Pennsylvania Divorce and Family Law

Understanding and Calculating Alimony in Pennsylvania

Courts can award alimony in cases where one spouse needs financial assistance to make ends meet during and after the divorce, but it's not automatic. Find out how judges determine whether alimony is appropriate in Pennsylvania divorces.

Uncontested Divorce in Pennsylvania

When a married couple decides to divorce, it can be a difficult and emotionally draining decision. However, in Pennsylvania, the legal process of divorce does not have to be nearly as difficult. Fortunately there is a process available for a “mutual consent divorce” when both spouses are willing to consent to the divorce and agree on all of their divorce-related issues.

The Basics of Annulment in Pennsylvania

Overview of Annulment Like a traditional divorce, an annulment ends a marriage. However, an annulment is a legal proceeding that goes further by declaring a marriage invalid or void through a court order. In some cases, it’s as if the marriage never happened. Some individuals may want an annulment

Remarriage and Alimony in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania courts may order a higher-earning spouse in a divorcing couple to make payments to the lower-earning spouse (the “supported spouse”) when he or she cannot afford to pay for basic expenses. When the supported spouse remarries or begins living with someone else, however, it’s important for the paying spouse to know whether alimony payments should continue.

Pennsylvania Divorce FAQ

What are the Grounds for Divorce in Pennsylvania? Pennsylvania law recognizes both "fault" and “no-fault” divorces. In a "fault" divorce, one spouse alleges that the other spouse is at fault for the divorce. The “innocent” spouse must show that the “guilty” spouse engaged in some type of misconduct, which led to the divorce.

Pennsylvania Divorce Basics

Grounds for Divorce Pennsylvania recognizes both fault and no-fault grounds for divorce. Fault grounds include willful desertion, adultery, cruelty, and bigamy. Couples may also file for divorce based on a no-fault ground: the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage.

Pennsylvania Property Division FAQ's

In a Pennsylvania divorce, property division can be challenging. The way courts decide who gets what may surprise you.

Pennsylvania FAQ's: Children in Divorce

If you're getting divorced in Pennsylvania, you'll need to consider your child(ren)'s well-being.

Legal Separation in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, you can be single, married, or divorced, but there is no law that allows you to be “legally separated.” When couples decide to separate, however, they face many of the same legal issues divorcing couples do, including how to divide property, cover expenses, and ensure the children continue to spend time with both parents.

Imputing Income for Child Support in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, both parents must provide financial support to their children at least until the children turn 18 or become emancipated, which means they can support themselves. When parents have divorced, separated, or have never lived together, the parent with more custodial time is generally entitled