HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-0708IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
KAREN L. FICKES,
Plaintiff
V.
Cw-,l e m
SCOTT E. FICKES,
Defendant
No. 08 - 708
IN DIVORCE
NOTICE TO DEFEND AND CLAIM RIGHTS
YOU HAVE BEEN SUED IN COURT. If you wish to defend against the
claims set forth in the following pages, you must take prompt action.
You are warned that if you fail to do so, the case may proceed without you and a
decree of divorce or annulment may be entered against you by the Court. A judgment
may also be entered against you for any other claim or relief requested in these papers
by the Plaintiff. You may lose money or property or other rights important to you,
including custody or visitation of your children.
When the ground for divorce is indignities or irretrievable breakdown of the
marriage, you may request marriage counseling. A list of marriage counselors is
available in the Office of the Prothonotary, Cumberland County Courthouse, One
Courthouse Square, Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
IF YOU DO NOT FILE A CLAIM FOR ALIMONY, DIVISION OF
PROPERTY, LAWYER'S FEES OR EXPENSES BEFORE A DIVORCE OR
ANNULMENT IS GRANTED, YOU MAY LOSE THE RIGHT TO CLAIM ANY
OF THEM.
YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF
YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO OR
TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUT WHERE
YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP.
Cumberland County Bar Association
32 South Bedford Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 249-3166
1-8oo-99o-91o8
AVISO PARA DEFENDER Y RECLAMAR DERECHOS
USTED HA SIDO DEMANDADO EN LA CORTE. Si desea defenderse de las
quejas expuestas en las paginas siguientes, debe tomar acci6n con prontitud. Se le avisa
que si no se defiende, el caso puede proceder sin usted y decreto de divorcio o
anulamiento puede ser emitido en su contra por la Corte. Una decision tambien ser
emitida en su contra por cualquier otra queja o compensacio'n reclamados por el
demandante. Usted puede perder dinero, o propiedades u otros derechos importantes
para usted.
Cuando la base para el divorcio es indignidades o rompimiento irreparable del
matrimonio, usted puede solicitar consejo matrimonial. Una lista de consejeros
matrimoniales esta disponible en la oficina del Prothonotary, en la Cumberland County
Court of Common Pleas, One Courthouse Square, Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
SI USTED NO RECLAMA PENSION ALIMENTICIA, PROPIEDAD
MARITAL, HONORARIOS DE ABOGADO U OTROS GASTOS ANTES DE
QUE EL DECRETO FINAL DE DIVORCIO O ANUI.AMIENTE SEA EMITIDO,
USTED PUEDE PERDER EL DERECHO A RECLAMAR CUALQUIERA DE
ELLOS.
USTED DEBE LLEVAR ESTE PAPEL A UN ABOGADO DE
INMEDIATO. SI NO TIENE O NO PUEDE PAGAR UN ABOGADO, VAYA O
LLAME A LA OFICINA INDICADA ABAJO PARA AVERIGUAR DONDE
PUEDE OBTENER ASISTENCIA LEGAL.
Cumberland County Bar Association
32 South Bedford Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 249-3166
1-8oo-99o-91o8
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990
The Court of Common Pleas of Cumberland County is required by law to comply
with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 19go. For information about accessible
facilities and reasonable accommodations available to disabled individuals having
business before the Court, please contact our office. All arrangements must be made at
least 72 hours prior to any hearing or business before the Court. You must attend the
scheduled Conference or Hearing.
Cumberland County Bar Association
32 South Bedford Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 249-3166
i-8oo-99o-91o8
Maryann Murphy, Esquire
PMB 246
4902 Carlisle Pike
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
(717) 730-0422
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
KAREN L. FICKES,
Plaintiff ;
No. f?- 70 Curs-? ?`
V. .
IN DIVORCE
SCOTT E. FICKES,
Defendant
COMPLAINT UNDER SECTION 2301(d and 3-301(d)
OF THE DIVORCE CODE
AND NOW comes KAREN L. FICKES, using the Collaborative Law Process by
and through her attorney, Maryann Murphy, Esquire, who respectfully avers as follows:
1. Plaintiff/Wife is KAREN L. FICKES who resides at 942 Woodridge
Drive, Enola, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17025.
2. Defendant/Husband is SCOTT E. FICKES who resides at 942
Woodridge Drive, Enola, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17025.
3. Husband and Wife have been bona fide residents in the Commonwealth
for at least six months immediately previous to the filing of this Complaint.
4. Husband and Wife were married on August 20, 1988 in Cumberland
County, Pennsylvania.
5. A Complaint in Divorce was filed in the Court of Common Pleas of Potter
County, Pennsylvania by Wife in 2004 and has since been purged. There have been no
other prior actions for divorce or for annulment between Husband and Wife.
6. Husband is not a member of the Armed Forces of the United States of
America or any of its Allies.
7. The marriage is irretrievably broken.
8. Wife has been advised of the availability of marriage counseling and that
she may have the right to request the Court to require the parties to participate in such
counseling. Being so advised, Wife does not request that the Court require the parties to
participate in counseling prior to a Divorce Decree being handed down by the Court.
9. Wife requests this Court to enter a Decree in Divorce from the bonds of
matrimony.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff/Wife requests this Honorable Court to enter a
Decree dissolving the marriage between the Plaintiff/Wife and the Defendant/Husband.
Respectfully submitted,
Maryann rphy, Esquire 1
PMB 246
4902 Carlisle Pike
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
(717) 730-0422
I.D. # 61900
Attorney for Plaintiff/Wife
VERIFICATION
I, KAREN L. FICKES, verify that the statements made in the foregoing
Complaint in Divorce are true and correct. I understand that false statements herein are
made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S. Section 4904, relating to unsworn
falsification to authorities.
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Date KAREN L. FIC S
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IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
KAREN L. FICKES5
Plaintiff
V.
SCOTT E. FICKES,
Defendant
:No. o8-7o8 Civil Term
IN DIVORCE
AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE
I, Maryann Murphy, Esquire, depose and say:
1. That I am an adult individual residing in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
2. That on January 31, 2oo8, I mailed the Complaint in Divorce to Defendant's
attorney, Nora F. Blair, Esquire, at the following address:
Nora F. Blair, Esquire
P.O. Box 6216
Harrisburg, PA 17112
3. That Defendant's attorney, Nora F. Blair, Esquire, accepted service of the
Complaint in Divorce on behalf of Defendant and signed an Acceptance of Service dated
February 4, 2oo8. The Acceptance of Service is attached hereto.
Date
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Maryann Murphy, Esquire
PMB 246
4902 Carlisle Pike
Mechanicsburg, PA i7o5o
17) 730-0422
D. # 61goo
ttorney for Plaintiff
s -4 60
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
KAREN L. FICKES,
Plaintiff
V.
SCOTT E. FICKES,
Defendant
No. - 04 Civil Term
IN DIVORCE
ACCEPTANCE OF SERVICE
I, Nora F. Blair, Esquire, counsel for Scott E. Fickes in the above-captioned case, do
hereby depose and say that, on behalf of and on the authorization of Scott E. Fickes, I
personally received and accepted service of a true and correct copy of the Complaint in
Divorce on the date written below.
