Goldman Law Offices

08/11/2023

How is Premarital Property Distributed at Time of Divorce?

It is common for one party to own a house before marriage, that house is considered a pre-marital asset. The owner of the house will retain ownership after the divorce. However, the party who owns the house will not have the benefit of 100% of the increase in value during the period of the marriage. It is often thought that any increase in value in the property will be divided equally between the parties. For instance, if a house is worth $100,000.00 at the time of marriage and $200,000.00 at the time of divorce, then the parties will split $100,000.00 which represents the increase in value of the property. The reality is a bit more complicated.

The controlling factor in determining the marital portion of a premarital asset is the amount of equity in the property. Of course, the value of the property helps determine how much equity there is, but any mortgage or other encumbrance on the property must also be considered. In determining the value of the marital estate, the Court will determine the amount of equity in the property at the time of marriage and the amount of equity at the time of divorce. While it sounds simple, it can be complicated by the fact that couples borrow against the value of a property, and while the total value is likely to increase, it is possible that the equity will decrease. Inevitably the owner of the property thinks he or she is entitled to retain the entire value of the increase in equity. This is simply not the case in the absence of a prenuptial agreement.

CONTACT OUR OFFICE

To arrange an appointment with an experienced Divorce attorney, contact us online or call us at 215-348-2605.

07/27/2023

Inheritance Protection During Divorce: Essential Tips

Going through a divorce is never easy, especially when it involves dividing marital assets. One crucial question that arises is the treatment of gifts and inheritances as marital property. In this guide, we’ll delve into the implications of inheritance in divorce proceedings and provide valuable insights on safeguarding your inheritance during this challenging period.

Understanding Inheritance and Divorce:

Under the divorce code, “marital property does not include…property acquired by gift, except between spouses, bequest, devise or descent” (23 Pa.C.S. 3501(a)(3)). This categorizes gifts and inheritances received during the marriage as non-marital property, exempt from equitable distribution.

The Impact of Commingling Funds:

However, there’s a crucial aspect to consider. Commingling of funds can blur the distinction between separate and marital assets (Verholek v. Verholek, 741 A.2d 792 (Pa. Super., 1999)). Depositing non-marital funds into shared accounts can create challenges in distinguishing between the two (Roher v. Roher, 175 A.2d 463 (Pa. Super., 1998)).

Preserving Your Inheritance:

To safeguard your inheritance during divorce proceedings, follow these essential steps:

Maintain Separate Accounts: Open and maintain a dedicated bank account solely for your gift or inheritance funds.

Transparent Transactions: If you need to use the non-marital funds for joint expenses, transfer specific amounts to the marital account, keeping meticulous records.

Document Everything: Preserve all relevant documents, including receipts and statements, to demonstrate the purpose of the inherited money.

Seek Legal Guidance: Consult an experienced family law attorney to receive personalized advice for your unique situation.

Gifts and inheritances are generally considered non-marital property, but commingling funds can complicate matters during divorce. Protect your inheritance by keeping it separate and documenting its usage. Seeking legal advice will help you navigate the process with confidence. Act now to secure your non-marital assets for the future.

CONTACT OUR OFFICE

To arrange an appointment with an experienced Divorce attorney, contact us online or call us at 215-348-2605.

06/13/2023

Summer 2023 “revenge travel” will have more cars on PA roadways

You have likely heard the term revenge travel by now. Many people are feeling a returned sense of normalcy and, as a result, are planning more trips to get “revenge” for being limited by pandemic travel restrictions for several years. If you have priced out flights anytime recently, you know that demand for both international and domestic destinations is soaring, as are airline ticket prices. The rising cost of air travel has many Americans opting for good old-fashioned road-trips instead.

According to AAA, as many as 97% of summer trips have been by car post-pandemic shut downs. That figure is an increase from about 87% in pre-pandemic years.

With the school year ending for many in just a few days, summer travel season will be in full swing with many families heading out for their vacations. Whether travelers are racing to the airport to catch their flights, piling into the car for a trip down the shore, or hitting the highway for a multi-state adventure, summertime often leads to more road congestion. More drivers on the road means more potential for car crashes and resulting injuries.

If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a careless driver, please reach out to our experienced team of attorneys today for a free consultation.

You have likely heard the term revenge travel by now. Many people are feeling a returned sense of normalcy and, as a result, are planning more trips to get “revenge” for being limited by pandemic travel restrictions for several years. If you have priced out flights anytime recently, you know tha...

04/04/2023

Goldman Law Offices is pleased to announce that Tyler P. Hereth, Esquire has joined the law firm on February 27, 2023, as an attorney in the Criminal Law department.

Prior to joining Goldman Law Offices, Tyler served as an attorney with the Defender Association of Philadelphia for 7 years, where he represented thousands of clients facing criminal charges in the Philadelphia Municipal Court and Court of Common Pleas.

