2024 Articles
What if There is No Money to Pay Debts in the Estate?
After a person passes away, any outstanding debts will be paid out of the decedent’s estate. A hiccup occurs when sufficient funds do not exist. If this is the case, then certain debts may remain unpaid. However, the personal representative does retain the option of negotiating a payment plan with...
What are the Costs Associated with Probate?
Probate is the process by which a will is approved as a valid legal document in court. A number of bumps in the road can factor into probate, making the process of distributing assets to beneficiaries more expensive and time-consuming. If you are in the midst of probating a loved...
How Long Does the Bankruptcy Process Take in Pennsylvania?
Filing for bankruptcy can allow you to discharge certain debts or restructure your debt. In Pennsylvania, individuals have the option to file for either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. The timeline for each varies drastically, with the Chapter 7 process taking four to six months and the Chapter 13...
Why there’s no shame in bankruptcy
Nobody wants to file bankruptcy – but you shouldn’t be ashamed to do it, either. A lot of people feel like bankruptcy is a sign of some personal failure, or they’re embarrassed that other people might find out about their money troubles. That way of thinking is self-destructive and unnecessary,...
What should you know about pour-over wills?
When making your estate plan, you have several powerful legal tools to choose from, such as a pour-over will. You might be surprised at how powerful this estate planning document can be in preserving your asset distribution preferences. It works in conjunction with a living trust, which is another effective...
Who can be considered for a VAWA visa?
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is designed to protect victims of domestic violence, dating violence and sexual assault. Under VAWA, certain spouses, including those married to U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents (LPRs) who have experienced abuse, may be eligible to apply for a self-petitioning visa to remain in...
Why tell your child’s school about your divorce?
Divorce is a deeply personal issue that covers sensitive family matters. Thus, it’s natural not to want to share it with everyone. Nonetheless, there is a balance to be struck. You, as a divorcing spouse, may need some support, and so too might your child. You may not want to...
Is asylum over in the United States?
Asylum is the process by which the United States grants protection to those who think they will face persecution at home. A person can come to a port of entry or even illegally enter the United States and then ask for asylum. If it is granted, they are allowed to...
Can bankruptcy help when facing foreclosure?
If you’ve missed payments on your mortgage, you are likely worried about losing your home. Perhaps you’ve even gotten notifications from the lender telling you that you have an outstanding balance due. If you do not get caught up on your back payments, they are going to foreclose and take...
What kind of person makes a good business partner?
Launching a new business venture on your own can be daunting. For some people, sharing responsibilities can be very helpful. This is where a business partner comes in. A business partner can share financial responsibility, help with day-to-day issues and shoulder some of the legal liabilities too. However, forming a...
Why so-called “chain migration” is not a bad thing
You’ve likely heard the term before, perhaps first when used by a certain former U.S. president. The words themselves are neutral, but some stigma has grown attached to the term. But what does “chain migration” really mean? Chain migration reunifies families Emigrating alone from your country of origin and finding...
2 reasons to ignore negative bankruptcy stigmas
There’s sometimes a stigma around bankruptcy that keeps people from filing. They are worried about how others will perceive them. They don’t want to tell friends or family members that they’re going through bankruptcy because it feels like a personal failure. They worry about being judged by others. Of course,...
Can you reduce or end alimony payments when you retire?
Increasingly, couples are divorcing later in life. Some choose to go their separate ways when they’re well into their senior years. Couples who divorce in their 50s or 60s typically have different concerns as they go through the process than those in their 20s and 30s do. One of these...
Don’t let your bankruptcy lead to fraud charges
When filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, debtors must be very careful not to omit any debts or do anything that the court or trustee could perceive as fraudulent actions. Should that occur, your financial troubles could morph into criminal charges. Nobody wants that. Read on to learn of some common...
Are you too young for an estate plan?
One reason that people won’t make an estate plan is because they think they’re too young. You may have been considering it yourself, but you’re just not sure if it’s worth taking the time to do it. Maybe you’ve always assumed that you would make your estate plan in your...
Do you have to pay support with 50/50 custody?
Long gone are the days when the typical custody arrangement involved the kids staying with Mom during the bulk of the year, with Dad getting visitation every other weekend and some extra time on the holidays or over the summer. Today, there’s a growing awareness that children usually do better...
What is Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)?
DACA is a program in the United States immigration policy that protects certain undocumented immigrants. It does not give you legal status or provide a pathway to citizenship, but it does provide temporary relief from deportation while you sort out your immigration issues. DACA allows you to work legally in...
Should you worry about medical debt if you have insurance?
Medical debt is a significant issue in the United States. When you look at the reasons that people file for bankruptcy every year, you will find that medical debt is very commonly cited. It’s one of the top reasons that consumers find themselves facing unsustainable debt and looking into bankruptcy...
What to know about signing a will in Pennsylvania
After writing a will, the testator (the person who makes it) needs to sign it to validate the wishes included in the document. Signing a will is a critical step. A simple mistake can have negative impacts. Here is what to know about signing a will: Signing should be after...
3 important considerations when starting a new business
Starting a small business can potentially change someone’s life. Those who form and operate successful businesses can become their own bosses and take control of their financial circumstances. The process of developing a new business can be challenging, as the decisions someone makes early in the creation of a company...
3 tips for effective co-parenting
Co-parenting after separation or divorce presents unique challenges. Parents may need to navigate a new dynamic for the sake of their children. Effective co-parenting strategies focus on maintaining a positive environment for the children despite the complexities of the parents’ relationship. The ability to put the children’s needs first is...
3 times during marriage when you should update your estate plan
Life is dynamic, and so are the circumstances surrounding marriage. Your estate plan should always reflect the current status of your life, accounting for changes in assets, relationships and even new additions to the family. Failure to update your estate plan regularly can lead to unintended consequences and disputes among...