I understand that false statements herein are made subject to the penalties of 18
Pa.C.S. Section 4904, relating to unworn falsification to authorities.
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Date
ora F. Blair, Esquire
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IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
KAREN L. FICKES,
Plaintiff
V.
:No. o8-7o8 Civil Term
: IN DIVORCE
SCOTT E. FICKES,
Defendant
AFFIDAVIT OF CONSENT
i. A Complaint in Divorce under Section 3301(c) of the Divorce Code was filed on
January 31, 2oo8.
2. The marriage of Plaintiff and Defendant is irretrievably broken, and ninety (go)
days have elapsed from the date of filing and service of the Complaint.
3. I consent to the entry of a final decree of divorce after service of notice of
intention to request entry of the decree.
I verify that the statements made in this affidavit are true and correct. I understand
that false statements herein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S. Section 4904
relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
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IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
KAREN L. FICKES,
Plaintiff
V.
:No. 08-708 Civil Term
: IN DIVORCE
SCOTT E. FICKES,
Defendant
WAIVER OF NOTICE OF INTENTION TO REQUEST
ENTRY OF A DIVORCE DECREE UNDER
SECTION 33oi(c) OF THE DIVORCE CODE
1. I consent to the entry of a final decree of divorce without notice.
2. I understand that I may lose rights concerning alimony, division of property,
lawyer's fees or expenses if I do not claim them before a divorce is granted.
3. I understand that I will not be divorced until a divorce decree is entered by the
Court and that a copy of the decree will be sent to me immediately after it is filed with the
Prothonotary.
I verify that the statements made in this Affidavit are true and correct. I understand
that false statements herein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S. Section 4904
relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
ate SCOTT E. FICKES
C. , ; ; EM
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
KAREN L. FICKES,
Plaintiff
V.
:No. o8-7o8 Civil Term
: IN DIVORCE
SCOTT E. FICKES,
Defendant
AFFIDAVIT OF CONSENT
1. A Complaint in Divorce under Section 3301(c) of the Divorce Code was filed on
January 31, 2oo8.
2. The marriage of Plaintiff and Defendant is irretrievably broken, and ninety (9o)
days have elapsed from the date of filing and service of the Complaint.
3. I consent to the entry of a final decree of divorce after service of notice of
intention to request entry of the decree.
I verify that the statements made in this affidavit are true and correct. I understand
that false statements herein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S. Section 4904
relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
Date ? ??? KAREN L. FIC
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IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
KAREN L. FICKES,
Plaintiff
V.
:No. o8-7o8 Civil Term
IN DIVORCE
SCOTT E. FICKES,
Defendant
WAIVER OF NOTICE OF INTENTION TO REQUEST
ENTRY OF A DIVORCE DECREE UNDER
SECTION 33oi(c) OF THE DIVORCE CODE
i. I consent to the entry of a final decree of divorce without notice.
2. I understand that I may lose rights concerning alimony, division of property,
lawyer's fees or expenses if I do not claim them before a divorce is granted.
3. I understand that I will not be divorced until a divorce decree is entered by the
Court and that a copy of the decree will be sent to me immediately after it is filed with the
Prothonotary.
I verify that the statements made in this Affidavit are true and correct. I understand
that false statements herein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S. Section 4904
relating to unworn falsification to authorities.
:??All ., 'W-IP-7 C/ -
Date ?? KAREN L. FIC
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MARITAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT, made this day of 2008
by and between KAREN L. FICKES of Cumberland Coun , Pe lvania (hereinafter
referred to as KAREN), and SCOTT E. FICKES of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
(hereinafter referred to as SCOTT'),
WHEREAS, KAREN and SCOTT were lawfully married on August 20, 1988 in
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania; and
WHEREAS, diverse, unhappy differences, disputes and difficulties have arisen
between the parties and it is the intention of KAREN and SCOTT to live separate and apart
for the rest of their natural lives, and the parties hereto are desirous of settling fully and
finally their respective financial and property rights and obligations as between each other,
including without limitation by specification: the settling of all matters between them
relating to the ownership and equitable distribution of real and personal property; the
settling of all matters between them relating to past, present and future support and
alimony; and in general, the settling of any and all claims by one against the other or
against their respective estates.
WHEREAS, KAREN and SCOTT entered into a Collaborative Law Participation
Agreement dated January 22, 2008, and have used the Collaborative Law Process in
negotiating this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the mutual
1
Promises, covenants and undertakings hereinafter set forth and for other good and
valuable consideration, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged by each of the parties
hereto, KAREN and SCOTT, each intending to be legally bound, hereby covenant and
agree as follows:
1. Sgpacration: It shall be lawful for each party at all times hereafter to live
separate and apart from the other party at such place as he or she may from time to time
choose or deem fit. The foregoing provision shall not be taken as an admission on the part
of either party of the lawfulness or unlawfulness of the causes leading to their living apart.
2. Interference: Each party shall be free from interference, authority,
and contact by the other, as fully as if he or she were single and unmarried, except as may
be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Agreement. Nothing in this paragraph
shall prevent KAREN and SCOTT from having contact by their mutual agreement.
3. Subsequent Divorce: The parties acknowledge that KAREN filed a
Complaint in Divorce on January 31, 2oo8 in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania,
docketed to number 2008-7o8 Civil Term, claiming that the marriage is irretrievably
broken under the no-fault mutual consent provision of Section 3301(c) of the
Pennsylvania Divorce Code. SCOTT agrees that the marriage is irretrievably broken. The
parties hereby waive all rights to request Court-ordered counseling under the Divorce
Code. It is specifically understood and agreed, by the parties that the provisions of this
Agreement as to equitable distribution of property of the parties are accepted by each
2
party as a final settlement for all purposes whatsoever, as contemplated by the
Pennsylvania Divorce Code.
Should a decree, judgment or order of separation or divorce be obtained by either
of the parties in this or any other state, country or jurisdiction, each of the parties hereby
consents and agrees that this Agreement and all of its covenants shall not be affected in
any way by any such separation or divorce; and that nothing in any such decree, judgment,
order or further modification or revision thereof shall alter, amend or vary any term of this
Agreement, whether or not either or both of the parties shall remarry. It is specifically
agreed that a copy of this agreement, or the substance of the provisions thereof, may be
incorporated by reference, but not merged, into any divorce, judgment or decree. It is the
specific intent of the parties to permit this Agreement to survive any judgment and to be
forever binding and conclusive upon the parties.
4. Subsequent Reconciliation: The parties agree that the terms of this
Agreement shall not be affected in any way by their subsequent cohabitation or
resumption of marital relations, unless the parties otherwise specifically agree in
writing.
5. Date ofExwution: The "date of execution" or "execution date" of
this Agreement shall be defined as the day upon which it is executed by the parties if they
have each executed the agreement on the same date. Otherwise, the "date of execution" or
"execution date" of this Agreement shall be defined as the date of execution by the party
3
last executing this Agreement.
