Divorce Lawyers Helping Pottstown and Phoenixville Families Start A New Chapter
Last updated on August 7, 2024
Divorce is a life-changing decision. Indeed, it’s a difficult situation for everyone. Feelings of anger, hurt, panic, loss and even fear are common. O'Donnell, Weiss & Mattei, P.C., understands the kind of physical, emotional and financial disruptions divorce can have on a family. A member of our divorce attorney team will help you understand your choices and navigate you through the uncertainty with calm and confident legal counsel. We are dedicated to keeping the financial and emotional costs of divorce as low as possible.
It All Starts With A Few Questions
Every situation is different. We recommend setting up a consultation with an OWM Law divorce lawyer to help address these questions and more as they relate to your situation so that you and your lawyer can determine your best options.
What is a ‘no-fault’ divorce?
A “no-fault” divorce in Pennsylvania allows a couple to dissolve their marriage without needing to prove either party’s wrongdoing. Instead of assigning blame, the court acknowledges that the marriage is irretrievably broken. There are two types of no-fault divorce in Pennsylvania: mutual consent and irretrievable breakdown.
Mutual consent occurs when both spouses agree that the marriage is over and file an affidavit stating their consent. After a 90-day waiting period, the court can grant the divorce.
Irretrievable breakdown applies when one spouse believes the marriage is beyond repair and the couple has been separated for at least one year. This approach helps streamline the divorce process, making it less stressful and more amicable.
How long does it take to get a divorce in Pennsylvania?
The duration of the divorce process in Pennsylvania varies depending on several factors, including the type of divorce and the complexity of issues such as child custody and marital property division. For a mutual consent no-fault divorce, the minimum waiting period is 90 days from the date of filing. However, if the divorce is contested or involves significant disagreements over legal separation terms, the process can take much longer, ranging from several months to over a year.
Factors that can extend the timeline include disputes over child custody arrangements, division of marital property and spousal support. The court’s schedule and the efficiency of both parties’ legal representation also play a role in determining the overall length of the divorce proceedings.
What kind of information and documentation do I need to supply when filing for divorce?
When filing for divorce in Pennsylvania, it is essential to provide comprehensive information and documentation to facilitate the legal process. This includes:
- Personal identification details for both spouses
- Addresses and Social Security numbers
- Income statements
- Tax returns
- Bank statements
- Details of all assets and liabilities
- Documentation related to marital property (deeds, titles, mortgage statements)
- Information about child custody arrangements (existing custody orders, children’s schedules)
- Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements
Providing thorough and accurate documentation helps streamline the legal process, making it more efficient and less prone to delays.
- What is the difference between spousal support and alimony?
- Can I live at the same address as my spouse and collect spousal support while separated?
- How are my retirement benefits calculated in a divorce?
- What are my tax obligations if I transfer the house to my spouse as part of the divorce settlement?
- Divorce after 50. What are the issues to consider?
Contact OWM Law Today
You don’t have to go through this challenging time alone. A divorce lawyer can help. Call OWM Law today at 610-323-2800 to learn more. We look forward to speaking with you.