Yes, Pennsylvania offers spouses the ability to file a divorce based on the inappropriate behavior of the other spouse. While this is an option, it is not a very cost-effective option. Filing a divorce based on "no fault" is the cheaper, preferred method.
The length of your divorce depends on a variety of factors, including the conduct of the other spouse, the complexity of the marital estate, and the lawyering styles of the attorneys. Divorces in Montgomery and Bucks counties generally range from 4 months to 2 years and beyond.
If you are amicable and non-contested, PA has a 90 day waiting period after your spouse is served before the parties can wrap up the divorce.
PA also has a one year waiting period if you or your spouse refuse to finalize the divorce.
It depends. Contrary to popular myth, a spouse does not forfeit rights to marital property if he/she moves out. However, there are other considerations a spouse must weigh before moving out. One of the greatest risks the moving spouse faces is owing the non-moving spouse monthly maintenance and/or child support. Anyone considering moving out from the marital residence should immediately consult with an experienced family law attorney.
No, Pennsylvania divides marital property through a process called Equitable Distribution. Pennsylvania is supposed to provide fair but not necessarily equal distributions in a divorce. The vast majority of marital estates in Pennsylvania divorces are divided somewhere between 50-50 and 60-40.
Every divorce is different. Unfortunately, the more conflict or complexity, the higher the legal bill. The average contested Montgomery County or Bucks County divorce is reported to be between 15k and 30k per client depending on custody issues, alimony, child support hearings, equitable distribution hearings, etc. The average bill for our firm is between 3k – 5k and sometimes even lower! We work very hard with you and with other attorneys to keep your costs as low as possible and to try to keep your case as amicable as possible. This is your divorce and we listen to and treat each client like they are part of our family.
That has several variables as well. From beginning to end, it could be as little as 4 months. If you are amicable and non contested, Pennsylvania has a 90 day waiting period after your spouse is served before the divorce can be finalized. There is also a 2-year waiting period if you or your spouse refuse to finalize the divorce. Depending on the situation, your divorce can vary in length from 4 months to 3 years.
Short answer: There is no such thing as legal separation in Pennsylvania divorce law but it is possible to draft agreements if the parties are living separately.
The date of separation is a very subjective issue and can be very difficult to prove. Parties going through a divorce often have very different ideas of when they separated. Even though there is no legally recognized status of "legally separated" in Pennsylvania, the date of separation can be vitally important for the length of the divorce process and the valuation of the marital estate.
YES. There are varying forms of support, based on many variables. If there is a discrepancy in your incomes, alimony could be awarded. APL, or alimony pendent lite, is temporary alimony which is almost always awarded during the pendency of the divorce.
The amount of child support varies based on incomes of both parties, the number of children, mortgage costs, and other related circumstances.
For your first free consultation, you will need to bring your questions, a notepad, and any documents that may have been served to you. This free consultation is for you to get an idea of what to expect from divorce and to get to know our attorneys. It is important to feel comfortable with the attorney you are hiring and to be sure he or she is the right family attorney for you. Once you meet and hire one of our attorneys, you should be prepared to provide current statements for all assets, liabilities, income, insurance, tax info and other related documents. Any info for businesses owned, retirement accounts, pay stubs, custody schedules, market value of real estate, etc. might also be needed. And if you do not have access to these documents, we will request them for you!
Divorce is not easy. It is hard on you emotionally, financially and spiritually. Let us help you take the steps to begin the process and rebuild your life…