6. Distribution Date: The transfer of property, funds and/or documents
provided for herein, shall only take place on the "distribution date" which shall be defined
as specified herein.
7. Mutual Release: KAREN and SCOTT each do hereby mutually remise,
release, quitclaim and forever discharge the other and the estate of such other, for all time
to come, and for all purposes whatsoever, of and from any and all rights, title and
interests, or claims in or against the property (including income and gain from property
hereafter accruing) of the other or against the estate of such other, of whatever nature and
wheresoever situate, which he or she now has or at any time hereafter may have against
the other, the estate of such other or any part thereof, whether arising out of any former
acts, contracts, agreements or liabilities of such other or by way of dower or curtesy, or
claims in the nature of dower or curtesy or widow's or widower's rights, family exemption
or similar allowance, or under the intestate laws, or the right to take against the spouse's
will; or the right to treat a lifetime conveyance by the other as testamentary, or all other
rights of a surviving spouse to participate in a deceased spouse's estate, whether arising
under the laws of (a) Pennsylvania, (b) any State, Commonwealth or territory of the
United States, or (c) any country, or any rights which either party may have or at any time
hereafter shall have for past, present or future support or maintenance, alimony, alimony
pendente lite, counsel fees, property division, costs or expenses, whether arising as a result
4
of the marital relations or otherwise, except, all rights and obligation of whatsoever nature
arising or which may arise under this Agreement or for the breach of any provisions
thereof.
It is the intention of KAREN and SCOTT to give to each other by the execution of
this Agreement a full, complete and general release with respect to any and all property of
any kind or nature, real, personal or mixed, which the other now owns or may hereafter
acquire, except and only except all right and agreements and obligations of whatsoever
nature arising or which may arise under this Agreement or for the breach of any provision
thereof.
It is further agreed that this Agreement shall be and constitute a full and final
resolution of any and all claims which each of the parties may have against the other for
equitable division of property, alimony, counsel fees and expenses, alimony pendente lite
or any other claims pursuant to the Pennsylvania Divorce Code or the divorce laws of any
other jurisdiction.
8. Advice of Counsel: The provisions of this Agreement and their legal
effect have been fully explained to KAREN by her attorney, MARYANN MURPHY,
ESQUIRE, and to SCOTT by his attorney, NORA F. BLAIR, ESQUIRE.
KAREN and SCOTT acknowledge and accept that this Agreement is, in the
circumstances, fair and equitable and that it is being entered into freely and voluntarily
and that execution of this Agreement is not the result of any duress or undue influence and
5
that it is not the result of any collusion or improper or illegal agreement or agreements.
The parties further acknowledge that, pursuant to their Collaborative Law Participation
Agreement, they have each made to the other a full and complete disclosure of their
respective assets, estate, liabilities, and sources of income and that they waive any specific
enumeration thereof for the purposes of this Agreement
9. Warrants as to F,xistiW Qb ' ations: Each party represents that he
or she has not heretofore incurred or contracted for any debt or liability or obligation for
which the estate of the other party may be responsible or liable except as may be provided
for in this Agreement. Each party agrees to indemnify and hold the other party harmless
for and against any and all such debts, liabilities or obligations of every kind which may
have heretofore been incurred by them, including those for necessities, except for the
obligation arising out of this Agreement.
10. Fxistirw Debts: KAREN and SCOTT acknowledge that the following is a
list of their debts:
a. Pennsylvania Department of Revenue - SCOTT°s business - with a balance
of $12,337.49 on March 26,2008;
b. 94o tax - SCOTT's business - with the balance of tax owed being $607.04
on March 26,2008;
C. 941 tax through 2005 - SCOTT's business - with the balance of tax owed
being $96,470.32 on March 26, 2008;
6
d. 941 penalty and interest through 2005 - SCOTI"s business - with a balance
of $76,095.64 on March 26, 2008;
e. 941 Tax on returns not filed for 2006 - SCOTT's business - with a balance of
$6,367.09, excluding penalty and interest, on March 26, 2008;
f. Asset Acceptance LLC - SCOTT's individual name - with a balance of
$18,607.70 on January 4, 20o8; and
g. Citi Financial - SCOTT°s individual name - with a balance of $7,251.00 on
November 30, 2007.
KAREN was unaware of the debts set forth above and did not benefit from these
debts. Therefore, the parties agree that SCOTT shall be solely and exclusively responsible
for all of the above-listed debts. SCOTT agrees to indemnify KAREN and hold her
harmless from any and all liability for same.
KAREN agrees to be solely and exclusively responsible for all debts in her
individual name and she further agrees to indemnify SCOTT and hold him harmless from
any and all liability for same.
SCOTT agrees to be solely and exclusively responsible for all debts in his individual
name and for any debts from his business, and he further agrees to indemnify KAREN and
hold her harmless from any and all liability for same,
The parties agree that there are no debts in joint names.
7
it. Wurrantu as to Future Obli?utions: KAREN and SCOTT each
covenant, warrant, represent and agree that, with the exception of obligations set forth in
this Agreement, neither of them shall hereafter incur any liability whatsoever for which
the estate of the other may be liable. Each party shall indemnify and hold harmless the
other party for and against any and all debts, charges and liabilities incurred by the other
after the execution date of this Agreement, except as may be otherwise specifically
provided for by the terms of this Agreement.
12. Personal P%pert : KAREN and SCOTT agree that SCOTT shall
have sole ownership and possession of the following personal property:
a. the love seat from the basement
b. the couch from the basement
c. six coordinating pillows
d. the coffee table from the basement
e. the end table from the basement
f. the large screen TV
g. the VCR
h. the stereo and stereo tuner
i. the media stand
j. the pool table and accessories
k. all wall hangings from the basement
1. the dining room table
in. six dining room chairs
n. Ashley's framed senior picture
o. the grouping of three family portraits
p. the large wall swag
q. the candles
r. the alarm clock
s. the heating pad
t. selected CDs
U. the crock pot
v. sheets, blankets, bath towels and beach towels
w. all of his personal items including his clothes, awards, hunting and fishing
8
supplies, bowling and golf supplies and tools
The parties acknowledge that there are items in the attic that will be divided
between them at a later date.
KAREN and SCOTT agree that KAREN shall have sole and exclusive ownership and
possession of the remainder of the personal property in the marital residence.
The parties agree that the above distribution of personal property is mutually
acceptable to them. Neither party shall make any claim to any such item of marital
property, or of the separate personal property of either party, except as provided for in this
Agreement. Should it become necessary, the parties each agree to sign, upon request, any
titles or documents necessary to give effect to this paragraph.
13. Maretal Residence: KAREN and SCOTT own real property located
at 942 Woodridge Drive, Enola, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17025. The property is
in KAREN's individual name. The parties agree that the value of the marital residence is
$200,ooo.oo. There is a mortgage on the property with Wells Fargo in KAREN's
individual name with a balance of $24,956.71 on May 22, 2008 and a Home Equity Loan
with Citizen's Bank in KAREN's individual name with a balance of $129394.95 on May
22, 20o8. The equity in the marital residence is agreed to be $45,648.34.
