Attorneys Offering Skilled Representation In Pennsylvania Divorce And All Related Issues
The family law attorneys at Astor Weiss Kaplan & Mandel LLP focus their practice on all aspects of family law that may arise from a divorce, child custody or a child support dispute. We understand that each case is complex and unique. Our divorce lawyers will tailor their strategy and apply their experience and knowledge to your particular needs.
Ready To Guide You Through Litigation Or Alternative Dispute Resolution Methods
While some cases may require litigation, especially in highly contentious situations, other parties may be open to other methods of conflict resolution. For instance, you and your spouse may be interested in handling your divorce outside of court through mediation or collaborative divorce. Our attorneys are trained in many methods of conflict resolution, such as litigation, mediation, negotiation and collaborative divorce. Of course, when divorcing, it is always advisable to meet with a divorce attorney to discuss your rights and responsibilities that will be triggered when you separate.
Dividing Property And Other Divorce Considerations
It is important to know the marital assets and liabilities and how they will be divided. You may also need information on paying or receiving support from your spouse. Finally, children are always a primary consideration, and you should consult with a divorce attorney regarding custody. Our firm has a large family law department focused on helping families resolve their conflicts in the best way possible.
How Is Property Divided In A Pennsylvania Divorce?
Unlike some states where a 50/50 split is the default, marital property is divided equitably between spouses in a Pennsylvania divorce. The way marital property gets split up varies on a case-by-case basis and depends on many different factors. For example, some of the factors include:
- Each spouse’s income
- Their educational backgrounds
- Contributions they made to the other’s education or career development
- Sacrifices they made in their own education or career development
- Contributions they made to housework and child-rearing
It is not uncommon for one spouse to receive a greater percentage of the assets than the other.
How Is Spousal Support Determined?
Spousal support is a term that refers to a temporary arrangement that is put in place while a divorce is still in process but ends when the divorce is finalized. The income available for support is first determined. Then a formula is applied to determine the amount of monthly spousal support owed.
Alimony, on the other hand, begins after a divorce has been finalized. There’s no exact formula for alimony in Pennsylvania–it depends on many factors. A few factors that are considered are:
- The length of the marriage
- The standard of living provided in the marriage
- Each spouse’s education level
- Each spouse’s present income and future earning capacity
- Each spouse’s age
- Each spouse’s health
- Each spouse’s assets and property held
Many more factors are involved in alimony decisions, and no two cases are ever the same.
How Long Will My Divorce Take?
If both spouses consent to a divorce, Pennsylvania first imposes a mandatory 90-day waiting period before a divorce can be finalized. If both spouses agree on the terms of their divorce, it can be concluded as soon as the waiting period has been fulfilled and various documents are filed with the Court and ruled upon by the Court. If one spouse does not consent to the divorce, there is a mandatory waiting period of one year from the date of separation before a divorce can be obtained.
Learn More During An Initial Consultation
At Astor Weiss Kaplan & Mandel LLP, it is our goal to guide each client through a difficult time and lead them to financial and emotional stability. Our divorce lawyers are familiar with local procedures and practices in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties. If you have questions for a divorce lawyer, please contact us online or call us at 215-790-0100 to schedule your first meeting.
