The breakup of a relationship is an emotionally difficult process that often involves significant financial and personal decisions. The attorneys at Jerner & Palmer, P.C. are experienced in assisting our clients through the dissolution or divorce process. We work collaboratively with our clients to achieve the best results for them and their families. While we are often able to settle family law conflicts outside of court, we are skilled litigators who provide results for our clients whose cases do go to court.
Divorce:
The attorneys of Jerner & Palmer, P.C. provide clients with personal attention and legal support with respect to divorce, child support, custody, property division and protection from domestic violence. We represent Pennsylvania and New Jersey residents in contested and uncontested divorce actions.
Separation of Unmarried Partners in Pennsylvania:
Unmarried partners who acquire property together during a relationship may face a difficult legal situation upon separation. Unmarried couples cannot access divorce court in Pennsylvania to divide property or to seek financial support or health insurance coverage from a former partner. Instead, these couples must seek relief through the courts using property and contract laws rather than divorce and family law.
The attorneys of Jerner & Palmer, P.C. have extensive experience representing individuals who are separating from their unmarried partners with respect to the division of property and debts. Our attorneys are often able to negotiate a settlement on behalf of a client without litigation, resulting in an agreement as to how to divide jointly-owned property and debt. For those cases in which the parties are not able to reach agreement, the attorneys of Jerner & Palmer, P.C. provide vigorous representation of our clients; we are experienced civil litigators who have represented clients in real estate partition actions, constructive trust actions, breach of contract actions and small claims court actions.
Dissolution of New Jersey Domestic Partnerships and Civil Unions:
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. However, because recognition of civil unions and same-sex marriages by the Federal Government is limited by the Federal Defense of Marriage Act, it is important to have an attorney who understands and is equipped to address the unique federal legal issues that may arise in the division of certain assets.
Domestic Partnerships:
The Domestic Partnership Act was signed into law on January 12, 2004 and became effective July 10, 2004. However, since the passing of the Civil Union Act, same-sex partners under the age of 62 may no longer enter into domestic partnerships; they may only enter into Civil Unions. Domestic partnerships for couples who have not registered as civil union partners continue to exist and are recognized.
Although individuals who have entered into a domestic partnership have rights and obligations that may be more limited than those of individuals who have entered into a civil union, the attorneys at Jerner & Palmer, P.C. are well-versed in the provisions of the Domestic Partnership Act that may allow for the division of property and support.
Civil Unions:
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. However, because recognition of civil unions and same-sex marriages by the Federal Government is limited by the Federal Defense of Marriage Act, it is important to have an attorney who understands and is equipped to address the unique federal legal issues that may arise in the division of certain assets.
For more information call us at (215)843-6000 or at (856)817-6030 or fill out our Contact Form.
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