New Credit Rules – Household Income No Longer Counts

This week I learned about a recent change in the law that will affect divorcing couples’ credit and their ability to move forward financially.  In a nutshell, as of October 1, 2011, instead of household income, only individual income will be considered for establishing credit.  This means that a stay at home mom is going…

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The DROP (Deferred Retirement Option Plan) Loophole

We’ve all been hearing about the DROP controversy in Philadelphia.  (It’s happening in New Jersey as well.)  Well, what is it and what’s the latest?  DROP stands for Deferred Retirement Option Plan.  What it has turned into is a loophole for city employees.   According to the Cabrini College Locquitor, “Elected officials are con­sidered city employees…

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What is Divorce Mediation?

Divorce mediation is an alternative process for getting divorced rather than hiring attorneys and fighting in court.  Traditionally a divorcing couple would each hire an attorney, file a Divorce Complaint at the local courthouse, and the battle would begin.  This battle could take years and cost thousands of dollars, however, when a couple chooses divorce…

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Calculating Alimony in New Jersey and Pennsylvania

There are significant differences and similarities in the law on alimony in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The law in New Jersey is more presumptive of an award of alimony than it is in Pennsylvania.  The court in New Jersey is more likely to equitably distribute the parties’ property equally and then order a more generous…

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