Wolfe, Rice & Quinn, LLC Wolfe Rice & Quinn, LLC2026-06-06T02:27:10Zhttps://www.wolfeandrice.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1201121/2019/12/cropped-512-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Wolfe, Rice & Quinn, LLC<![CDATA[What if family members can’t find a will?]]>https://www.wolfeandrice.com/?p=496962026-06-06T02:27:10Z2026-06-06T02:27:10ZContact the decedent’s attorney
Even if there is no will included in an individual's personal documents, their attorney might have the document. They might also be aware that the testator previously revoked a prior version of their will. The information that they have can help families locate documents or move forward with estate administration without the will.
Initiate probate proceedings
Once people have validated that no will exists by checking the decedent’s home and belongings and contacting any attorney they worked with while alive, surviving family members can initiate intestate probate proceedings.
They will need to affirm the absence of a will in court. Then the distribution of property follows intestate succession law. When there is no will, spouses, children and other immediate family members typically inherit everything from the estate.
Those expecting to inherit from an estate or assist with administering it may need guidance when there are unexpected issues that arise, such as the inability to find a will. Getting experienced legal guidance can help people ensure that they fulfill all of their legal obligations, regardless of whether or not there is a will to guide the process.]]>On Behalf of Wolfe, Rice & Quinn, LLC<![CDATA[What people get wrong about credit card debt during divorce]]>https://www.wolfeandrice.com/?p=496942026-05-21T19:49:46Z2026-05-21T19:49:46ZThe name on the account isn't the main concern
When the courts identify separate and marital assets and debts, ownership records are not the most important element for them to consider. Instead, when people took on debt or acquired property is often the deciding factor.
Regardless of whose name is on a particular credit card account, both spouses may technically be responsible for debts incurred during the marital relationship. There are exceptions in cases where there is evidence that one spouse made an attempt to hide the debt from the other or engaged in other forms of financial misconduct, such as dissipation.
Incurring large amounts of debt as a means of diminishing the marital estate and inappropriately altering property division proceedings could change what the courts view as reasonable and just when dividing marital debts. Most other credit card balances may influence property division outcomes.
Those concerned about credit card balances and financial obligations during divorce may need to review recent financial records with their legal representative. Understanding what laws apply during property division proceedings can help spouses avoid credit blemishes and an unsustainable personal budget after divorce.]]>On Behalf of Wolfe, Rice & Quinn, LLC<![CDATA[What must the state prove to secure a DUI conviction?]]>https://www.wolfeandrice.com/?p=496932026-05-06T12:56:37Z2026-05-06T12:56:37ZMotorists in Pennsylvania may face driving under the influence (DUI) charges due to traffic stops or collisions. Those accused of DUI offenses often want to avoid convictions whenever possible to retain their driving licenses, ensure they can pass background checks and avoid the numerous criminal penalties that the courts could impose.
A successful defense requires an understanding of what the state must establish to secure a conviction. What evidence is necessary for a prosecutor to secure a DUI conviction when a defendant asserts their innocence?
Proof of control over a vehicle
To face a DUI charge, an individual must be in actual physical control of a vehicle. Typically, that means they must be present in the vehicle with the keys or electronic device necessary to start the vehicle. Police officers do not necessarily need to catch someone on the road in motion or even with the engine running to justify a DUI arrest.
Proof of impairment or elevated alcohol levels
Some people face DUI charges because police officers follow them while they swerve all over the road or people call to report concerns about their conduct in traffic. Others face charges because they cause crashes.If there is evidence ofdiminished driving capability, that can be grounds for prosecution. The state can also bring DUI charges when people have blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) above the legal limit, even if there is no evidence of actual impaired capabilities.Those facing DUI charges may need help reviewing the state's evidence and exploring different possible defense strategies. Understanding what the state must prove to secure a conviction can help people evaluate different options for fightingPennsylvania DUI charges.]]>On Behalf of Wolfe, Rice & Quinn, LLC<![CDATA[Does getting married at 32 reduce divorce odds?]]>https://www.wolfeandrice.com/?p=496912026-04-21T17:19:21Z2026-04-21T17:19:21ZHave you ever heard someone say that a young couple should wait a little bit longer to get married? Or perhaps you have heard people talk about how getting married at 32 is the ideal age. The average marriage age in the United States has gotten older over the years, so more and more people are getting married in their 30s.Some research does suggest that a marriage at 32 has the lowest odds of divorce. For every year prior, the divorce odds go up by 11%. For every year after 32, those odds go up by 5%. So if someone is just looking for marital stability, 32 may be the ideal age to get married.
Why does this happen?
