Archive for the ‘Richard Konkel’ Category

Dogs are one of the most common and beloved pets across the United States and the entire world. Many couples decide to purchase a furry friend together while their relationship progresses. Though it may seem that nothing could go wrong, that isn’t always the case. If the couple splits up, where does the dog go? Though many people view their dog as their child, the courts in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania do not. In Pennsylvania, dogs are regarded as personal property[1], not something that a couple has a right to share equally. Though we sometimes believe our pets to be… read more »

Join us in-person for this Leadership Luncheon presented at the York County Economic Alliance. This seminar will provide a basic overview of Family Law topics, including divorce, child custody, and support. There will also be a review of different court procedures that parties go through when the parties cannot reach an agreement on these issues. Family Law Attorneys Richard Konkel and Tom O’Shea will be presenting this seminar. Richard has 25 years of Family Law experience and Tom has 30 years and is the Chair of the Family Law Department.Registration & Lunch at 11:45 a.m.Program begins at 12:00 p.m.Register now to… read more »

Contemplating Divorce: The Initial Consultation Many people predict that the aftereffect of the pandemic will be a baby boom, an increase in divorces, or a combination of the two.  Typically there is an increase in the number of divorces after summer break or the holidays because these are periods of time when people spend much time together, which causes them to critically reevaluate their relationships.   As people are sheltering at home during COVID-19, many couples are similarly reflecting on their relationships and deciding to make changes. If contemplating the life-changing events of a divorce, it is wise to seek legal… read more »

Article by: Richard K. Konkel, Esquire Potential clients usually contemplate on whether to move forward with a divorce for an extended period time. They think long and hard about this very difficult decision. Along the way, they may be offered information or advice from friends and family which may or may not be accurate or useful. Beware of free information! You usually get what you pay for, and free advice is often not worth much. If contemplating the life-changing events of a divorce, it is wise to seek legal counsel. Your first interaction when calling an attorney’s office will be… read more »

Article by: Richard K. Konkel What happens if you don’t remove your ex spouse from your life insurance policy following divorce? You may be surprised to learn that how you got the life insurance policy makes an enormous difference. Pennsylvania estate law provides that divorce automatically nullifies the designation of an ex spouse as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy. Only if the parties’ settlement agreement or a court order clearly provides that the ex spouse shall continue as the beneficiary can an ex spouse remain entitled to a life insurance benefits designation signed before the divorce. Thus, when… read more »

Article by: Richard K. Konkel Pennsylvania’s support guidelines establish the amount of child support owed by one parent to the other. A parent is entitled to receive child support if he or she has physical custody of the child for more overnights than the other parent does. Where parents share physical custody equally, the parent who earns more money owes the other parent a decreased amount of child support. The amount of child support is calculated from the parties’ combined total net income. The Pennsylvania support guidelines include a specific dollar amount, called the “basic support obligation,” for each child… read more »