Divorce & Dissolution

The breakup of a relationship is an emotionally difficult process that often involves significant financial and personal decisions. We’ll help you work through all the details.

Best Family Lawyers in Philadelphia

Divorce is an emotionally difficult time when individuals are faced with important financial decisions that have long-term economic consequences. In determining a plan for the division of marital assets and debts, the attorneys at Jerner Law Group, P.C. work closely with our clients to make sure that they understand their rights and options. We then aggressively pursue the most favorable financial outcome though negotiation and, when necessary, litigation. Where there is a discrepancy in income between spouses, we also assist clients in determining the appropriate amount and duration of alimony or spousal support. The attorneys of Jerner Law Group, P.C. provide clients with legal representation in Pennsylvania and New Jersey with respect to divorce, dissolution of civil unions and domestic partnerships, child support, custody, equitable distribution and protection from domestic violence.

 

Dissolution of Civil Unions and Domestic Partnerships in Pennsylvania:

Jerner Law Group, P.C. successfully argued to the Pennsylvania Superior Court that civil unions are the functional equivalent of marriages in the case, Neyman v. Buckley. Civil union dissolution cases in Pennsylvania should now proceed under the same laws and procedures as divorces through the family courts. However, there are still differences between civil unions and marriages as to how they are treated under federal law and this may implicate federal tax laws, retirement accounts, social security benefits that may arise in divorce. If you entered a civil union or domestic partnership prior to marrying or have only a civil union or domestic partnership and wish to dissolve that status, you should consult an attorney with particular experience in addressing the legal implications of these legal relationships.

Divorce, Dissolution of Civil Unions and Termination of Domestic Partnerships in New Jersey:

New Jersey grants the same rights and obligations to couples who have a civil union or same-sex marriage as it does to married heterosexual couples. Therefore, individuals seeking to terminate a civil union or same-sex marriage in New Jersey may face the issues of alimony, equitable distribution, child custody and support.

Divorce of Same-Sex Spouses in Pennsylvania:

Divorcing same-sex couples now have access to the Pennsylvania courts and will have all the same rights and obligations of married couples under Pennsylvania law.

If you married in another state, you do not need to “re-marry” in Pennsylvania. In fact, re-marrying may create problems if there is ever a divorce because the length of the marriage is one of the most important factors in determining alimony and division of property.

Divorcing same-sex couples may encounter complex issues upon divorce. For example, where the length of the relationship is substantially longer than the length of the marriage because a couple was denied entry into that legal relationship for many years, special consideration may need to be given to issues of alimony and equitable distribution, both of which are affected by the length of the marriage. It is important to work with an attorney experienced in addressing these challenging issues.

For more information call us at 215-843-6000