Posts made in March 2014

Conscious Uncoupling – Gimmick or Good Idea?

Until recently most people had never heard the term “conscious uncoupling” which describes a particular way of dissolving a marriage. The term was coined by an L.A. based therapist and author several years ago but has now been thrust into the spotlight when used by a celebrity couple to describe their split. The idea and approach might work for some people who are already approaching a divorce on good terms.

The goals of such an amicable split can still be accomplished within the traditional framework of the Pennsylvania Family Court System and are often utilized in uncontested divorce cases with or without custody issues. It can be as simple as finding the right counsel to (1) assist with drafting and reviewing the appropriate settlement agreement; (2) preparing custody documents; and (3) ensuring everything is filed correctly and timely.

That being said, there’s nothing this “new” idea brings that has not already been available to families with open minds and forward thinking counsel. However, the popularity of the term and its philosophy may help couples contemplating an amicable spilt.

Bottom line, whatever you call it, divorce doesn’t have to be devastating and is often a welcome fresh start for everyone involved, or at least a relatively painless solution for a situation that needed a legal resolution.

Allegheny County Family Law – March 2014 Custody Filing Fee Increases

Starting Monday, March 31, 2014 the filing fees for Custody related filings in Allegheny County are being increased. The new increases include fees for: Initial Custody Complaint (Increase from $232.50 to $325); Divorce with Custody Count (Increase from $271 to $363.50); Petition for Custody Modification (Increase from $200 to $250); Custody after Divorce has been filed (Increase from $108.50 to $220.50) and Petition for Reinstatement of Custody Action ($200).