Divorce Lawyer In Lebanon, PA

A divorce can turn anyone’s world upside down, making a person question how to move forward. What once seemed like a fairy-tale romance may quickly become plagued with issues. Divorce laws differ from one state to the next, with alimony and child support varying between states, so you need to understand the laws governing the Commonwealth.

If you are in the process of filing for divorce, now is the time to contact our Lebanon, PA, divorce attorney.

Fault versus No-Fault Divorce

Pennsylvania recognizes both fault and no-fault divorce. Let us discuss the differences between the two:

Fault Divorce

The court may grant a divorce based on fault grounds, meaning that the other spouse’s actions suffice to get a divorce. Pennsylvania recognizes the following types of fault grounds:

• Desertion (without reasonable cause)
• Adultery
• Cruel and barbarous treatment
• Bigamy
• Incarceration of two or more years
• Any indignities that caused that made the innocent spouse’s life intolerable

No-Fault Divorce

When a couple files for a no-fault divorce, this means that the marriage is irreparable, but not as the result of any wrongdoing by either person. No-fault divorce can be divided into two categories: mutual consent and one-year separation divorce.

Mutual Consent

According to 23 Pa. Code §3301(c), if it can be demonstrated the marital union is irrevocably broken and it has been at least 90 days since the divorce complaint was filed, a couple can file a mutual consent divorce.

During the 90-day period, the couple should attempt to come to a settlement on issues pertaining to the divorce. If the couple cannot come to an agreement, then the divorce may need to be brought to court.

One-Year Separation Divorce

If one couple does not agree to the divorce, the divorce can still move forward with only one spouse’s consent. This is known as a one-year separation divorce. As the name suggests, the couple must show that they have been separated and living apart for at least a one-year period. Often, in this type of divorce, the one-year separation suffices to show that there was an irrevocable breakdown of the union.

Divorce Issues

While some couples may agree on certain issues, other couples may be unable to come to an agreement, requiring a judge to resolve their issues through litigation.

Common issues in a Pennsylvania divorce involve:

Distribution of Property

Each state has its own laws pertaining to distributing property, with Pennsylvania law stipulating that the courts must distribute marital property through equitable distribution. Equitable distribution does not mean that marital assets will be divided evenly. Instead, the court will divide assets into what they consider to be fair.

A judge will examine the following factors in determining equitable distribution:

• The length of the marriage
• If either spouse had any prior marriages
• Income of each party and employability
• The financial situation of each party
• The contribution of each party to the marital assets
• The contribution of each party to the education and training of the other party
• Sources of income of each party

Alimony

If you relied on your spouse financially, you could request that the court grant you alimony. Generally, the court will grant alimony if it is considered reasonable given the circumstances. A family law attorney in Lebanon, PA, can assist you in negotiating a fair alimony agreement that permits you to live comfortably.

Child Support and/or Custody

Divorce is only further complicated if a couple has children. Each person has a responsibility to provide financial support and the right to have access to their child. Child support and custody issues can often get heated, so it is important to hire a third party to advocate on your behalf.

Speak with our Lebanon, PA Divorce Attorney Today

Divorce issues are often points of contention, resulting in an inability to come to an agreement on crucial issues. Our Lebanon, PA, divorce attorney has years of experience in divorce cases and is prepared to resolve your case as efficiently and inexpensively as possible. To learn more, contact the office today by filling out our online contact form or by calling (717) 273-1763. Same-day consultations are available.