KAREN and SCOTT agree that KAREN shall have sole and exclusive ownership of
the marital residence. The parties agree that SCOTT moved out of the marital home on
June 1, 2oo8 at which time KAREN assumed sole and exclusive possession of the marital
9
residence. In the event there is damage to the residence when SCOTT moves his
belongings out of the house, SCOTT agrees to repair the damage in a timely manner.
If KAREN decides to sell the home, she agrees that SCOTT shall have the right of
first refusal to purchase the property at ninety-two percent (92%) of the appraised value at
the time of sale. The appraiser shall be mutually agreed upon by the parties.
The parties agree that SCOTT shall receive sixty-five percent (65%) of the equity in
the marital residence which is $29,671.42, and KAREN shall receive thirty-five percent
(35%) of the equity in the marital residence which is $15,976.92. KAREN and SCOTT
agree that SCOTT shall receive his share of the equity from KAREN by December 31, 2013
or at the time of settlement on the property if it is sold prior to that date, whichever shall
first occur.
KAREN agrees to be solely and exclusively responsible for the mortgage, taxes,
insurance and any and all other expenses related to the marital home, and she further
agrees to indemnify SCOTT and hold him harmless from any and all liability for same.
14. Bank Accotatts: The parties acknowledge that there is an account at
Sovereign Bank in KAREN's individual name with a balance on May 22, 2008 of
$17,562.40. There is also an account at Citizen's Bank in KAREN's individual name with a
balance on May 22, 2008 of $127,814.68. The total balance in the bank accounts on May
22, 2oo8 was $145,377.08.
From the total balance in the bank accounts, KAREN and SCOTT agree since May
1o
22, 2008, they have provided or shall provide $3,800.0o to Nora F. Blair, Esquire and
$2,200.00 to Maryann Murphy, Esquire for current and future attorneys' fees and costs
related to the divorce including the resolution of tax matters. At the conclusion of the
case, KAREN and SCOTT agree to equally divide any remaining funds from their
attorneys' escrow accounts.
The parties acknowledge that $139,377.08 will remain in the bank accounts after
payment of attorneys' fees. SCOTT has received $4,238.0o to obtain his own residence,
pay security deposits and purchase items necessary for his new residence. At the time of
the execution of this Agreement, KAREN and SCOTT agree that SCOTT shall receive sixty-
five percent (65%) of the total funds remaining in the bank accounts less the $4,238.0o he
already received and less the $920.0o he owes to KAREN, for a distribution to SCOTT of
$85437.00, and KAREN shall receive the balance of the funds remaining in the bank
accounts.
There are no joint bank accounts.
The parties agree that KAREN shall become the sole and exclusive owner of any
other bank accounts in her individual name, and SCOTT shall become the sole and
exclusive owner of any bank accounts in his individual name.
15. Pensian/Retirement Benefits: The parties agree that KAREN has a
pension with Pennsylvania State Employees Retirement System. KAREN and SCOTT
agree to equally divide the marital portion of KAREN's pension as of December 31, 2007.
11
The coverture fraction shall be used with the numerator being the number of years from
the date of marriage until December 31, 2007 (8.8744) and the denominator being the
total number of years of service.
SCOTT agrees to name KAREN as irrevocable beneficiary of his share of her
pension. From time to tune and upon request by KAREN, SCOTT agrees to provide proof
of KAREN's continuing status as beneficiary.
The parties agree it is their intent that their daughter, Ashley Marie Rhodes, born
December 27, 1987, shall receive SCOTT's share of KAREN's pension in the event of the
death of both KAREN and SCOTT.
KAREN and SCOTT agree that they shall execute a Qualified Domestic Relations
Order upon request to effectuate the terms of this Agreement.
16. Stock: KAREN and SCOTT own one thousand fifty (i,o5o) shares of stock
from Integrity Bank valued at $22.00 per share in March of 2008 for a total value of
$23,ioo.oo. The parties agree that KAREN shall become the sole and exclusive owner of
this stock. In consideration for KAREN's sole retention of the stock, the parties further
agree that SCOTT shall receive sixty-five percent (65%) of the value of the stock which is
$15,015.00 by December 31, 2013 or at the time of settlement on the marital residence if
KAREN sells the property prior to that date, whichever shall first occur.
KAREN and SCOTT shall cooperate with each other in transferring the stock
account into KAREN's individual name. Both parties shall sign, upon request, any and all
12
documents necessary to effectuate the terms of this Agreement.
In the event KAREN plans to sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of the Integrity
stock, SCOTT shall have the right of first refusal to purchase the stock owned by KAREN
for the assigned value of $23joo.oo. Further, KAREN and SCOTT agree that SCOTT may
purchase the stock for $23,loo.oo from KAREN at any time.
For purposes of this agreement and any transactions between the parties with
respect to this agreement, the Integrity stock owned by KAREN shall have an assigned
value of $23,100.00.
17. Lump Sum Pam KAREN and SCOTT agree that the total lump
sum payment owed to SCOTT under paragraphs 13 and 16 of this Agreement is
$44,686.42. This payment shall be made by KAREN, in cash or in kind, by December 34
2013 or at the time of settlement on the marital residence if KAREN sells the property
prior to that date, whichever shall first occur.
18. Motor Vehicles: The parties agree that KAREN shall have sole
and exclusive ownership and possession of her 2002 Honda Sport Utility which is in her
individual name; and that SCOTT shall have sole an exclusive ownership and possession of
his 2005 Harley Davidson motorcycle and his 1998 Dodge pickup truck. There are no
encumbrances on any of these vehicles.
SCOTT agrees to have his name removed from the 1994 Pontiac Grand Am within
ten (io) days of the execution of this Agreement. The parties acknowledge that this vehicle
13
is driven by their daughter, Ashley.
19. Waiver o gtciar?gnations: Unless otherwise specifically
set forth in this Agreement, each party hereto specifically waives any and all beneficiary
rights and any and all rights as a surviving spouse in and to any asset, benefit or like
program carrying a beneficiary designation which belongs to the other party under the
terms of this Agreement, including, but not limited to, pensions and retirement plans of
any sort or nature, deferred compensation plans, life insurance policies, annuities, stock
accounts, bank accounts, final pay checks or any other post-death distribution scheme.
By the terms of this Agreement, the parties specifically waive the rights of spouse
beneficiaries established by federal or state statute including ERISA. By the terms of
this Agreement, each party expressly states that it is his or her intention to revoke any
beneficiary designations naming the other party which are in effect as of the date of
execution of this Agreement. If the other party continues to be named as beneficiary
and no alternate beneficiary is otherwise designated, the beneficiary shall be deemed to
be the estate of the deceased party. Not withstanding the foregoing, however, in the
event that either party hereto specifically designates the other party as a beneficiary after
the date of execution of this Agreement, then this waiver provision shall not bar that
party from qualifying as such beneficiary.
