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Bucks County Divorce Attorney
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Bucks County Divorce Attorneys > Bucks County Family Law

Bucks County Family Attorney

Proudly Serving Individuals and Families in Doylestown, Newtown and the Surrounding Communities for Family Law Matters

At Kardos, Rickles & Hand, we understand that family law matters can be emotional. We are dedicated to providing every client with effective representation while being mindful of the delicate nature of family situations. Our experience in how we handle each matter is invaluable. Every case is unique and requires its own tailored strategy. Each client’s objectives and expectations become our own. We are proactive in our approach and based upon over 100 years of collective experience, we are well-versed in all aspects of family law and the Tri-County family law practices.

Our Bucks County family attorneys handle divorce, equitable distribution, alimony, alimony, spousal and child support, child custody, relocation, pre/postnuptial agreements, and protection from abuse orders. Furthermore, we have a well-established network of professionals -psychologists, forensic accountants, business valuators, and property appraisers who can be called upon to strengthen your case.

Remember, more experience means better results.

Child Custody

The most difficult aspect of divorce is child custody as there is nothing more important than ensuring your child’s physical and emotional well-being. A custody arrangement includes legal and physical custody of a child. Regarding physical custody, a parent may seek primary, shared or partial physical custody of the children. Legal custody regards a parent’s right to participate in the medical, educational, religious and similarly impactful events in a child’s life. Custody matters can be addressed in court or by agreement of the parties. A successful custodial resolution should be specific and address the schedule between both parents, including holiday and vacation schedules. It should also address logistical concerns such as requirements of travel, how to communicate when the children are not in your custody, who may be with your children if you are unavailable and other aspects of child custody.

Here at Kardos, Rickles & Hand, we understand not only the needs of the parent, but consider what is in the best interest of the children when establishing a custody order. Our experience allows us to better anticipate potential custodial issues and address them in the custody order which means fewer disruptions to your family.
Remember, more experience means better results.

Custody Relocation

Situations may arise where one parent may have to relocate out of the jurisdiction for employment, re-marriage or other reasons. A relocation poses unique challenges to a parent and to the Court deciding the merits of the relocation. It is important to have a family attorney who not only understands the impact of a relocation on a family, but also understands the most relevant legal factors to present to the court that would make relocation more or less likely.

At Kardos, Rickles & Hand, we have engaged in numerous hearings involving relocation. We have also argued several cases before the Superior Court applying the current law to relocation matters. We have an established track record of success in facilitating or preventing a relocation based on the facts and circumstances.

Things can be more difficult as a parent, so it is important to understand that more experience means better results.

Child Support

The financial security of your children provides great peace of mind to a parent. Knowing that there is financial assistance in meeting a child’s daily needs is of paramount importance. Pennsylvania law calculates child support using a specific formula. For this reason, it is imperative that income is precisely and truthfully disclosed. As stated under the section titled Alimony, Alimony Pendente Lite, certain challenges are involved to accurately determine a parent’s income.

Child support may consider daycare expenses, summer camp and other costs associated with raising children. It is important to have a child support order that encompasses all of your child’s needs.

The child support order will also consider health insurance coverage and how to address those medical costs which are not covered by health insurance. Unreimbursed medical expenses such as co-pays and costs not covered under your insurance coverage will be addressed by the order. Orthodontia and vision care are often expenses that are indicated within a child support order.

Whether your finances are simple or complex, we will advocate for the financial security of you and your children.

Remember, more experience means better results.

Alimony, Alimony Pendente Lite

The dissolution of a marriage can have a significant financial impact on one or both spouses. This impact may leave one party unable to pay certain bills or to pursue effective legal representation. Although alimony is not applicable to every divorce, it is considered when one party’s financial status will be impacted by the separation of marital finances. The determination as to amount and duration of alimony/alimony pendente lite is influenced by seventeen (17) factors such as: length of marriage, disparity in income, future earning potential and others.

An accurate assessment of the parties’ incomes is imperative to determine alimony and alimony pendente lite orders. Some of the challenges involved in income may be undeclared income, self-employment income, or income from sources other than those evidenced by a W-2 wage statement. Each spouse will be assessed an earning potential based on certain criteria, such as previous work experience, education, actual earned income. Business write-offs and executive “perks” may also be considered income. Therefore, the retention of a forensic accountant may be necessary to assist us in revealing these facts to evaluate your case.

The Bucks County family attorneys at Kardos, Rickles & Hand have extensive years of experience and will advocate for your financial security throughout the divorce process. We will represent you post-divorce as well, if a change in circumstance requires a modification to the alimony order.

Divorce and Equitable Distribution of a Marital Estate

From simple to complex, amicable to contentious, our attorneys have effectively handled all types of divorce matters. We understand that dissolving a marriage impacts the entire family. Our role is to manage the divorce process efficiently so as to minimize emotional impact. We will advocate and negotiate for you and protect your interest in the marital estate both during and after the divorce matter concludes.

Equitable distribution is the process that divides the marital assets and liabilities. This does not necessarily mean a 50/50 division of marital assets/liabilities, but what is most equitable. Many factors are taken into account in dividing the marital estate. It is important to understand and utilize accepted valuation techniques in assessing the value and tax ramifications of each marital asset so that the marital property may be divided in a manner advantageous to the client. As a client, you have the benefit of our experience in sophisticated asset valuation, which is vital to equitable distribution.

Assets and liabilities include: the marital home and other real estate holdings; retirement accounts; investment accounts, checking and savings accounts, business and business property, vehicles and outstanding loans, mortgages, credit card debt, and other financial obligations. Occasionally, personal property of significant value may also be valued.

Pre/Postnuptial Agreements

A prenuptial agreement is a document drafted to protect premarital assets once the parties are wed. A prenuptial agreement is a contract between the parties outlining in a realistic manner the assets that will return to each party should the marriage be dissolved or one of the parties dies. Such a prudent step outlines the parties’ agreement in order to avoid contentious and costly proceedings if death or divorce occurs. The prenuptial agreement is utilized to protect those assets you possessed prior to marriage, as well as to outline such particulars as increases in real estate, retirement assets, and the parties’ agreement relative to spousal support.

Protection from Abuse Orders

Domestic partnerships can sometimes be contentious, especially during the emotional turmoil of divorce or circumstances leading up to divorce. However, marriage and divorce are not necessary components to an unhealthy situation in a relationship. If you have been subject to physical abuse, sexual abuse, threats of bodily injury, physical restraint, stalking, or other threatening acts, you may be able to protect yourself through the application for a Protection From Abuse Order (PFA) which, if successful, will restrain and prohibit the offending party from having contact with you for a specified amount of time and with defined restrictions regarding your home and place of employment.

The issuing of a PFA is not to be taken lightly. The accused party can be forced to leave the home and lose contact with his or her children. Whether you are the abused party, or believe you have been falsely accused, we at Kardos, Rickles & Hand will represent you through to the best resolution possible under these trying circumstances. Contact us today.

Our Bucks County Family Attorneys Develop Their Reputation Through Preparation and Hard Work

It is stressful when coping with a family law legal issue; including divorce, child custody and child support. We understand. We have aided thousands of others just like you get through this tough time. You need the support of a committed attorney who works relentlessly to protect the interests of you and your loved ones. At Kardos, Rickles & Hand, we serve you as your reliable advocates. Our Bucks County family attorneys work with you one-on-one, we listen to your concerns and prepare a plan that gives you the best chance for success. If you’re going through a divorce, you’re not alone when you consult our firm’s compassionate family law legal team.

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