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Divorce and Family Law Office of Joanne Kleiner

Amicable Divorce Attorney

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Jul 08

Uncoupling – Avoiding Acting on Negative Emotions

Couple separated on couchUncoupling, whether you are in a marriage, a common law marriage, or a same-sex marriage, can be extremely traumatic, and at the same time, you must navigate these rocky shoals because there are many practical issues that must be resolved.

In fact, many marriage counselors contend that the level of emotional healing you are able to reach during your divorce will help you to embark upon your future with both feet firmly on the ground.

So, with the goal of healing in mind, and feeling positive about your future, avoiding acting on your negative emotions can be difficult, but is necessary. Ironically the separation and divorce process can often trigger you to act, or to threaten to act, thereby signaling your own upset – and potentially causing hurt to the other party.

Leaving Children out of Divorce or Separation Arguments

However, acting out or power-struggling with your soon-to-be ex is going to hurt you (and potentially any involved children as they will FEEL your stress and upset – even if you don’t communicate details to them) in the long run. Before you make that phone call that will be laden with angry conflict, or inform your attorney that it HAS to be this way about the custody, division of property, or other legal issue, vent to someone who is supportive, capable, and willing to listen – and not to your children. Children are essentially captive audiences – they have no choice but to listen to a parent.

If you feel too vulnerable to discuss it with a friend, speak to a counselor, or even a clergy member such as a minister or rabbi. But find someone who will help you to let off steam. Once you express to someone how hurt you are or how upset you are over the particular topic in mind, you will be able to approach the actual discussion of this topic with your attorney or soon-to-be ex with more calm and detachment. This will ultimately help you save wear and tear on your physical wellbeing, as well as the unnecessary further complication of an already trying situation.

Contact Joanne E. Kleiner & Associates

At the Jenkintown law firm of Joanne E. Kleiner & Associates, family law attorney and divorce lawyer Joanne Kleiner utilizes her more than 25 years of experience to ensure you have the information you need to make intelligent and informed decisions, and that you fully understand the benefits and risks associated with those decisions.

Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation by calling 215-886-1266, or fill out our online intake form. Your future is too important to trust to a less experienced lawyer.

Jun 26

DOES MARITAL STATUS INFLUENCE CHILD CUSTODY?

Small child with teddy bearThe laws governing child custody in New Jersey are convoluted, to say the least. One facet tipping the scale during a custody battle can be the parents’ marital statuses. Believe it or not, even in these modern times, one or both parents’ marital statuses can and does have an affect on the outcome of a custody dispute. Ensuring that both the parents, and children involved in these cases, receive equal treatment is crucial.

Child custody lawyer Joanne Kleiner personally handles each case, and has extensive experience in all family law and divorce matters. To discuss your matter in confidence, please call 215-886-1266. You can also fill out our online intake form.

Joanne E. Kleiner has represented people in child custody cases for over two decades. She has the experience to represent you, regardless of marital status. She can represent any parent, whether you are in a domestic partnership, unmarried, in a short-term marriage, a long-term marriage, a long-standing, unmarried relationship, or a parent who has remarried.

OTHER CHILD CUSTODY FACTORS

Although marital status can have an impact, the courts are mainly concerned with the interests of the child or children in any custody case. Some aspects held in high consideration include:

  • Who will provide the most stable home environment for the child/children
  • The child (or children) and parent relationship
  • Both parent’s ability to provide for the child (or children)
  • Any past criminal or substance issues for the parent(s)

CONTACT FAMILY LAW AND DIVORCE ATTORNEY JOANNE KLEINER

Call Joanne E. Kleiner & Associates today at 215-886-1266. For additional information about our qualities and qualifications, please visit our Benefits of Retaining Joanne. K. Kleiner & Associates page.

Jun 12

WHEN DOES CHILD SUPPORT OBLIGATION END IN PENNSYLVANIA?

Teenagers taking selfieAs a parent, you want to make certain your child’s financial needs are being met. If you are no longer married to your child’s other parent, you do not have to be responsible for more than your fair share, and paying support to your spouse when your child no longer lives at home is not your responsibility.

PENNSYLVANIA LAWS GOVERNING CHILD SUPPORT

The duty to pay child support in Pennsylvania ends once a child reaches age 18 or graduates from high school, whichever occurs last. Once your child is over 18 years old, and a high school graduate, you no longer have a legal duty to support them financially.

In order to ensure that your current support order is canceled on time, file a Petition for Modification in the county that the order was entered, which will be located at the top of the support order you received. If you do not file a Petition for Modification, the DRS (Domestic Relations Section) office in the appropriate county will send an Emancipation Inquiry to the custodial parent.

Although Pennsylvania does not force parents to assist with college funding, a parent might choose to impose this responsibility onto themselves. If an agreement to support a child through their college education is part of a marital settlement, the Court will enforce it.

CONTACT A SKILLED JENKINTOWN FAMILY LAWYER AND DIVORCE ATTORNEY

An experienced Pennsylvania family law attorney can help guide you through the child support process. To discuss your particular situation and learn about your options, please schedule a confidential consultation with attorney Joanne Kleiner by calling us at 215-886-1266.