20. AfterAcx mhyd Personal Prop?e -iy: Each of the parties shall hereafter
own and enjoy, independently of any claims or right of the other, all items of personal
14
property, tangible or intangible, hereafter acquired by him or her, with full power in him
or her to dispose of the same as fully and effectively, in all respects and for all purposes, as
though he or she were unmarried.
21. Av ffixibilitu of Tax Law to Propert?Transfers: The parties hereby
agree and express their intent that any transfers of property pursuant to this Agreement
shall be within the scope and applicability of the Deficit Reduction Act of 1984 (herein the
"Act"), specifically, the provisions of said Act pertaining to transfers of property between
spouses or former spouses. The parties agree to sign and cause to be filed any elections or
other documents required by the Internal Revenue Service to render the Act applicable to
the transfers set forth in this Agreement, without recognition of gain on such transfer and
subject to the carry-over basis provisions of said Act.
22. Waiver o,Spousal Support and Alimony Pendente Lite:
KAREN and SCOTT hereby waive any rights they may have to spousal support,
maintenance and alimony pendente lite. Each party agrees to be solely responsible for
her/his respective attorney's fees.
23. Legal Fees: KAREN and SCOTT agree that they shall use their marital
funds to pay their respective attorneys, Nora F. Blair, Esquire and Maryann Murphy,
Esquire for legal services attributable to the divorce action.
As set forth in Paragraph number 14 above, the parties agree that KAREN shall
provide to her attorney, Maryann Murphy, Esquire, $2,200.00, and SCOTT shall provide
15
to his attorney, Nora F. Blair, Esquire, $3,8oo.oo at the time of the execution of this
Agreement towards current and future attorney's fees and costs related to the divorce
including the resolution of tax matters. The parties agree that they shall equally divide any
remaining funds from their attorneys' escrow accounts at the conclusion of the case.
24. Waiver gLAtimong: KAREN and SCOTT herein acknowledge that by
this Agreement they have respectively secured and maintained an adequate fund with
which to provide for themselves sufficient financial resources to provide for their comfort,
maintenance and support. KAREN and SCOTT hereby waive, release and give up any
rights they may respectively have against the other for alimony. It shall be, from the
execution of this Agreement, the sole responsibility of each of the parties to sustain
themselves without seeking any support from the other party.
25. BankrupWO Or eoraacnization winos: In the event that either
party becomes a debtor in any bankruptcy or financial reorganization proceedings of any
kind while any obligations remain to be performed by that party for the benefit of the
other party pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, the debtor spouse hereby waives,
releases and relinquishes any right to claim any exemption (whether granted under State
or Federal law) to any property remaining in the debtor as a defense to any claim made
pursuant hereto by the creditor-spouse as set forth herein, including all attorney fees and
costs incurred in the enforcement of this paragraph or any other provision of this
Agreement. No obligation created by this Agreement shall be discharged or dischargeable,
16
regardless of Federal or State law to the contrary, and each party waives any and all right
to assert that obligation hereunder is discharged or dischargeable.
The parties mutually agree that in the event of bankruptcy or financial
reorganization proceedings by either party in the future, any monies to be paid to the other
party, or to a third party, pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, shall constitute support
and maintenance and shall not be discharged in bankruptcy.
26. Full Disclosure: KAREN and SCOTT each represent and warrant to the
other that he or she has made a full and complete disclosure to the other of all assets of
any nature whatsoever and of every type whatsoever in which such party has an interest,
and of all other facts relating to the subject matter of this Agreement.
27. Disclosure and Waiver of-Procedural -Rights: Each party
understands that he or she has the right to obtain from the other party a complete
inventory or list of all of the property that either or both parties own at this time or owned
as of the date of separation, and that each party has the right to have all such property
valued by means of appraisals or otherwise. Both parties understand that they have the
right to have the Court hold hearings and make decisions on the matters covered by this
Agreement. Both parties understand that a Court decision concerning the parties'
respective rights and obligations might be different from the provisions of this Agreement.
Both parties waive the following procedural rights:
a. The right to obtain an Inventory and Appraisement of all marital and
17
separate property as defined by the Pennsylvania Divorce Code;
b. The right to obtain an Income and Expense Statement of the other
party as provided by the Pennsylvania Divorce Code;
C. The right to have the Court determine which property is marital and
which is non-marital and equitably distribute between the parties that property which the
Court determines to be marital;
d. The right to have the Court decide any other rights, remedies,
privileges, or obligations covered by this Agreement, including but not limited to, possible
claims for divorce, spousal support, alimony, alimony pendente lite, counsel fees, costs
and expenses.
28. Waiver or Modification to be in Writing: No modification or waiver
of any of the terms hereof shall be valid unless in writing and signed by both parties and
no waiver of any breach hereof or default hereunder shall be deemed a waiver of any
subsequent default of the same or similar nature.
29. Mutual C Lion: Each party shall, at any time and from time to
time hereafter, take any and all steps and execute, acknowledge and deliver to the other
party any and all further instruments and/or documents that the other party may
reasonably require for the purpose of giving full force and effect to the provisions of this
Agreement.
30. Applicable Law: This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with
18
the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania which are in effect as of the date of
execution of this Agreement.
31. Agreement Bin twu on Heirs: This Agreement shall be binding and
shall inure to the benefits of the parties hereto and their respective heirs, executors,
administrators, successors and assigns.
32. Integration: This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding of the
parties and supersedes any and all prior agreements and negotiations between them.
There are no representations or warranties other than those expressly set forth herein.
33• Other .Documentation: KAREN and SCOTT covenant and agree that
they will forthwith execute any and all written instruments, assignments, releases,
satisfactions, deeds, notes or such other writings as may be necessary or desirable for the
proper effectuation of this Agreement.
34. No Waiver on De,tult: This Agreement shall remain in full force and
effect unless and until terminated under and pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.
The failure of either party to insist upon strict performance of any of the provisions of this
Agreement shall in no way affect the right of such party hereafter to enforce the same, nor
shall the waiver of any default or breach of any provisions hereof be construed as a waiver
of any subsequent default or breach of the same or similar nature, nor shall it be construed
as a waiver of strict performance of any other obligations herein.
35• SeverabiIftg: If any term, condition, clause or provision of this Agreement
19
shall be determined or declared to be void or invalid in law or otherwise, then only that
term, condition, clause or provision shall be stricken from this Agreement and in all other
respects this Agreement shall be valid and continue in full force, effect and operation.
Likewise, the failure of any party to meet his or her obligation under any one or more of
the paragraphs herein, with the exception of the satisfaction of the conditions precedent,
shall in no way avoid or alter the remaining obligations of the parties.
36. Enforcement ofAm?eement: If either party believes that the other party
has breached any provision of this Agreement, the parties agree to return to the
Collaborative Law Process or seek mediation to resolve the issue. If the parties are unable
to resolve the issues through the Collaborative Law Process, a party shall have the right at
his or her election, to sue for damages for such breach or seek such other remedies or relief
as may be available to him or her. The party breaching this contract shall be responsible
for payment of reasonable legal fees and costs incurred by the other in enforcing their
rights under this agreement.
