It is possible to complete a Pennsylvania divorce without hiring a family law attorney to guide you through the process. For some spouses, this makes financial sense; if you are able to amicably work together you may end up saving on unnecessary legal fees. Unfortunately, however, this is not usually the case.
What is the cost of a divorce in PA?
If there are no contested issues, the average total cost of a divorce in Pennsylvania is between $3,500 and $4,000 if there is even one contested or disputed item, the average cost increases from $5,000 to $6,000.
How much does a no-fault divorce cost in Pennsylvania?
Pursuing an uncontested or mutual consent divorce in Pennsylvania without hiring an attorney is the cheapest route. You can expect approximately a $300 fee to file your divorce papers. There can be an additional cost between $150 and $1,500 in case you use the support of an online service.
Can you speed up a divorce in PA?
Fortunately, a new Pennsylvania law, known as Act 102, helps speed up the process in some divorce cases. If you are going through a no-fault divorce, you may only need to wait one year before being able to obtain a faster divorce.
Who pays for a divorce?
There appears to be a myth that the person being divorced (known as the Respondent) always pays the fees for a divorce, when in reality this is not the case in the majority of divorce cases. The person filing for the divorce (known as the Applicant) will always pay the divorce filing fee.
How long do you have to be separated before divorce in PA?
There is a One-Year Waiting Period For Filing for a No-Fault Divorce. If a couple is seeking a divorce without establishing grounds for fault (discussed further below), then Pennsylvania law imposes a one-year waiting period from the time of separation before either spouse can file for divorce.
Does it matter who files for divorce first in PA?
When Both Individuals Live in Pennsylvania. If both you and your partner currently reside within the state, there is no true advantage to filing first. Even if you file first, the case will usually be held at the Court of Common Pleas in the defendant’s county, or the county where you married, by default.
How is alimony calculated in PA?
The formula used in the state of Pennsylvania states that the receiving spouse must receive 40 percent of the difference between the spouses’ net incomes on a monthly basis. If the couple has children, the formula is altered to 30 percent of the net income difference.
What are grounds for divorce in PA?
There are 6 fault grounds for divorce in PA: adultery, desertion, cruel treatment, bigamy, imprisonment of more than 2 years, and indignities. The no-fault grounds for divorce in Pennsylvania are irretrievable breakdown and mutual consent. A person who initiates the divorce is called a Plaintiff.
Is dating during separation adultery in PA?
Is it okay to date when you’re separated? It is okay, providing you do it right. If you start seeing someone else before you and your spouse decide to divorce or before you physically separate, it is considered adultery.
Do you need a reason to divorce in PA?
When you file for divorce in Pennsylvania, you must state the legal reason (or “ground”) for your request to end the marriage. Pennsylvania recognizes both fault and no-fault grounds for divorce. Your choice between a fault and no-fault divorce can make a big difference in how your case plays out.
How long do you have to pay spousal support in PA?
While there’s no easy answer, a good rule of thumb is 1 year of alimony for every 3 years of marriage. If you’ve been married for 15 years, a good rule of thumb to think is about probably 5 years of alimony.
What can be used against you in a divorce?
Spending marital money on extramarital affairs. Transferring marital funds to another person before a separation. Spending unreasonable amounts on business expenditures. Selling marital assets below the market value.
Is PA a 50/50 divorce state?
False. While some states (most famously, California) mandate a 50/50 distribution of marital property, Pennsylvania does not. Pennsylvania is an equitable distribution state.
Is Pennsylvania an alimony state?
No, there is no entitlement to alimony in Pennsylvania. Instead, it’s purely discretionary with the court, and based on 17 factors listed in Section 3701 of the PA Divorce Code.
What is the best way to handle a divorce?
- Recognize that it’s OK to have different feelings.
- Give yourself a break.
- Don’t go through this alone.
- Take care of yourself emotionally and physically.
- Avoid power struggles and arguments with your spouse or former spouse.
- Take time to explore your interests.
- Think positively.
How quick can I divorce?
A divorce or dissolution will take at least 6 months to complete, even if your circumstances are straightforward. It might take longer if you need to sort out issues with money, property or children.
Is it better to be the petitioner or the respondent in a divorce?
Q: Is it better to be the petitioner or respondent in a divorce? A: There is no advantage to being either the petitioner or respondent in a divorce.
Who gets the house in a divorce in PA?
The short answer is either party could get the house in a Pennsylvania divorce. The judge could order the parties to sell the house and split the net proceeds after the mortgage and any home equity loans are paid off.
Can you get a divorce without the other person signing in Pennsylvania?
If you are not separated (or not long enough), your spouse must sign… period. That is Pennsylvania law. Assuming that the two of you have been residing under separate roofs for every day of the last twelve months, a NO-fault divorce without your spouse’s signature can happen; however, it will not be low-cost.
Can you be separated and live in the same house in PA?
In Pennsylvania, when a couple separates it does not have to be a physical separation. In fact, spouses can be separated while still living in the same house, possibly even in the same bedroom.
Is 401k marital property in PA?
They can be. Under Pennsylvania law, a couple that divorces or legally separates must divide their marital property, which can include retirement accounts like your 401(k), 403(b), IRA, self-employed 401(k), and pension plan.
How long after a divorce can you ask for alimony?
Either you or your spouse, or both of you, can ask for alimony at the time of divorce. If the original divorce judgment didn’t mention alimony at all, you can file a complaint for alimony for the first time at any time after your divorce. Alimony can be changed after a divorce through a process called a modification.
How can I avoid alimony in PA?
Prove marital misconduct. The first way to avoid paying alimony is to prove misconduct during your marriage or separation. The two major issues that most judges will consider during alimony trials are abuse and adultery.
Can my wife get my retirement if we divorce?
If you are divorced, your ex-spouse can receive benefits based on your record (even if you have remarried) if: Your marriage lasted 10 years or longer. Your ex-spouse is unmarried. Your ex-spouse is age 62 or older.