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Supportive Guidance And Practical Representation In Pennsylvania Divorce

Going through a divorce is often mentally and emotionally taxing. Most people trying to cope with the end of their marriage are not well-situated to make good decisions on financial and practical matters. Yet, the outcome of your divorce could impact your financial health for years to come. Therefore, you need an attorney who can serve as a levelheaded adviser as well as an empathetic advocate.

In Cranberry Township and surrounding areas, you can find the help you’re looking for at Sinatra & Istik Law Office, PLLC. Our attorneys are warm and personable as well as legally knowledgeable. They have more than 35 years of combined legal experience and provide personalized representation to every client. They are ready to guide you through all aspects of your divorce.

Dividing Assets And Protecting Your Financial Future

Pennsylvania follows the “equitable distribution” model for asset division in divorce. This means that all assets considered to be marital property are to be divided equitably (which is not always the same as a 50-50 split). While that may seem straightforward, things become more complex with certain high-value assets, including:

  • Each spouse’s retirement account(s)
  • The marital residence and other real estate
  • A closely held business
  • Vehicles
  • Investments, trusts and stock options

All marital assets will need to be appraised, but that can present its own issues. Values can greatly appreciate or depreciate over time, and each asset has its own tax implications.

The reassuring news is that our attorneys are highly experienced in all aspects of property division. They will work with you to determine which assets are most important to you and prioritize them during negotiations or litigation. If one spouse is a business owner, we will work to preserve the health of that business and to accurately assess its value so that the other spouse is adequately compensated for their stake in it.

Additional Financial Considerations In Divorce

The goal of marital property division is to ensure that each spouse takes their fair share of assets, but this process alone isn’t always sufficient to make up for financial disparities inherent in the marriage or created by the divorce. While less common than it once was, spousal support (alimony) is still awarded in many Pennsylvania divorces. If you have children, child support payments will likely be a continuing financial obligation for one parent. We discuss both in greater detail on our spousal and child support page.

Answers To Common Questions About Pennsylvania Divorce

Below, we’ve answered some of the questions most often asked by prospective clients.

How long does it take to get a divorce in Pennsylvania?

Each case is unique, and the duration of a divorce in Pennsylvania can vary significantly. If both parties agree on all matters (known as filing uncontested), the divorce might be finalized approximately four months from the date of filing. However, if there are disputes or complex issues such as property division or child custody, the process can take much longer, up to a year or more.

What is the process for filing for divorce in Pennsylvania?

To start a divorce in Pennsylvania, you must first ensure adequate residency. Either you or your spouse must have lived in the state for at least six months. The process begins by filing a divorce complaint at your county courthouse. This document outlines the reasons for the divorce and any requests for relief, like property division or alimony.

After filing, you must serve your spouse with the divorce papers, giving them a chance to respond. If both parties agree on all issues, you can move forward with an uncontested divorce. If there are disagreements, the court will assist in resolving them through hearings and possibly a trial.

What does no-fault divorce mean?

No-fault divorce means that neither spouse has to prove the other did something wrong, such as infidelity or abuse, to get a divorce. You can simply declare that the marriage is irretrievably broken, meaning it cannot be repaired. This approach often makes the divorce process faster and less contentious, as it focuses on resolving issues like property division and custody rather than assigning blame.

Is Pennsylvania a no-fault divorce state?

Yes, Pennsylvania allows for no-fault divorces. However, Pennsylvania is not solely a no-fault state. People have the option of pursuing fault-based divorce based on allegations like infidelity, cruel treatment, desertion and “indignities” (basically creating an intolerable marriage).

Fault-based divorce is likely to be more acrimonious, and it is often more expensive and time-consuming. For these reasons, it may be worth pursuing a no-fault divorce, even if your spouse was to blame for destroying the marriage.

Can I get alimony in a Pennsylvania divorce?

Yes, alimony is a possibility in a Pennsylvania divorce. Alimony is financial support paid by one spouse to the other after the divorce is finalized. When deciding on alimony, the court considers factors such as the length of the marriage, the financial needs and resources of each spouse, and the standard of living during the marriage.

If alimony is awarded, duration and amounts are customized based on the facts of each case.

Get Answers To Your Divorce Questions – Contact Us Today

From our office in Cranberry Township, Sinatra & Istik serves clients throughout Butler County and the surrounding areas of Pennsylvania. To schedule an initial consultation with one of our knowledgeable and caring divorce attorneys, call us at 412-557-7647 or reach out online.