Your Family Lawyer Near You Answers FAQs

When someone files for divorce, they are actually “suing” the other party and asking the court to declare their marriage dissolved. The decision to file for divorce is a difficult one, and having to work through the legal process on your own makes it even more difficult. For this reason, the court recommends that people considering filing for divorce, or those who are responding to a divorce complaint, seek legal counsel if they are able to do so.

There are a number of grounds to file for divorce in Pennsylvania. The two most common that I see involve irreconcilable differences between husband and wife. If you and your spouse have experienced irreconcilable differences, and the irreconcilable differences are a reason that the marriage, civil union or domestic partnership should be dissolved, and you are certain there is no way to reconcile, you may obtain a divorce if your spouse consents, or through another means if you have been living separate and apart from each other for at least one year.

While the court has the final say in the division of assets and debts, most courts will honor agreements made between spouses during direct negotiation, mediation or arbitration.

Pennsylvania courts consider a number of factors when determining child custody orders, but primarily consider the best interests of the child. If the parents are seeking joint custody, the court will examine their ability to agree, communicate, and cooperate with regard to the child.

If you are found to have violated an order directing you to pay child support, the party receiving support can enforce the order in a number of ways. You can be ordered in contempt of and put in jail, or you can have wages or accounts garnished.