Materese Family Law

10/14/2026

10/13/2026

Taxes and divorce are not a DIY pairing. Your filing status can affect your tax bill, refund, and broader divorce strategy.

Bring tax-specific questions to a qualified CPA or tax professional—and speak with your family-law attorney about how the options available to you fit into your legal strategy. The strongest plan often involves both.

10/12/2026

If a wedding is called off, one of the first questions people ask is: who keeps the ring?

In Pennsylvania, an engagement ring is generally considered a conditional gift. That means it’s given with the expectation that a marriage will happen. If the wedding doesn’t take place, the ring usually should be returned.

In simple terms: the ring is tied to the marriage actually happening — not just the engagement.

Of course, real-life situations can come with extra details, but the general rule is pretty straightforward: no wedding, no ring.

10/11/2026

Abuse doesn’t always leave visible marks.

During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we’re shedding light on a form of abuse that often goes unrecognized: financial abuse.

Controlling access to money, withholding financial information, sabotaging employment, or creating financial dependence can all be ways of maintaining power and control in a relationship.

And the consequences can be significant. Financial abuse can make it incredibly difficult for someone to leave an unhealthy or abusive relationship, even when they want to.

Financial abuse isn’t simply about money. It’s about control, dependence, and the inability to make choices.

Recognizing the warning signs is an important first step.

Swipe through to learn what financial abuse can look like and why it matters.

If you or someone you know needs support, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available at 800-799-SAFE (7233) or thehotline.org.

10/11/2026

“We’re staying together for the kids.”

It’s something many parents say with the very best intentions. But what if staying together isn’t always what’s best for them?

Research suggests that children raised in chronically high-conflict households may actually experience better long-term outcomes when their parents separate, particularly when that separation reduces their exposure to ongoing tension and hostility.

And the research goes beyond children. Studies have also found that adults leaving deeply troubled marriages may experience greater life satisfaction and emotional well-being over time.

Of course, divorce isn’t automatically the healthier choice. And separation doesn’t magically eliminate conflict.

But it does challenge an assumption that weighs heavily on so many parents: that ending a marriage necessarily means harming their children.

Sometimes, restructuring a family creates the opportunity for something better. Less conflict. Greater stability. More emotionally available parents. A healthier environment in which children can grow.

Perhaps the question isn’t simply whether divorce is bad for children, but whether the family environment they’re living in today is helping them thrive.

Because a family doesn’t have to stay together in the same home to be a healthy family.

Research sources are cited throughout. Findings are not universal, and individual family circumstances matter.

10/09/2026

The fourth quarter already comes with enough lists. Going through a divorce adds a few more important ones.

Before year-end, take a thoughtful look at bonuses, benefits elections, tax questions, retirement contributions, holiday spending and any financial changes expected in January.

Fourth-quarter planning is not about predicting every turn. It is about avoiding preventable surprises—and giving your legal, financial and tax professionals time to plan with you.

The calendar is not a strategy, but it does create deadlines. Start the conversations early.

10/08/2026

Legal custody and physical custody answer two different questions: Who makes important decisions—and how is parenting time arranged? Understanding both matters when building a plan that works for your family.

10/08/2026

When you’re in the middle of a divorce or custody case, it’s easy for your mind to rehearse every worst-case scenario.

Preparing for difficult possibilities matters. But so does leaving room for a different question:

What’s the best that can happen?

Maybe it’s a calmer home. A parenting arrangement that works better for your children. Financial independence. Greater confidence. Or simply the freedom to build a life that feels more peaceful and authentically yours.

This isn’t about pretending the process is easy or ignoring what could go wrong. It’s about remembering that a hard chapter can still lead somewhere better.

Plan carefully. Protect what matters. But make room for hope, too.

10/08/2026

A move is more than a new address. It can change school mornings, parenting schedules, and a child’s time with each parent.

A short distance can have a significant impact. A longer distance doesn’t tell the whole story.

When considering relocation, look beyond the map to what the move would mean for your child’s everyday life.

10/07/2026

Your consultation is a starting point—not a test. You don’t need every document or every answer. Bring what you know, what matters most to you, and your questions. We’ll help you make sense of the rest. 🤍

Save this checklist for when you’re ready to prepare.