Divorce Law in Pennsylvania – Divorce 101

If you have found yourself confronted by the reality of having to dissolve your marriage, there’s a lot you need to learn. Every divorce is different. You and your spouse may be completely amicable, making the process straightforward and simple, or you may be facing a more challenging scenario that involves disputes about property, custody and support. Whichever situation you find yourself in, if you live in the state of Pennsylvania then your divorce must follow the process set out under the laws of the state. Divorce law in Pennsylvania establishes strict guidelines about issues such as child support, equitable distribution, and even which county you are able to file your paperwork in. The lawyers at Erik B. Jensen Attorneys at Law are skilled and knowledgeable about divorce law in Pennsylvania. For assistance in navigating the various filing requirements, mediation, negotiation and litigation, contact us today to set up an appointment.

In the state of Pennsylvania, the law requires that at least one of the spouses filing for a divorce must have lived within the state for a period of six months or more. The complaining spouse is required to file for the divorce in the county in which either one of the couple has lived, and notification of the filing must be provided to the other spouse, who is considered the defendant in the civil action. The state provides the opportunity for a spouse to file for a no-fault divorce or a fault divorce – in most cases the former is used, though a fault divorce may be sought in cases where the defendant has committed adultery, desertion, bigamy, has been convicted of a crime and sentenced to imprisonment for a period of two years or more, or has caused the filing spouse to suffer intolerable indignities. In these situations, the couple may be required to submit to counseling sessions, though this is not always the case.

Once the paperwork has been filed, divorce law in Pennsylvania requires that a series of steps be completed, including property division in which all marital property is divided equitably, alimony or support where necessary, and child custody and support where there are children in the marriage. These areas can often be quite contentious, and divorcing couples often benefit from the experience and compassion that can be provided by a seasoned divorce attorney. At Erik B. Jensen Attorneys at Law, we combine our knowledge of divorce law in Pennsylvania with our facility in creating agreements that work for both parties, minimizing animosity where possible while protecting our clients’ rights.

Nobody enters a marriage anticipating that it will end in divorce. At Erik B. Jensen Attorneys at Law, we understand that even in the most amicable situations divorce is an unpleasant process. We focus on making sure that our clients are able to navigate the process with as little difficulty as possible so that they can move ahead with their lives. Call us today to set up an appointment.

Learn more about Divorce Law In Pennsylvania HERE.