Choosing to end a marriage is a tough decision and can be stressful, especially if you don’t know which type of divorce will best meet your needs and protect your interests. Our family law attorneys at Thomas, Conrad & Conrad handle all types of divorce throughout the Lehigh Valley. We help clients understand the divorce process and which course of action may work best for them.
Types Of Divorce In Pennsylvania
No-Fault Divorce
The most common type of divorce in Pennsylvania is the no-fault divorce. In this type of divorce, neither spouse must show that the other is guilty of wrongdoing. Instead, the spouse filing for divorce should simply state that there’s an irretrievable breakdown in the marriage. Although a no-fault divorce can be contested, the vast majority are by mutual consent. However, there are still issues that need to be resolved in an uncontested no-fault divorce, including property division, child custody, and alimony and child support.
Even if you and your spouse are parting on good terms, it’s important to seek the counsel of an experienced family law attorney who can help you hash these matters out and draft a proper divorce settlement agreement that’s legally binding. An uncontested no-fault divorce is often handled by lawyers for an affordable flat fee.
At-Fault Divorce
A spouse filing for an at-fault divorce must demonstrate that the other spouse caused the collapse of the marriage. Stressful issues, such as adultery, domestic abuse, desertion, bigamy, and incarceration, can be fault grounds for divorce. At-fault divorces are usually contentious, and there may be serious disagreements about various matters, such as child custody, alimony, and property division. These issues can add roadblocks and lead to lengthy court battles that can be painful for the whole family. A skilled divorce lawyer may be able to help you come to a fair resolution through mediation, which can make things easier for everyone involved.
Each Circumstance Is Different
No two relationships or families are alike — the type of divorce you choose depends on your specific situation and needs. If you and your spouse are splitting up by mutual agreement and don’t have children or own property, consensual no-fault divorce is an expedient, affordable way to dissolve your marriage. If you have children or own joint property, such as a home, in addition to helping you file for divorce, a lawyer can help you outline the terms of your divorce and create a solid divorce settlement agreement, which sets forth details regarding the division of property, assets and debts, child custody and support, alimony, and the responsibilities and rights of each party.
Divorce on fault grounds is more complex. Issues like adultery may affect property division, alimony, and child custody. Whether you’re the one seeking an at-fault divorce or your spouse has accused you of wrongdoing, it’s critical to have a skilled divorce lawyer in your corner to make sure your interests are protected. Having an attorney communicate and negotiate with your ex-spouse and their lawyer can also cut down on conflict and lessen the stress and emotional toll that divorce can take on a family.
A Divorce Attorney Ensures All Your Legal Bases Are Covered
Regardless of whether you have complicated issues to address, hiring an attorney to handle your divorce can help you avoid costly mistakes that can slow down the process and impact your future. The legal system is complex, and it’s easy to make errors if you’re not familiar with the law. An attorney recognizes the complexities of the law and ensures that all legal documents submitted to the court contain a specific, accurate language that clearly states your expectations and protects your rights.
Seasoned family law attorneys are well-versed in conflict resolution and do everything they can to get your divorce resolved without going to court. If litigation is unavoidable, having a divorce lawyer represent your interests in court takes some of the weight off your shoulders and helps to ensure you reach a fair agreement in all matters surrounding your divorce.
Contact A Lehigh Valley Divorce Lawyer To Learn More
To learn more about the types of divorce in Pennsylvania and how our family law attorneys can help, schedule a confidential consultation at Thomas, Conrad & Conrad today. Contact us online to schedule your free consultation.