Pennsylvania Divorce
Working through
the Pennsylvania divorce process alone can add unneeded stress in your life. By
speaking with a local Pennsylvania divorce attorney, you can learn more about Pennsylvania divorce law and how your divorce might
be affected. If you are considering filing for divorce, find a Pennsylvania
divorce lawyer in your area to help you through the Pennsylvania divorce process.
Total Divorce can help you connect
with a divorce lawyer in Pennsylvania. Set up a preliminary consultation to
discuss your options when filing for divorce. Give us a call at 877-349-1310 or fill out a divorce case review to find a local Pennsylvania divorce attorney today.
Overview of Pennsylvania Divorce Law
Are you aware of all the divorce
laws in Pennsylvania, and do you know what they mean? With the help of a Pennsylvania divorce lawyer, you can make sure
you're taking the right steps when filing for divorce.
Grounds for Divorce in Pennsylvania: The Pennsylvania divorce courts accept both fault and no fault
as grounds for divorce. No fault divorce can occur in two different ways: by
mutual consent or if one party successfully demonstrates that the marriage is
irretrievably broken and that the parties have lived apart for at least two
years. Grounds for fault divorce may include:
- Adultery
- Bigamy
- Cruel treatment or endangering the life of an innocent
spouse
- Incarceration for at least two years upon conviction
of a crime
- Willful and malicious desertion for at least one year
or making one spouse's life intolerable or life burdensome
- One spouse offering indignities to an innocent and
injured spouse which make the spouse's condition intolerable or life
burdensome
Filing for Divorce Residency Requirements: In Pennsylvania divorce, you or your spouse must be a resident of
the state for at least six months before you can file for divorce.
Property Division in Divorce: Pennsylvania is considered an equitable distribution state.
The courts take into account several factors when making property distribution
decisions, such as length of the marriage, prior marriages, health of you and
your spouse, standard of living during the marriage and both spouses' income.
Divorce & Remarriage Waiting Periods: There's not a waiting period to file for divorce, except in
the case of a petition based on an irretrievable breakdown, which requires that
the parties have lived apart for two years. The waiting period between filing
and entry of decree depends upon the grounds asserted and whether or not the
court determines that there is a possibility of reconciliation. After your
divorce has been finalized, there's not a waiting period for you or your spouse
to remarry.
Pennsylvania Child Custody: The standard for determining child custody in Pennsylvania
is the best interest of the child. The Pennsylvania divorce courts will consider many factors,
including if you and your spouse are able to encourage and allow a relationship
between your child and ex.
Pennsylvania Child Support: Pennsylvania divorce courts use the income share model to determine child
support. When determining child support payments, the courts consider both
parents' income or earning capacity. Deviation from the prescribed formula may
be appropriate in the case of unusual needs of the child or parents and
extraordinary expenses.
Pennsylvania divorce law continues
to change and be updated. Speak with a local Pennsylvania divorce attorney to
learn more about how divorce laws in your state may affect the outcome of your divorce. A divorce attorney in Pennsylvania will be able to work with through the
Pennsylvania divorce process. To connect with a Pennsylvania divorce lawyer in
your area today, fill out the form below or give us a call at 877-349-1310.
The above synopsis of Pennsylvania divorce laws is by no means all-inclusive and has been adapted from applicable state laws. These laws may have changed since our last update and there may be additional laws that apply in your situation. For the latest information on these divorce laws, please contact a local divorce lawyer in your area.