37. Heodit s Not Port o, gn?eement Any heading preceding the text of
the several paragraphs and subparagraphs hereof are inserted solely for convenience of
reference and shall not constitute a part of this Agreement nor shall they affect its
meaning, construction or effect.
20
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have set their hands and seals this
day and year first above written.
ate M Murphy, Kiq. KAREN I. FICIES
Date . Blair, E. FIC
21
c m
i
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
KAREN L. FICKES,
Plaintiff
No. o8-7o8 Civil Term
V.
SCOTT E. FICKES,
Defendant
: IN DIVORCE
PRAECIPE TO TRANSMIT RECORD
To The Prothonotary:
Transmit the record, together with the following information, to the Court for entry
of a divorce decree:
1. Ground for divorce: Irretrievable breakdown under Section 3301(c) of the
Code.
Divorce
2. Date and Manner of service of the Complaint: Sent by U.S. first class mail,
pmt g repaid on January -'AIL. 2oo8 to Nora F. Blair, Fsauire, counsel for Scott E. Fickes,
at P.O. Box 6216, Harrisburg PA 17112 Acceptance of Service signed by Nora F. Blair.
Esquire dated Februarx4. 2008 Affidavit of Service filed on February 12, 2008
3. Complete either paragraph (a) or (b).
(a) Date of execution of the Affidavit of Consent required by Section 3301(c) of the
Divorce Code: by Plaintiff, July 22, _.2008: by Defendant, July 21, 20o8.
(b)(1) Date of execution of the Plaintiff's Affidavit required by Section 33o1(d) of the
Divorce Code: N A.
(2) Date of filing and service of the Plaintiffs Affidavit upon Defendant: I"
4. Related claims pending: All claims have been resolved by the Marital
Settlement A,g_reement dated July 1.2oo8.
5. Complete either paragraph (a) or (b).
(a) Date and manner of service of the notice of intention to file Praecipe to
Transmit Record, a copy of which is attached: NA
(b) Date Plaintiffs Waiver of Notice in Section 330i(c) Divorce was filed with
the Prothonotary: July 2& 2008.
Date Defendant's Waiver of Notice in Section 3301(c) Divorce was filed with
the Prothonotary: July 95, 2008.
Maryann Murphy, Esquirj
PMB 246 j/
4902 Carlisle Pike
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
(717) 730-0422
I.D. #619oo
Attorney for Plaintiff
C
cn
rn ?;>
Cam} ?L
way r??
Al?
""w. , v
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
STATE OF PENNA.
KAREN L FICKES.
Plaintiff
VERSUS
SCOTT E. FICKES,
Defendant
No.
08-708 Civil Term
DECREE IN
DIVORCE
AND NOW, SP Yl\ 7L is ice- , 2008 , IT IS ORDERED AND
DECREED THAT
AND
KAREN L. FICKES
SCOTT E. FICKES
ARE DIVORCED FROM THE BONDS OF MATRIMONY.
, PLAINTIFF,
. DEFENDANT,
THE COURT RETAINS JURISDICTION OF THE FOLLOWING CLAIMS WHICH HAVE
BEEN RAISED OF RECORD IN THIS ACTION FOR WHICH A FINAL ORDER HAS NOT
YET BEEN ENTERED;
The Marital Settlement Agreement, dated July 1, 2008, is huruby
incorporated, but not merged, into the Divorce Decree.
BY THE COU
ATTES . VJ J
?? PROTHONOTARY
i
??
Maryann Murphy, Esquire
Attorney for Plaintiff
PBM 246
4902 Carlisle Pike
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
(717) 730-0422
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION-LAW
KAREN L. FICKES,
Plaintiff
V.
:No. o8-7o8 Civil Term
: IN DIVORCE
SCOTT E. FICKES,
Defendant
STIPULATION AND AGRF.F.MFNT
FOR THE ENTRY OF "DOMESTIC RELATIONS ORDER"
AND NOW, this 30"f day of AlAn, 2009, the parties, Karen L. Fickes,
Plaintiff, and Scott E. Fickes, Defendant, having been divorced by Decree dated September
17, 2oo8 of the Court of Common Pleas of Cumberland County, entered at Docket Number
o8-7o8 Civil Term, do hereby stipulate and agree as follows:
1. The Plaintiff, Karen L. Fickes, (hereinafter referred to as "Member") is a
member of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania State Employees' Retirement System
(hereinafter referred to as "SERS").
2. SERS, as a creature of statute, is controlled by the State Employees'
Retirement Code, 71 Pa. C.S. Sections 5101-5956 ("Retirement Code").
3. Member's date of birth and. Social Security number are on the attached
Social Security Cover Sheet which will be provided to the Plan but not filed with the Court.
4. The Defendant, Scott E. Fickes, (hereinafter referred to as "Alternate Payee")
is a former spouse of Member. Alternate Payee's date of birth and Social Security number
are on the attached Social Security Cover Sheet which will be provided to the Plan but not
filed with the Court.
5. Member's last known mailing address is:
942 Woodridge Drive
Enola, PA 17025
6. Alternate Payee's current mailing address is:
114 Wesley Drive
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
It is the responsibility of Alternate Payee to keep a current mailing address on file with
SERS at all times.
7. (a) The marital property component of Member's retirement benefit equals:
(1) the Coverture Fraction multiplied by (2) Member's retirement benefit on
the effective date of Member's retirement calculated using the Retirement Code in
effect on December 31, 2007, the date of the parties' separation, and Member's final
average salary as of the effective date of retirement.
(b) The Coverture Fraction is a fraction with a value less than or equal to one. The
numerator is the amount of Member's service, as defined by SERS, for the period of
time from August 20, 1988 (date of marriage), to December 31, 2007 (date of
separation). The denominator is the total amount of Member's service, as defined
by SERS, on the effective date of Member's retirement.
(c) Fifty percent (50%) of the marital property component of Member's retirement
benefit is to be allocated to Alternate Payee as the equitable distribution portion of
this marital asset.
8. Member's retirement benefit is defined as all monies paid to or on behalf of
Member by SERS, including any lump sum withdrawals or scheduled or ad hoc increases,
but excluding the disability portion of any disability annuities paid to Member by SERS as
a result of a disability which occurs before Member's marriage to Alternate Payee or after
the date of Member's and Alternate Payee's final separation. Member's retirement benefit
does not include any deferred compensation benefits paid to Member by SERS or any
enhancements to the Member's retirement benefit arising from postseparation monetary
contributions made by Member. The equitable distribution portion of the marital property
component of Member's retirement benefit as set forth in Paragraph Seven (7), shall be
payable to Alternate Payee and shall commence as soon as administratively feasible on or
about the date Member actually enters pay status and SERS approves a Domestic
Relations Order incorporating this Stipulation and Agreement, whichever is later.