There are many different things that contribute to these divorce rates. For instance, a couple in their early 20s may still be in college, so they do not have a stable career. It is hard for them to support themselves if they get married so young, whereas a couple in their early 30s has far more financial security, which can provide stability to the marriage.For older marriages, part of the issue is that second or third marriages tend to have higher divorce rates than first marriages. Some of the couples getting married in their 30s and 40s are in subsequent relationships, which are statistically more likely to lead to divorce. This pushes up the divorce rates for the overall age group.
Your rights during a divorce
While 32 may be the ideal age according to these studies, divorce can happen to couples who get married at any age. If you find yourself in this position, it is important to understand your legal rights when it comes to property division, child custody and more.
]]>On Behalf of Wolfe, Rice & Quinn, LLC<![CDATA[Early planning can help smooth child custody over the summer]]>https://www.wolfeandrice.com/?p=496902026-04-21T02:12:19Z2026-04-21T02:12:19Zseeking permission if you wish to take the children out of the state or country, such as to visit family or take a vacation. However, that’s not all you need to consider.
Who pays for childcare and summer activities?
If both of you are working, you might need to pay someone to take care of your kids for part of the day. This can soon add up, so it is important to be clear on who pays for it, or how you share the cost. Many parents choose to enroll their kids in summer camp or other programs to keep them entertained and free them as parents to work or do other things.
While this can sometimes work out cheaper than paying someone to exclusively mind your kids, there is still a cost. The timing might not fit perfectly with your work hours or other things you need to do, either. Therefore, you and your co-parent might need to share dropping off and picking up the kids, even on days you are not scheduled to have them.
The best time to think about how you will handle summer parenting is when you are making your custody schedule and parenting plan. Over time, you may find that you need to alter it, or that you reach a point where you and your co-parent have a good enough relationship to just be flexible with it for the benefit of your children. Either way, legal guidance is important to codifying an arrangement.]]>On Behalf of Wolfe, Rice & Quinn, LLC<![CDATA[Estate disputes do not always involve high-value assets]]>https://www.wolfeandrice.com/?p=496832026-03-23T20:33:49Z2026-03-23T20:33:49ZEstate disputes can be very difficult for family members, sometimes creating permanent conflicts. This is one of the reasons why estate planning itself is so important. The odds of a dispute increase significantly if there is not a plan in place to give guidance to the family.Even with an estate plan, though, disputes can arise, and they sometimes involve significant financial assets. High-value assets that may be included in an estate dispute include real estate, business ownership, life insurance policies and other financial assets.That being said, it is also important to consider family heirlooms, which have sentimental value to children, grandchildren, surviving spouses and other beneficiaries. These assets may not have much financial value, but that can actually make the dispute more complex to resolve.
Finding an acceptable solution
The problem with family heirlooms is that one of the easiest ways to resolve an estate dispute is to simply split the asset between multiple beneficiaries. If two siblings are fighting over who should get the family home, for example, the home could be sold and the proceeds could be split between them.But many family heirlooms do not have much inherent financial value, so selling them does not provide a satisfactory resolution. Not only is there very little money to divide if the items are sold, but the beneficiaries in question were not interested in the financial value to begin with. They value these specific items because of their memories and the connection to their family, so dividing ownership — especially if there is not an estate plan — can be very complex.At times like this, it is important for all family members to understand exactly what legal steps they can take and what options they have.
]]>On Behalf of Wolfe, Rice & Quinn, LLC<![CDATA[Can a parent who shares custody take the children out of state?]]>https://www.wolfeandrice.com/?p=496822026-03-04T19:56:26Z2026-03-04T19:56:26ZSpring break, summer vacation and even the winter holidays are times when families travel together. They may take trips to campgrounds or amusement parks. They may visit national monuments or family members. Sometimes, parents may even plan road trips over long weekends when the children don’t have class on Mondays or Fridays.
When parents have divorced or separated and now share custody, travel can become a source of conflict. Generally speaking, parents who share physical custody or parenting time also typically share legal custody or the authority to make decisions about the children. Can parents who share custody travel out of Pennsylvania with their children?
Pre-approval for travel is sometimes necessary
Every custody order contains unique terms set by a judge or negotiated by the parents. Restrictions on travel are common. Some parents include custody provisions requiring that they receive advance notice of any out-of-state travel. Without such limitations in a custody order, either parent could potentially take the children to Virginia or New Jersey during their parenting time. In cases where the travel plans require an adjustment of the current custody schedule, communication with the other parent and their prior approval may be necessary. If there is a dispute about the appropriateness of travel or a rescheduling request, parents may need to go back to family court to modify or enforce the existing custody order. Reviewing the existing custody order can help parents as they plan vacation travels or respond to a scheduling adjustment request. Out-of-state travel is frequently a gray area and could be a source of contention if parents do not address the issue in their custody order.]]>On Behalf of Wolfe, Rice & Quinn, LLC<![CDATA[Are simple theft charges ever felonies in Pennsylvania?]]>https://www.wolfeandrice.com/?p=496812026-02-19T19:09:02Z2026-02-19T19:09:02ZSome charges are always misdemeanors or felonies. Murder is a felony offense, while possession of small amounts of marijuana is usually a misdemeanor. Other crimes are technically “wobbler” offenses.