You can also fill out our intake form and we will contact you. The decisions you make today really will affect your future. Let us help you make those decisions intelligent and informed.

Jun 05

Children’s – AND Parent’s – Rights

Dad and sone readingBoth children – and parents – have rights within family law proceedings.

Children’s Rights

  • A CHILD has the right to love each parent without being subjected to the other parent’s hurt or anger.
  • A CHILD has the right to develop an independent and meaningful relationship with each parent and to enjoy the uniqueness of each parent and each home.
  • A CHILD has the right to be free from involvement in parents’ personal battles, including being used as a spy, messenger or bargaining chip.
  • A CHILD has the right to extended family relationships that include relationships with grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and others, and to appreciate the unique differences of each side of his or her family without having these differences referred to as “better” or “worse.”
  • A CHILD has the right to be free from questions about the other parent’s private life.
  • A CHILD has the right to see his or her parents treat each other in a courteous and respectful manner.
  • A CHILD has the right to develop and maintain activities and friends without fear of losing time with a parent.
  • A CHILD has the right to be a CHILD without having to assume adult and/or parental roles or duties.

Parents’ Rights

  • A PARENT has the right to love and nurture one’s child without harassment from the other parent.
  • A PARENT has the right to respect and courtesy and has the obligation to show respect and courtesy.
  • A PARENT has the right to attend and participate in a child’s special activities.
  • A PARENT has the right to information regarding a child’s physical, mental and emotional health.
  • A PARENT has the right during parenting time to follow one’s own standards, beliefs and style of child rearing without interference from the other parent.
  • A PARENT has the right to a separate and private life.

Contact Jenkintown Child Support and Family Law Attorney

Just because you are involved in a family law matter does not mean that you, nor your child, has to sacrifice your rights. To discuss your situation and learn your rights with an experienced family law attorney at Joanne E. Kleiner & Associates, in Jenkintown, PA, please call 215-886-1266, or you can fill out our intake form and we will contact you.
We serve clients throughout Montgomery, Bucks, Philadelphia counties, and the surrounding areas.

May 21, 2014

Presenting Your Best Case in Family Court

Family law litigation can be an emotionally charged, complex and costly affair. Successful cases are built upon effective presentation of facts that compel the judge to render the desired decision. Working closely with your attorney, you can focus the court’s attention on facts supporting your position and undermining the opposing party’s arguments.

Clients who provide their attorneys with well-organized information in an efficient manner save time and money. E-mail and letters are cost-effective and precise. Telephone calls made to the paralegal, rather than the attorney, cost less and allow the attorney to focus on the case going to court that day. Clients who assist their attorneys by promptly providing requested documents can help manage their litigation costs and strengthen their cases.

Attorney Joanne Kleiner is well-versed and experienced in family law matters, tailoring her representation in order to meet your needs. Her experience and background will be useful in planning an appropriate course of action based on your goals, facts and circumstances. To discuss your divorce or family law matter in confidence with an experienced lawyer, please call 215-886-1266 or contact Joanne E. Kleiner & Associates online.

Presenting Well in Family Court Cases

REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS

Your attorney practices before the local courts every day and has experience regarding the importance your judge places upon specific facts. Courts do not let passion, bias or colorful arguments influence their decisions. However, certain facts carry greater weight than other facts in court. For example, the needs of children usually outweigh financial factors. There is rarely a clear winner or loser in family litigation, but with clarity and communication, you and your attorney can work together to ensure the best possible outcome.

CHILDREN’S ISSUES

A guiding principle in family law is to make decisions that are in the best interest of the child. Courts have wide discretion to fashion rulings that protect children and their need for healthy relationships with siblings and both parents. Courts consider which parent is more likely to encourage a healthy relationship between the child and the other parent in custody determinations and often go to great lengths to insulate children from litigation.

CHILD CUSTODY

Absent a pattern of violence, parents will almost always have joint managing conservatorship of their children. Courts may designate a location or school district in which the children must reside. Courts may also grant one parent the exclusive right to choose where the children will primarily live within that geographic area.

ACCESS TO CHILDREN

Parents’ access to and possession of a child should be agreed upon by the parents, with the help of the attorneys. In the event the parents cannot agree, the court must create an access schedule dividing the child’s time between the parents.

CHILD SUPPORT

Child support payments are computed according to statutory guidelines based upon the obligor’s defined net income. Click HERE for a Pennsylvania child support calculator.

MARITAL PROPERTY

Equitable Distribution refers to the process of dividing debts and marital assets.. If spouses can’t agree how to divide their property, they may end up in court, where a judge will decide for them. Click HERE for more information.

THERE ARE NO STUPID QUESTIONS

There are no stupid questions. Our staff is here for you – please utilize our expertise. You deserve to understand the issues relating to your case. When you are armed with a thorough understanding of the issues, you can effectively assist in the preparation and presentation of your case.

Contact a Skilled Jenkintown Family Law Attorney & Divorce Lawyer

Please schedule a confidential consultation with attorney Joanne Kleiner by calling us at 215-886-1266. Or, fill out our intake form and we will contact you.