner

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Jan 18, 2023

Some losses that divorce might cause

Unexpected Losses a Divorce Could Cause

As you seek an end to your marriage, it can be difficult to understand what your life will look like after the divorce is finalized. Over 630,000 people obtained a divorce in 2020, many of whom encountered similar challenges. Along with the expected losses of personal possessions and finances, there might also be some unexpected losses that affect you in the weeks and months following your divorce.

Being Unable to Share in Your Child’s Disappointments or Achievements

One of the most significant losses after a divorce is the inability to share in your child’s disappointments or achievements. If your child aces a test or gets into their dream college, you and your ex-spouse likely won’t share these important events.

However, you may be able to adjust to this loss after some time has passed. For instance, your friends can share in your pleasure. The relationship you have with your ex-spouse could also become more amicable over time, which might allow for these events to be shared without any tension or feelings of anger being added to the mix.

Losing Some of Your Close Friends When Sides Are Taken

You might notice in the immediate aftermath that some people you were good friends with while you were married are avoiding you or no longer conversing with you as often. During this time, you’ll be able to determine who your actual friends are. If you have people who still hang out with you even though you aren’t married, they are still your friends. These individuals can give you the support you need as you adjust to a non-married life.

Losing Out on Financial Security

The sudden drop in finances that occurs following a divorce can be difficult to handle if you’ve never been in this situation. You might begin to wonder when you’ll be able to retire or if you’ll have difficulties finding a place to live. While your budget may be smaller, being more focused on how you spend your money can be advantageous in the long run.

Whether you live on a lower income or focus on finding more work, there are a couple of options you have to reduce the anxiety that comes with being in a new financial situation. Many people find that they have more time after a divorce to tend to their finances. If you’re still in the midst of a divorce and want to take steps to protect your finances, call our Pennsylvania divorce lawyer today to ask questions and schedule a consultation.

Losing Your Best Friend

If you’ve considered your spouse to be your best friend but find that your marriage just isn’t working, getting a divorce can make you feel like you’ve just lost the person you were closest with. The connections that were built up during a marriage will likely dissipate in the months following.

Whether your ex-spouse would do the taxes every year or would know exactly what to do when you were sick because of their profession, being unable to speak with this person in the future can be a shock to the system. With time, however, it becomes possible to build different connections and find new resources. You could also take this time to develop skills that you weren’t interested in before.

Losing Shared Memories and Traditions

Another loss that many people have after getting a divorce involves losing the shared memories and traditions that naturally develop throughout a marriage. If you have children, you might have created some holiday traditions over the years. Maybe you went camping regularly with your family as a way to spend some quality time together.

In the time immediately following a divorce, taking part in these traditions and activities can be painful. Keep in mind, however, that you have the ability to make new celebrations and traditions with your friends or children.

Losing Out on the Future You Were Building Towards

There are times when the loss of the dreams and hopes you might have had during your marriage can weigh you down. If these dreams are no longer achievable, they can make way for new ones that are entirely your own. As is the case with most of the potential losses in this guide, time is a healer of all wounds.

Once you’ve accepted that your life isn’t the same as it was, you might be able to move on and look to a future that’s just as appealing. Everyone goes through different losses when they obtain a divorce. Even though they can be difficult to manage at the beginning, acknowledging and accepting these losses should make it easier to navigate them.

If you are currently weighing the possibility of filing for a divorce and would like some advice or legal representation, call our New Jersey divorce lawyer today at (215) 886-1266 to schedule your first appointment.

Jan 14, 2023

Divorce and managing your emotions

Manage Your Emotions During a Divorce

No one wants to go through a divorce, but in some cases, it is inevitable. You may feel many conflicting emotions, such as guilt, relief, or anger. No matter what you do, it is crucial to keep those emotions in check.

Acknowledge Your Feelings

It is important to express your feelings, but you cannot keep dwelling on them, especially those negative thoughts. Ruminating about issues, problems, or events that trouble you will only make matters worse. When you are thinking about your situation, write down any thoughts. Writing your ideas down allows you to think through them more carefully. With that, you will not overreact when certain situations develop.

Consider writing down a few concerns about your legal issues. Additionally, think about what you want to ask your attorney. You will see some progress in your emotional health by taking a few minutes to think critically about your situation. While it may seem like you are not in control of the problem, writing out your concerns will allow you to manage the situation mentally.

During the divorce process, you may also experience frustration with your estranged spouse. Sometimes, they could make the process extremely difficult for you. When emotions run high in your marriage, it is not a good idea to deal directly with your spouse, but it is crucial to deal with your feelings. Instead of letting your emotions get the best of you, write a letter to your estranged spouse. You might not send it, but it allows you to express your emotions on paper.

Focus on the Future

Reliving bad memories can be a damaging and unhealthy habit. If you keep reliving the bad times, you will keep yourself trapped in those moments. Along with that, those situations or people will continue to have power over you.

If you go back to the beginning of your relationship and think about those happy moments, it can be harder to move through the divorce process. You might even feel like you are mourning a death. Yes, a divorce is an end to the marriage, but you will need to continue to move forward with your life. It is important to control your emotions and think about what’s ahead for you.