Prosecutors can pursue either felony or misdemeanor charges against the defendant, depending on the circumstances. People often assume that theft offenses that do not involve violence or the use of a weapon are misdemeanors, but that is not always true. There are certain scenarios in which theft or even shoplifting can lead to felony charges. What factors increase the severity of Pennsylvania theft charges?
The value of the property
Anyone who steals more than $2,000 in cash or property is likely to face felony charges. In retail theft or shoplifting scenarios, the state can potentially pursue felony charges when the total value of the stolen items reaches $1,000.
The theft of certain property
State statutes identify certain types of property that always warrant felony prosecution, regardless of the fair market value of those assets. The theft of a vehicle, including a car, motorcycle or boat, is a felony regardless of the value of the vehicle or vessel. The theft of a firearm is also always a felony crime under current Pennsylvania statutes. As a closing note, in cases involving retail theft in particular, third and subsequent offenses are felonies, regardless of the type of property or the value of the merchandise. Individuals facing either misdemeanor or felony theft charges often need help responding to avoid a conviction or minimize the penalties imposed by the state. Consulting with a criminal defense attorney can be beneficial for those who hope to fight their charges.]]>On Behalf of Wolfe, Rice & Quinn, LLC<![CDATA[What are the requirements for an uncontested divorce?]]>https://www.wolfeandrice.com/?p=496782026-02-11T04:05:15Z2026-02-11T04:05:15ZSettling matters in advance is key
The primary difference between an uncontested divorce and a litigated divorce is that the spouses have already resolved their disputes when a judge reviews the case. Spouses may need to sit down with one another to negotiate or they may ask their lawyers to handle direct negotiations because tension levels are high. In either scenario, the spouses need to settle matters related to things like property division and child custody on their own.
If they reach an agreement, then they can proceed with an uncontested divorce. Choosing not to litigate can limit the damage the divorce causes to a co-parenting relationship. It also gives spouses more control over the terms set. Otherwise, they must defer to a judge’s ruling on parenting matters and property division decisions.
The control and calmness of an uncontested divorce can be beneficial, especially for those with children or assets that require special consideration. Getting experienced legal guidance can help people determine whether an uncontested divorce is the right option for them.]]>On Behalf of Wolfe, Rice & Quinn, LLC<![CDATA[5 crucial steps to consider before administering your estate]]>https://www.wolfeandrice.com/?p=496772026-01-28T14:11:22Z2026-01-28T14:11:22ZAdministering an estate can feel overwhelming, especially when it involves financial duties, family expectations and court requirements. Many people step into this role during a difficult time while still grieving a loss.
Understanding the estate administration process early can reduce stress and prevent costly mistakes. Knowing what to expect allows you to move forward with clarity and responsibility.
1. Understand your role and authority
Before taking any action, confirm that you have been formally appointed to manage the estate. Court approval gives you legal authority to act on behalf of the estate, and without this approval, banks and institutions may refuse to release information or assets.
2. Gather and secure all estate assets
One of your first responsibilities is locating and securing all assets owned by the deceased, like bank accounts, property investments and personal belongings. Creating a clear inventory helps ensure nothing is overlooked and provides transparency for beneficiaries and the court.
3. Identify and notify creditors
Outstanding debts must be addressed before assets are distributed since creditors often have specific time limits to submit claims. Proper notification allows valid debts to be paid while preventing future disputes. Paying debts in the correct order is essential to meet state requirements.Estate administration also often involves filing final income tax returns and possibly estate tax returns, and missing deadlines or filing incorrectly can create penalties. Understanding these obligations early helps avoid unnecessary complications and ensures compliance with tax authorities.
4. Communicate clearly with beneficiaries
Open and consistent communication helps manage expectations and reduce conflict. Beneficiaries often want updates about timelines and distributions. Providing clear information builds trust and can prevent misunderstandings that delay the process.Also, estate administration is rarely immediate, and court procedures, creditor deadlines and asset transfers take time. During the process, setting realistic expectations helps you stay organized and patient throughout the process.
5. Moving forward with confidence
Administering an estate carries significant responsibility, and taking time to prepare can protect the estate and honor the wishes of the deceased. Seeking reliable legal guidance before making major decisions can provide clarity and support as you move through each step.]]>