9. Member hereby nominates Alternate Payee as an irrevocable beneficiary to
the extent of Alternate Payee's equitable distribution of Member's retirement benefit for
any death benefits payable by SERS. This nomination shall become effective upon
approval by the Secretary of the Retirement Board, or other authorized representative of
the Secretary, of any Domestic Relations Order incorporating this Stipulation and
Agreement. The balance of any death benefit remaining after the allocation of the
equitable distribution portion payable to Alternate Payee and any other alternate payees
named under other SERS-approved Domestic Relations Orders ("Balance") shall be paid
to the beneficiaries named by Member on the last Nomination of Beneficiaries Form filed
with the Retirement Board prior to Member's death.
If the last Nomination of Beneficiaries Form filed by Member prior to Member's
death (a) predates any approved Domestic Relations Order incorporating this Stipulation
and Agreement, and (b) names Alternate Payee as a beneficiary, then: (1) the terms of the
Domestic Relations Order shall alone govern Alternate Payee's share of any death benefit,
and (2) for purposes of paying the Balance via the last Nomination of Beneficiaries Form
filed with the Retirement Board prior to Member's death, Alternate Payee shall be treated
as if Alternate Payee predeceased Member. No portion of the Balance shall be payable to
Alternate Payee's estate.
In addition, Member shall execute and deliver to Alternate Payee an authorization
in a form acceptable to SERS, which will authorize SERS to release to Alternate Payee all
relevant information concerning Member's retirement account.
io. The term and amounts of Member's retirement benefits payable to Alternate
Payee after SERS approves a Domestic Relations Order incorporating this Stipulation and
Agreement depends upon which option(s) Member selects at retirement. Member and
Alternate Payee expressly agree that Member may select any retirement option offered by
SERS under the Retirement Code at the time Member files an Application for Retirement
Allowance with SERS.
ii. Alternate Payee may not exercise any right, privilege or option offered by
SERS. SERS shall issue individual tax forms to Member and Alternate Payee for amounts
paid to each.
12. In the event of the death of Alternate Payee prior to receipt of all of
payments payable from SERS under a Domestic Relations Order incorporating this
Stipulation and Agreement, any death benefit or retirement benefit payable to Alternate
Payee by SERS shall revert to Member.
13. In no event shall Alternate Payee have benefits or rights greater than those
that are available to Member. Alternate Payee is not entitled to any benefit not otherwise
provided by SERS. Alternate Payee is only entitled to the specific benefits offered by SERS
as provided in this Stipulation and Agreement. All other rights, privileges and options
offered by SERS not granted to Alternate Payee by this Stipulation and Agreement are
preserved for Member. Member and Alternate Payee acknowledge that benefits paid
pursuant to this Stipulation and Agreement are and shall remain subject to the Public
Employee Pension Forfeiture Act, 43 P.S. Section 1311, et seq.
14. It is specifically intended and agreed by the parties hereto that any Domestic
Relations Order incorporating this Stipulation and Agreement:
(a) Does not require SERS to provide any type of benefit, or any option,
not otherwise provided under the Retirement Code;
(b) Does not require SERS to provide increased benefits (determined on
the basis of actuarial value) unless increased benefits are paid to Member based upon cost
of living adjustments or increases based on other than actuarial values.
15. The parties intend and agree that the terms of this Stipulation and
Agreement shall be approved, adopted and entered as a Domestic Relations Order.
16. The Court of Common Pleas of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, shall
retain jurisdiction to amend any Domestic Relations Order incorporating this Stipulation
and Agreement, but only for the purpose of establishing it or maintaining it as a Domestic
Relations Order; provided, however, that such amendment shall not require SERS to
provide any type or form of benefit, or any option not otherwise provided by SERS, and
further provided that such amendment or right of the Court to so amend will not
invalidate the parties' existing Domestic Relations Order.
17. Upon entry of a Domestic Relations Order incorporating this Stipulation
and Agreement, a certified copy of the Domestic Relations Order and this Stipulation and
Agreement and any attendant documents shall be served upon SERS immediately. Such
Domestic Relations Order shall take effect immediately upon SERS approval and SERS
approval of any attendant documents and then shall remain in effect until such time as a
further Order of Court amends or vacates the Domestic Relations Order.
WHEREFORE, the parties, intending to be legally bound by the terms of this
Stipulation and Agreement, do hereunto place their hands and seals.
(SEAL)
Karen L. Fickes (Plaintiff/Member)
*!-A4k?L " -
Witness V I T
Maryann Murphy, Esquire
Attorney for Karen L. Fickes (Plaintiff/Member)
(SEAL)
Scott E. Fickes (De endant/Alternate Payee)
It ss
Nora F. Blair, Esquire
Attorney for Scott E. Fickes (Defendant/Alternate Payee)
RLEt}-{k
OF 7HE PROTHONOTARY
2N9 MAY -b Phi I : 0 7
PENNSYi.VAN A
MAY 0 7 2009
Maryann Murphy, Esquire
PMB 246
4902 Carlisle Pike
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
(717) 730-0422
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIMACIION-LAW
KAREN L. FICKES,
Plaintiff
V.
SCOTT E. FICKFS,
Defendant
:No. o8-708 Civil Term
: IN DIVORCE
: (Judge Oler)
ANDNOW, this -11 day of _ lid 2009, the attached
Stipulation and Agreement dated of the parties in this case is
incorporated, but not merged, into this Order of Court.
Distribution:
v Maryann Murphy, Esquire
PMB 246
4902 Carlisle Pike
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
(717) 730-0422
Attorney for Plaintiff
ryl-g t LL
N ra F. Blair, Esquire
5440 Jonestown Road
P.O. Box 6216
Harrisburg, PA 17112-0216
(717) 541-1428
Attorney for Defendant
ca
m ? ? _?
tL cr%
? N U
Maryann Murphy, Esquire
Attorney for Plaintiff
PBM 246
4902 Carlisle Pike
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
(717) 730-0422
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION-LAW
KAREN L. FICKES,
Plaintiff
V.
:No. o8-7o8 Civil Term
IN DIVORCE
SCOTT E. FICKES,
Defendant
STIPULATION AND AGREEMENT
FOR THE ENTRY OF "DOMESTIC RELATIONS ORDER"
AND NOW, this 30"-4 day of -t. 2009, the parties, Karen L. Fickes,
Plaintiff, and Scott E. Fickes, Defendant, having been divorced by Decree dated September
17, 2oo8 of the Court of Common Pleas of Cumberland County, entered at Docket Number
o8-7o8 Civil Term, do hereby stipulate and agree as follows:
1. The Plaintiff, Karen L. Fickes, (hereinafter referred to as "Member") is a
member of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania State Employees' Retirement System
(hereinafter referred to as "SERS").
2. SERS, as a creature of statute, is controlled by the State Employees'
Retirement Code, 71 Pa. C.S. Sections 5101-5956 ("Retirement Code").
3. Member's date of birth and. Social Security number are on the attached
Social Security Cover Sheet which will be provided to the Plan but not filed with the Court.
