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Going through a divorce can be a difficult process for everyone involved. Even a couple that agrees to separate can become quickly entangled in a messy divorce. Deciding how to handle child custody, child support, alimony, and property division can make divorce even more complicated. Having an experienced Pennsylvania divorce lawyer by your side can make sure your rights are protected and your children will be provided for and kept safe. Contact Cohen & Patel today.
If you’re going through a divorce, the attorney you choose to represent you can make a world of difference. Fortunately, if you’re reading this, you are in the right place. Speak with a dedicated Montgomery County family lawyer from our legal team so we can get started working on your case.
In order for a couple to get a divorce in Pennsylvania, one or both of the spouses has to have lived in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for at least the last 6 months. The person seeking divorce files a complaint in the Court of Common Pleas in the county where either spouse lives, or any other county if both spouses agree in writing to file for divorce.
While couples can file for divorce on their own, it is advisable to seek the advice of a divorce lawyer before filing for a divorce in Pennsylvania. Having an attorney represent you can help protect your interests and property, especially in a contested divorce.
Divorce can be based on “fault” or “no-fault” in Pennsylvania. A “no-fault” divorce means that the person filing for divorce does not need to prove that the other spouse was at fault for the failure of the marriage. Traditionally, at-fault divorce was required to be proven to justify giving the parties the legal power to get a divorce.
Fault-based divorce requires the person filing for the divorce (plaintiff) to show the other spouse (defendant) was responsible for the failure of the divorce, by doing something wrong. This is an option when one spouse wants to get a divorce and the other spouse does not. Grounds for fault divorce include:
Institutionalization is another divorce option where the plaintiff’s spouse is insane or has a serious mental disorder, has been convinced in a mental institution for at least 18 months, and is expected to remain institutionalized for at least 18 months after filing for divorce.
No-fault divorce is the more common type of divorce in Pennsylvania. No-fault divorce includes a divorce where both spouses consent to a divorce, and where one party does not consent but there is an irretrievable breakdown in the marriage. An irretrievable breakdown divorce requires the spouses to have lived apart for at least 2-years prior to filing for divorce.
The “simplest” type of divorce is a no-fault consent uncontested divorce. The spouses can consent to the divorce after 90 days after the complaint has been served. An uncontested divorce means that both spouses agree to get a divorce and usually work together to make the process as smooth and fast as possible. This includes coming to a settlement agreement on child custody, child support, property distribution, and alimony. A simple uncontested divorce can be completed in only a few months.
For an uncontested divorce, the spouses still have to consider issues of property division and spousal support. If one spouse intends to ask for alimony because the spouse cannot support him or herself, alimony should be agreed to or requested as part of filing for divorce. If the spouse does not ask for alimony as part of the divorce action, the spouse cannot come back later to seek alimony.
Similarly, if a spouse wants an equitable distribution of marital property, he or she has to request marital property distribution as part of the divorce action, otherwise, he or she cannot come back later to request property distribution.
Child custody and child support can be handled separately from the divorce. Either spouse can file an action for child custody, a change in child custody, or child support after a no-fault divorce has been granted.
Pennsylvania observes equitable distribution, which means that if a couple does not have a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement in place, the court will determine who gets what. “Equitable,” however, does not necessarily mean “equal,” or “50/50;” instead, it means whatever the court determines to be a fair and just split of marital assets. With so much at stake, it is paramount that you get a competent Montgomery County divorce lawyer in your corner who can fight for what’s rightfully yours. Fortunately, you are in the right place.
Child custody can be one of the most complicated issues in a divorce. Child custody in Pennsylvania can be decided between the parents or through the courts. If the parents agree on how to divide and share child custody and responsibilities, the couple may not need to go through the courts to get a court order.
In most cases after a divorce, physical custody and legal custody are shared between parents. However, custody may also involve sole custody by one parent, or supervised visits where another person is present to monitor the interaction between the child and the parent.
When the couple cannot agree on child custody or a dispute arises, the courts will get involved to determine child custody. Child custody orders are based on “the best interests of the child.” In determining the best interests of the child, the court considers a number of factors, including:
Shared child custody plans can vary based on how well the parents get along, the distance between parties, work schedules, travel, and education plans. Common joint custody schedules include alternating every week or every other week, including alternating midweek or weekend visits. However, when parents live further away, shared custody may be based on the school year. For example, one parent may have custody of the child during the school year, and the child will visit the other parent during the summer and school breaks.
Child support after a divorce involves payments made to support the costs of raising a child. In most cases, child support is paid by the noncustodial parent to the custodial parent. The amount of child support is determined based on a number of factors, including the income of both parents, the number of children, and other support obligations.
Child support is calculated by the court and subject to a child support order. Failure to pay child support can lead to wage garnishment, intercepted tax refunds, property liens, contempt of court, license suspension, and possible jail time.
When circumstances change, either parent may ask the court to modify a child support order. Changed circumstances include:
Alimony is financial support for a spouse after divorce. Also called spousal support, alimony is granted after a divorce to provide for the needs of a spouse who does not have enough money or financial resources to provide for themselves. Alimony is available to men or women after a divorce.
Generally, alimony is a temporary type of support, with the amount and duration based on a number of factors, including:
Divorce can be a difficult process, especially when children are involved. Even if the separation is amicable, having an experienced lawyer on your side can help you make the important decisions to protect yourself and your children’s future. Contact a dedicated divorce lawyer from Cohen & Patel today. Our firm proudly represents clients facing family law issues throughout Pennsylvania, including in East Norriton, Norristown, Allentown, Lancaster, Bensalem, Easton, Levittown, Bethlehem, Erie, Mechanicsburg, Chester, Harrisburg, and more.
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