Now is the time to make plans for the future. This type of thinking can allow you to keep your emotions in check. Instead of focusing on the negativity, you should concentrate on what your life will be like in the next year. A divorce can allow you to focus on your goals and dreams. For this reason, it can help to have a divorce lawyer handle the legal process while you focus on your emotional well-being.

Speak to the Right Professional

While you might have a great relationship with your divorce attorney, they cannot solve every issue. Before calling your lawyer, check with friends, family members, or a support group. Lawyers are the right people to handle legal matters, but they are not trained therapists. Consider finding a licensed counselor or therapist who works with clients through a divorce. These professionals will be able to support you and give you a few tips to manage your emotions and other aspects of your life during a divorce.

Unfortunately, divorces can stir up plenty of emotions. While some people are great at handling problems on their own, many need to seek professional help. A therapist can help you look more rationally at the situation. Many attorneys even partner with mental health professionals to help serve their clients. No one wants you to struggle on your own. They have the resources to help you navigate the divorce process and come out the other side emotionally stronger.

Need Some Help With Your Divorce Case?

A divorce can be a complex and challenging process, especially when emotions are involved. You might want to contact a divorce lawyer to help you navigate the legal process and understand your options. Reach out to the Law Office of Joanne Kleiner at 215-886-1266 for a consultation about your Philadelphia divorce case.

Dec 13

7 Reasons Why Women Are More Likely to Initiate Divorce

The divorce rate for first marriages in the United States remains at a high level, and more than two-thirds of those divorces are initiated by women. There are several reasons why women are more likely than men to initiate a divorce and why working with a divorce lawyer can help to secure a comfortable future.

1. Lower Marriage Satisfaction

Although some women want to enter marriage more than men, once they are married, they might be less likely to be satisfied. Low marriage satisfaction involves many factors, including a lack of respect, insufficient trust, a decrease in shared interests, different political ideologies, poor emotional connection, and not enough affection. Incompatibility also plays a role in marital dissatisfaction. Women tend to want compatibility on more of life’s important issues than men.

2. Less Financial Harm Than Expected

In previous generations, few women worked after marriage. This is no longer the case. Today, divorce causes less financial harm to women than they might expect. While women on average still earn less than men, even in the same career or job, they are less likely to be in dire financial straits after a divorce than they were decades ago. Increasing educational levels and a greater number of women in the workforce mean that a divorced woman can provide for herself in many cases.

3. Reduced Reliance on Men

Women no longer have to rely on men for access to resources. When looking at human evolution, females tended to stay closer to home, tend to the children, gather nearby food and water, and handle the domesticated animals while males traveled a greater distance to hunt and secure other resources. Today, women have more access to resources. Laws passed in the last century allow women to have a bank account and credit card without a man’s permission. Women can also sign a lease, buy a home, and take out a loan without a male co-signer.

4. More Self-awareness

Past generations of women were taught to cater to the needs of men. This started from a young age when girls had to serve their brothers or father at home. Today, more women are taught to be self-reliant and self-aware. This greater sense of independence means women aren’t as afraid to be divorced.

5. Social Changes

Society doesn’t look down on divorced women like it used to. Birth control and access to education have allowed women to take charge of their futures. These social changes reduce the guilt that women feel for wanting out of their marriages.

6. Mismatch in Marriage Benefits

Heterosexual marriage remains a gendered institution. After a man and woman get married, the man reaps more benefits than the woman. Social expectations typically result in married women doing more hours per week of household chores and childcare than married men, even if both partners have full-time jobs. This often leads to a buildup of stress, frustration, and resentment that eats away at the core of the marriage.

7. Out-of-court Options

Today’s divorce process offers more out-of-court settlement options compared to what women could access a generation ago. It is often no longer necessary for a divorce lawyer to litigate a case in court. By choosing other options, such as mediation or collaborative law, women can keep their personal business out of the public’s eye. These alternatives can cost less, require less time, and help to improve communication for future co-parenting and other needs.

When you’re considering a divorce, a no-court option may be a helpful solution. Staying out of court takes some of the stress out of the process and may help you set up a collaborative communication system for the future. Consulting with divorce lawyer Joanne Kleiner provides you with information about your rights and how Pennsylvania divorce cases work so that you can make an informed decision about how to move forward. To make an appointment, call the Law Office of Joanne Kleiner in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania at (215) 886-1266. You may also request a consultation by completing our contact form, and an associate from our office will reach out to you.

Dec 07

The Role Of A Financial Neutral

What Does a Financial Neutral Do in a Divorce?

Debt and disagreements over money and assets are major sources of contention in many divorces in the United States. An estimated 54% of Americans believe that debt is a solid reason to divorce, and 35% of Americans say that finances are the leading cause of stress in their marriages. If your marriage has come to an end, working with a financial neutral in addition to a divorce lawyer could help you set up a more secure and less stressful future.

What Is a Financial Neutral?

A financial neutral is an independent, third-party expert or professional who focuses on the financial aspects of a divorce. They do not represent either of the spouses and thus does not advocate for one party or the other. If there is future litigation, neither party can contract with the financial neutral for future representation. The financial neutral may be retained by the divorce lawyer or by the couple if they both agree to the collaborative process.