4. The Defendant, Scott E. Fickes, (hereinafter referred to as "Alternate Payee")
is a former spouse of Member. Alternate Payee's date of birth and Social Security number
are on the attached Social Security Cover Sheet which will be provided to the Plan but not
filed with the Court.
5. Member's last known mailing address is:
942 Woodridge Drive
Enola, PA 17025
6. Alternate Payee's current mailing address is:
114 Wesley Drive
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
It is the responsibility of Alternate Payee to keep a current mailing address on file with
SERS at all times.
7. (a) The marital property component of Member's retirement benefit equals:
(1) the Coverture Fraction multiplied by (2) Member's retirement benefit on
the effective date of Member's retirement calculated using the Retirement Code in
effect on December 31, 2007, the date of the parties' separation, and Member's final
average salary as of the effective date of retirement.
(b) The Coverture Fraction is a fraction with a value less than or equal to one. The
numerator is the amount of Member's service, as defined by SERS, for the period of
time from August 20, 1988 (date of marriage), to December 31, 2007 (date of
separation). The denominator is the total amount of Member's service, as defined
by SERS, on the effective date of Member's retirement.
(c) Fifty percent (5o%) of the marital property component of Member's retirement
benefit is to be allocated to Alternate Payee as the equitable distribution portion of
this marital asset.
8. Member's retirement benefit is defined as all monies paid to or on behalf of
Member by SERS, including any lump sum withdrawals or scheduled or ad hoc increases,
but excluding the disability portion of any disability annuities paid to Member by SERS as
a result of a disability which occurs before Member's marriage to Alternate Payee or after
the date of Member's and Alternate Payee's final separation. Member's retirement benefit
does not include any deferred compensation benefits paid to Member by SERS or any
enhancements to the Member's retirement benefit arising from postseparation monetary
contributions made by Member. The equitable distribution portion of the marital property
component of Member's retirement benefit as set forth in Paragraph Seven (7), shall be
payable to Alternate Payee and shall commence as soon as administratively feasible on or
about the date Member actually enters pay status and SERS approves a Domestic
Relations Order incorporating this Stipulation and Agreement, whichever is later.
9. Member hereby nominates Alternate Payee as an irrevocable beneficiary to
the extent of Alternate Payee's equitable distribution of Member's retirement benefit for
any death benefits payable by SERS. This nomination shall become effective upon
approval by the Secretary of the Retirement Board, or other authorized representative of
the Secretary, of any Domestic Relations Order incorporating this Stipulation and
Agreement. The balance of any death benefit remaining after the allocation of the
equitable distribution portion payable to Alternate Payee and any other alternate payees
named under other SERS-approved Domestic Relations Orders ("Balance") shall be paid
to the beneficiaries named by Member on the last Nomination of Beneficiaries Form filed
with the Retirement Board prior to Member's death.
If the last Nomination of Beneficiaries Form filed by Member prior to Member's
death (a) predates any approved Domestic Relations Order incorporating this Stipulation
and Agreement, and (b) names Alternate Payee as a beneficiary, then: (1) the terms of the
Domestic Relations Order shall alone govern Alternate Payee's share of any death benefit,
and (2) for purposes of paying the Balance via the last Nomination of Beneficiaries Form
filed with the Retirement Board prior to Member's death, Alternate Payee shall be treated
as if Alternate Payee predeceased Member. No portion of the Balance shall be payable to
Alternate Payee's estate.
In addition, Member shall execute and deliver to Alternate Payee an authorization
in a form acceptable to SERS, which will authorize SERS to release to Alternate Payee all
relevant information concerning Member's retirement account.
io. The term and amounts of Member's retirement benefits payable to Alternate
Payee after SERS approves a Domestic Relations Order incorporating this Stipulation and
Agreement depends upon which option(s) Member selects at retirement. Member and
Alternate Payee expressly agree that Member may select any retirement option offered by
SERS under the Retirement Code at the time Member files an Application for Retirement
Allowance with SERS.
ii. Alternate Payee may not exercise any right, privilege or option offered by
SERS. SERS shall issue individual tax forms to Member and Alternate Payee for amounts
paid to each.
12. In the event of the death of Alternate Payee prior to receipt of all of
payments payable from SERS under a Domestic Relations Order incorporating this
Stipulation and Agreement, any death benefit or retirement benefit payable to Alternate
Payee by SERS shall revert to Member.
13. In no event shall Alternate Payee have benefits or rights greater than those
that are available to Member. Alternate Payee is not entitled to any benefit not otherwise
provided by SERS. Alternate Payee is only entitled to the specific benefits offered by SERS
as provided in this Stipulation and Agreement. All other rights, privileges and options
offered by SERS not granted to Alternate Payee by this Stipulation and Agreement are
preserved for Member. Member and Alternate Payee acknowledge that benefits paid
pursuant to this Stipulation and Agreement are and shall remain subject to the Public
Employee Pension Forfeiture Act, 43 P.S. Section 1311, et seq.
14. It is specifically intended and agreed by the parties hereto that any Domestic
Relations Order incorporating this Stipulation and Agreement:
(a) Does not require SERS to provide any type of benefit, or any option,
not otherwise provided under the Retirement Code;
(b) Does not require SERS to provide increased benefits (determined on
the basis of actuarial value) unless increased benefits are paid to Member based upon cost
of living adjustments or increases based on other than actuarial values.
15. The parties intend and agree that the terms of this Stipulation and
Agreement shall be approved, adopted and entered as a Domestic Relations Order.
16. The Court of Common Pleas of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, shall
retain jurisdiction to amend any Domestic Relations Order incorporating this Stipulation
and Agreement, but only for the purpose of establishing it or maintaining it as a Domestic
Relations Order; provided, however, that such amendment shall not require SERS to
provide any type or form of benefit, or any option not otherwise provided by SERS, and
further provided that such amendment or right of the Court to so amend will not
invalidate the parties' existing Domestic Relations Order.
17. Upon entry of a Domestic Relations Order incorporating this Stipulation
and Agreement, a certified copy of the Domestic Relations Order and this Stipulation and
Agreement and any attendant documents shall be served upon SERS immediately. Such
Domestic Relations Order shall take effect immediately upon SERS approval and SERS
approval of any attendant documents and then shall remain in effect until such time as a
further Order of Court amends or vacates the Domestic Relations Order.
WHEREFORE, the parties, intending to be legally bound by the terms of this
Stipulation and Agreement, do hereunto place their hands and seals.
(SEAL)
Karen L. Fickes (Plaintiff/Member)
q? I Lvw-,6? " -
Witness
0-
Maryann Murphy, Esquire
Attorney for Karen L. Fickes (Plaintiff/Member)
(SEAL)
Scott E. Fickes (De endant/Alternate Payee)
i ess
Nora F. Blair, Esquire
Attorney for Scott E. Fickes (Defendant/Alternate Payee)
FILM- f
OF lie }"NARY
2009 MAY -b PM {: 01
CL16 lNSYLVANIIIA