When a couple marries, it is not with the expectation a divorce would be in their future. Taking the sacred vows “till death do us part” does not lead one to believe that someday things just may not work out as planned. Unfortunately, this does happen, which is why Michael Kuldiner, Esq., suggests people take some time before they get married to consider the possibility that “forever” doesn’t always last.
Although not very romantic, “I recommend all parties get a prenuptial agreement,” he says. “You should spell out what is going to happen if you do split up one day. How are you going to split up personal items, which at the time seem insignificant but are extremely important when you realize you may lose them? What about the pets you and your spouse have together? Once you have children, you’ve got to decide who’s going to pay for the children’s future education. It is extremely important to decide who is going to have certain responsibilities or ownership of certain items.”
Michael is the founder of The Law Offices of Michael Kuldiner P.C., which is a full-service law firm equipped to handle a wide range of complex legal issues. He has been educating clients for more than 11 years about the issues and, yes, complications they may face resulting from a divorce. Michael started his Feasterville-based practice directly after graduating from the New England School of Law in Boston, where he completed his law degree in only two and a half years, making him one of the youngest lawyers admitted to the bar in Pennsylvania.
“I just wanted to get out there and start helping people,” he says. “I had the opportunity to do so, so I took extra classes as necessary.” Michael extends the same determination and initiative to his practice, where he strives to obtain the best possible outcome for his clients. “Having my own practice means more responsibility, but it also means I am able to better cater to the needs of my clients.”
Because a first-time divorce is obviously not an event that people have experience with, Michael says there are a few misconceptions regarding the process. Along with the fact that child custody, child support, alimony and marital settlement agreements are often overlooked, people often believe their spouse can be responsible for their legal fees. “It’s a possibility, but it’s a rare occurrence that a spouse will pay for their partner’s legal fees,” he notes. “Unless a judge or court order says otherwise, everyone pays their own way in court.”
Another mistaken belief people have is that when a divorce is settled, everything is divided evenly. That’s not necessarily the case, especially if the spouses do not have equal incomes, he states. “Equitable distribution does not necessarily mean equal,” he says. “There are a lot of other factors that get taken into consideration, especially if there is a disparity in income. If a spouse makes $100,000 and another makes $30,000, rest assured, there will not be a 50/50 split of all the parties’ assets.”
Although divorce can be complicated, Michael says educating his clients about the process is integral. This way, they can assist in the decision-making process. Clients rightfully want to have some control over a situation that can often seem they have no control over. This is a new life they are beginning; they want to feel their future is not simply decided for them by the law. “Since it’s their life, it’s their case,” he says. “When we go to negotiations, the client has a lot of decision-making power should they want it. My clients have a lot of input as to how they want to settle, if settling is a possibility. It’s their money, but if I can give them peace of mind, then that is priceless.”
Michael also tries to make the divorce process go as quickly and smoothly as possible, so as to get his clients back into a productive lifestyle. “Time is a huge factor in this process, but sometimes people are willing to give up more than the court would require them to do so just so they can end the matter,” he says. Although Michael makes every attempt to resolve each client’s case as quickly as possible, as with every important decision in life, going through a divorce requires well-thought-out decisions. This is why education is crucial. With cases that involve children, Michael knows that time is especially of the essence. “When there are kids involved, we want the parties to co-parent in the least stressful environment as possible. In these situations, the longer parents go through the [divorce] process, the less likely that’s going to happen.” Different aspects of a divorce require distinctive approaches, and Michael makes sure that his clients understand what they entail.
It has been reported that 50 percent of all marriages end in divorce. While that figure cannot be definitively proven, one fact is indisputable: Divorce can be a long and difficult process; but, with a skilled counselor such as Michael Kuldiner by one’s side, a client won’t have to wonder if life will ever have a sense of normality again. He’ll help make sure that it does.
The Law Offices of Michael Kuldiner P.C.
215-942-2100
www.bucksfamilyesquire.com
44 E. Court Street, 2nd Floor
Doylestown, PA 18901
922 Bustleton Pike
Feasterville, PA 19053
Photograph by Allure West Studios