What Are the Qualifications of a Financial Neutral?

The qualifications for a financial neutral encompass a wide range of degrees, certifications, and experience. Some of the certifications held by financial neutrals include certified public accountant, business appraiser, certified fraud examiner, certified divorce financial analyst, or certified financial planner. Most financial neutrals participate in many hours of annual continuing education in order to maintain their license to practice accounting and to maintain their certifications. A financial neutral usually holds a bachelor’s or master’s degree in business, finance, accounting, or a related field of expertise.

Which Services Can a Financial Neutral Provide?

During a collaborative divorce, these professionals focus on the financial aspects of the divorce. Their role often begins with information gathering. They may gather information from both parties. The financial neutral usually asks for documentation of income, debt, retirement savings, taxes, bank accounts, investments, and other assets and liabilities. They do not duplicate the efforts of the divorce attorney. The financial neutral provides copies of information to both parties as requested by the attorneys. After reviewing what both parties provide, the financial neutral may identify missing documents and overlooked debts or assets and request them before the divorce process can proceed.

How Does a Financial Neutral Participate in a Collaborative Divorce Process?

A financial neutral meets with spouses on an individual basis as well as during joint sessions. The spouses’ respective family law attorneys are usually present during joint meetings in order to represent the best interests of their clients. If one spouse plans to request spousal or child support, the financial neutral participates by creating budgets for one or both parties. They may also perform cash flow analyses for each spouse in consideration of what their post-divorce financial futures will look like.

Who Would Benefit From Working With a Financial Neutral?

Any divorcing couple in disagreement over the distribution of assets would benefit from working with a financial neutral. Divorcing spouses who do not have any major areas of contention may also benefit from working with the financial neutral in order to have a more clear picture of their finances after the divorce. A spouse who earns significantly less than the other may wish to work with a financial neutral in order to make a support request that is likely to be agreed to out of court.

If you’re facing a complicated financial future, a consultation with our divorce lawyer gives you insight into structuring a fair settlement and helps you understand more about your financial future. To learn more information about the impact of a divorce on your finances and the role of a financial neutral in the divorce process, arrange a consultation with the Law Office of Joanne Kleiner in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania. Contact our office by phone at (215) 886-1266, or fill out and submit our online form to make an appointment.

Nov 12

Divorce and your medical practice

The Impact of a Divorce on Your Private Medical Practice

The divorce rate among all physicians is 21.8%, which is lower compared to many other occupations. Scientists theorize that physicians marry later and spend more time choosing their spouses. However, when your marriage has come to an end, and you’re a practicing physician who owns a medical practice, speaking with a divorce lawyer will help you know how to protect your reputation, finances, professional reputation and future.

Evaluation of the Medical Practice

You will have some questions to address during your initial consultation with a divorce lawyer. These relate to the evaluation of your medical practice. Your lawyer may inquire about when the practice began to determine if you had it before your marriage or started it after your wedding. You may also need to answer questions about the type of entity your practice is under IRS regulations, how you funded the practice, whether or not there are co-owners and if shares were issued, if there is a buy/sell agreement in place, and if there are future vesting or stock options that others would be entitled to if you were to stay married. Remember that your soon-to-be ex-spouse may hire a forensic accountant to dispute your accountant’s findings.

Determine the Practice’s Assets and Liabilities

As the owner of a medical practice, you will want to work with a forensic accountant to categorize its assets and liabilities, and your divorce lawyer will need this information. This will include the list of long-term patients, office equipment, the building if you own it, accounts receivable and furniture. Your medical practice’s liabilities include rental or mortgage payments, equipment payments, taxes, payroll, insurance, retirement contributions, employee benefits and loans.

Evaluation of Your Income From the Practice

Working with a forensic accountant will also help determine if you’ve been getting a fair income from your medical practice. Many physicians only take a small salary and reinvest their earnings into their practice. The accountant may evaluate your income compared to other physicians within the same field and your income compared to other physicians who work in the same specialty and have the same level of experience.

Regulations Pertaining to the Ownership of Medical Practices

According to Pennsylvania law, only a physician can own a medical practice or be a shareholder in one. Because of this, your non-physician spouse can’t be awarded any ownership interest in the practice in your divorce settlement. Therefore, while the court will consider the value of the practice when approving the settlement, ownership will not be on the table.

Contracts Between Physicians Within the Practice

Another consideration for the future of your medical practice after a divorce is the terms of the contracts you have with other physicians in the practice. Some medical practices have contract stipulations requiring that if one member gets a divorce, they forfeit their stock. This stipulation is for the protection of the other members. Some contracts might allow you to repurchase your stock after a certain period, but this could allow your ex-spouse to protest the settlement and take you back to court.

If you’re a practicing physician and a divorce is in your future, a consultation with a lawyer could help you understand how divorce could impact your medical practice. For more information about the impacts of a divorce on your medical practice, schedule a consultation with the Law Office of Joanne Kleiner in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania by calling us at (215) 886-1266. Our quick contact form also enables you to request a consultation. Complete and submit the form, and an office associate will be in touch with you.