Pennsylvania law, and specifically the waiting period for divorces, has changed significantly over the last few months. In October 2016, Governor Tom Wolf signed a bill that changes the waiting period for divorces from two years to one year after separation when one of the parties is not consenting to the divorce.
Our Pennsylvania Divorce attorneys always strive to assist our clients through transitional periods in their lives, whether it is after a divorce, during a custody battle, or at the beginning of any family law matter. Attorneys earn the title of “Counselor” in more than one way when practicing family law – they are both counseling their client through the legal aspects of divorce, support, or custody, as well as counseling them personally through a significant life change.
Child support determinations in Pennsylvania involve many different factors and can often be very complex depending on the circumstances of the parties. Our blog today discusses the basics of child support and how support can be settled or mediated outside of court.
A child support determination under Pennsylvania law considers both parents’ incomes, the number of children, the custody arrangement between the parties, and takes into consideration any deviation factors that may exist in any given case. The amount of support is based on the PA child support guidelines which are included in the Pennsylvania statutes. As with all family law matters; however, the parties are able to agree to an amount outside of court that is consistent with the guidelines, or is lower or higher than the guidelines.
After a child support complaint is filed in Pennsylvania, the parties are initially scheduled for a support conference with their County’s domestic relations office. The purpose of the conference is for the parties to discuss the guideline amount of child support and attempt to settle their child support matter without further court intervention. If the parties are unable to agree on a support amount at the conference, either the same day of the conference or at a later date, the parties will be scheduled for a support hearing.
However, if the parties are able to exchange income information early on in their child support matter, they may be able to craft a child support settlement and avoid the court process. This is done through the drafting of a PACSES Order and having that Order processed with the domestic relations office. Parties can also attempt to mediate their child support matter through use of a neutral third party who will review the parties’ incomes and facilitate a settlement agreement if possible.
If you have questions about child support in Pennsylvania, contact our attorneys for assistance today! We can assist you with child support matters, including formulating a settlement agreement to resolve your child support case outside of court.
Alimony Title On Legal Documents
Alimony in Pennsylvania can only be received after the divorce decree has been finalized and all issues regarding property division, or equitable distribution, are resolved as well. Our blog today focuses on alimony in Pennsylvania and when a spouse might be entitled to alimony after a divorce. Continue reading
Our Southwestern Pennsylvania child custody clients often ask us to clarify the difference between the legal terminologies used in child custody matters. Our blog today will provide the basic terms used in Pennsylvania courts and in child custody orders. Continue reading
The divorce process can be very stressful – why add more stress when trying to choose a divorce lawyer? Our blog today addresses a few things you should look for when choosing your attorney to handle your Pennsylvania divorce matter.
The best way to find an attorney is through people that you know and trust. Do you have a friend that has gone through a divorce recently? Ask him or her who they used and if they were happy with their attorney. Many of our clients come to us as referrals from people we have represented in divorce or in other legal matters. Continue reading
For most people, going through a divorce can be one of the most stressful periods of their lives. Any time we are stressed and emotional, we are not always thinking clearly and logically. Enter an experienced Pennsylvania divorce lawyer. Our role as your advocate is to assist you with making large life decisions throughout your divorce by taking the stress and emotion out of the decision-making process. Additionally, while you and your ex-spouse may know the ins and outs of your financial situation, many unexpected issues arise in a divorce that an experienced lawyer can strategize around and sometimes even anticipate before they occur. Continue reading
Our attorneys help to dismantle marriages on a daily basis. What better way to see and hear firsthand what leads so many married couples to divorce, and to understand what might have prevented it? Here are some things to keep in mind if you are considering getting married or struggling in your married life.