Tyler is an alumnus of the Thomas R. Kline School of Law, at Drexel University, where he earned his J.D. in 2015. Prior to law school, Tyler completed his undergraduate work at the University of Maryland, then enlisted in the United States Army, and earned a commission as an Armor Officer. Tyler deployed to Kirkuk Province, Iraq, with the 1st Cavalry Division and led over 100 combat patrols as a Heavy Armored Reconnaissance Platoon Leader in the Rashaad Valley in 2009.

Tyler is “A Veteran for All Veterans” and is committed to achieving appropriate dispositions in the criminal cases of veterans that reflect the incredible sacrifices these men and women have made while honorably serving our country.

Tyler is quoted as saying, “I’m excited for the opportunity to work closely with fellow Veterans and help them navigate the many challenges and roadblocks our veterans’ community faces upon returning to civilian life. It was the honor of my life to lead Soldiers in combat, and it’s my honor to serve them as an advocate and ally.”

It is a perfect fit, as Goldman Law Offices is inspired by its founder, William L. Goldman, Sr., a United States Navy Lt. Commander who honorably served our nation in World War II.
Goldman Law Offices is honored to partner with organizations and veterans within our community. Goldman Law Offices has been here since 1951 and is here for you now.

Tyler is an alumnus of the Thomas R. Kline School of Law, at Drexel University, where he earned a J.D. in 2015, as well as University of Maryland, College Park, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy in 2006. Tyler also served as Captain of the back-to-back ACC Champion University of Ma...

03/24/2023

BUCKS COUNTY IS HOME TO SOME OF PENNSYLVANIA’S DEADLIEST ROADS

Bucks County is a beautiful place to call home, but its dense population can also make it a dangerous place to drive.

In fact, two Bucks County routes recently made headlines as some of the deadliest in the Commonwealth. Bristol Pike from Levittown Parkway to Beaver Street and Street Road from High Avenue to Central Avenue recorded the 4th and 7th highest instances of fatal accidents of all roads in Pennsylvania.

Just a short distance from our offices in the heart of Doylestown is the Route 202 bypass. Fortunately, our local road did not make the list of deadliest roads, but as any Doylestown local knows, it is routinely the cite of motor vehicle crashes. In fact, just yesterday the Doylestown Township Police responded to a two vehicle crash just minutes from our office. The bypass offers unique challenges for inexperienced or inattentive drivers. The meandering lanes with many turns and hills invite head on crashes. Additionally, the pedestrian and bicycle path running parallel to the bypass adds another dangerous element to the equation, bringing often distracted motorists into close proximity to pedestrians and bicyclists.

If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a careless driver, please reach out to our experienced team of attorneys today for a free consultation.

02/28/2023

Cyclists Face Unique Dangers and Severe Damages

Recently, in Goodyear, Arizona, more than a dozen cyclists were injured, with two dying from their injuries, as a result of a truck crashing into the cyclists.

With the change of seasons and the desire to get out of the house, many will begin to enjoy riding their bicycles and motorcycles. Unfortunately, like in the case below, many cycling accidents will result because of the negligence of other motorists, a poorly maintained roadway, an uncontrolled pet, or a pedestrian. According to the National Highway Transportation Association, approximately 55,000 cyclists are injured in the United States each year in reported accidents. In fact, from 2013-2018, the Federal Highway Association reported approximately 4,000 cycling deaths. Cyclists who suffer severe injuries require proper legal representation to ensure proper compensation. The Goldman Law Office has extensive experience aggressively pursuing the rights of cyclists. Please contact us and we would be happy to discuss your matter further.

2 bicyclists are dead and 11 are injured after a pickup truck crashed into a group on Cotton Lane Bridge in Goodyear on Feb. 25.

02/09/2023

The Dangers of Tractor-Trailers

Anybody who has driven on the highway knows the inherent dangers posed by tractor-trailers. They are massive, imposing, and unfortunately at times not properly operated and/or maintained. Accordingly, if you are involved in an accident with a tractor-trailer, it is very likely you will suffer serious personal injuries and property damage. It is important that you immediately contact us to begin defending your rights and interests. Prompt representation is needed to ensure that the truck’s black boxes and/or dash cams are properly recorded and that all other relevant evidence such as logbooks, maintenance records, and truck inspections are properly preserved. Without legal representation, insurance companies will not adequately compensate you for your injuries and will only seek to protect the interests of their insured. Here at Goldman Law Offices, we have extensive experience with representing individuals with serious injuries caused by negligent tractor-trailer operators and companies. Please contact us to discuss your case and allow us to properly handle your claim.

02/03/2023

Stop for School Buses or Smile for the Camera

We all know the rule: stop for school buses with flashing lights and an extended stop sign. And yet, every day drivers choose to disregard giant yellow buses with flashing lights and extended stop signs, putting our community’s children at risk. If protecting children was not reason enough to follow these basic safety rules, school buses across the state are now equipped with cameras to catch drivers who do not stop for school buses. Should you choose to speed by the flashing lights and extended stop sign, endangering children in the process, be prepared to smile for the camera and face a $300 fine.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a motorist who does not follow the school bus safety rules, we are here to help you. Please reach out today to speak with one of our experienced and dedicated attorneys.