Carla Donnelly 
Divorce attorneys see an uptick in new client calls come January each year. Some bide their time in order to get through the holidays for the sake of the children. For other, the stress of the holidays can cause the straw the breaks the camel’s back. Many, however, see a new year as time to … Read more
Divorce and custody issues can make Christmas and other holidays stressful for parents. Children are very perceptive and will feel your stress. Here are some ways to lower your stress and survive the holidays: Focus on new traditions. Christmas will never be the same as it was when you were married. Maybe that is a … Read more
While no two divorces are alike, high net worth divorces often have complex financial issues that require specific expertise. Think about it, if you had a parent who thought they had cataracts, you would not suggest they go see their internist. A neighborhood ophthalmologist that treats all sorts of eye diseases would be better. However, a doctor … Read more
The earliest stages of a separation and divorce are usually the most stressful, and clear-headed decision-making often takes a back seat to an urgent desire to get it all over with quickly. As a result, many people end up with the wrong lawyer. The selection of a divorce attorney is crucial not only to the … Read more
Divorce is distressing, so it may seem odd to think about being thankful. However, representing parties in divorces for so many years, I have witnessed a tremendous amount of gratitude. Here are some reasons to be thankful: Your support system. I never cease to be amazed by the support systems many clients rely upon during … Read more
Not surprisingly, the initial answer is “it depends.” The most important factor in answering the question about how long your divorce will take is whether and to what extent you and your spouse agree not only to how quickly you want the divorce to be finalized but also whether you agree to the terms of … Read more
It’s almost bonus season so it is a good time to talk about how they may factor into your divorce. A former client, we will call her “Victoria,” earned about $200,000 the year before her separation. Her base salary was about $115,000 and $85,000 was a performance bonus. She received papers that her husband was … Read more
Halloween has always been a special holiday for children and parents enjoy reliving it through their eyes. However, divorce can put a damper on things if the parents do not plan ahead and work together. Here are some tips to help things go more smoothly: Decide who is doing what for the costumes. It is … Read more
Is mediation right for my divorce? When I practiced family law in Atlanta, Georgia, the court required parties to mediate issues before a judge would hear them. That is not the case here in Western Pennsylvania other than for custody issues in Allegheny County, which are handled without the lawyers present. That said, parties can always … Read more
Custody cases can be contentious, expensive and painful for all involved. Parents are often flooded with stories of their cousin’s neighbor’s best friend three states away. Indeed, well-meaning acquaintances and coworkers love to “help” but that help is usually in the form of misinformation. While every case is different, there are certain myths that are … Read more