Divorce Attorneys in Bucks County, Pennsylvania
When dealing with the stress of an impending divorce, you may feel completely turned around. There are many things to consider, from losing sleep from constant anxiety to financial uncertainty as you go from two incomes to one. You can try to go without an attorney, but you may not find this to be in your best interest. A Bucks County divorce lawyer like the team at Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford P.C. can work with you to ensure that your divorce proceeds as smoothly as possible.
The decisions you make during a divorce can impact you and your family for the rest of your lives. Sound legal guidance is essential to consider every detail and help you to proceed in a way that indicates civility and practicality.
Benefits of Working with Bucks County Divorce Lawyers
The benefit of working with Bucks County divorce lawyers like those at Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford P.C. is the ability to have an objective party render guidance on your situation. The emotions of a divorce make it challenging for either side to see the situation.
A divorce attorney typically can be an objective party. Using a compassionate approach, we can offer a legal strategy that results in an ideal outcome for all involved. Moreover, because we have a mastery of state law, we can ensure that you understand all of your options relating to your case and offer advice on which will be in your best interest.
Contested versus Uncontested Divorces
When couples opt to end their marriage in Pennsylvania, they have the option to pursue a contested or uncontested divorce.
Contested Divorce
A contested divorce occurs when couples cannot agree on the particulars associated with the dissolution of their marriage. Mediation is sometimes posed as an option for contested divorces, but if it fails, a judge will make the final decisions regarding the division of assets, custody arrangements, etc.
Uncontested Divorce
This divorce option is ideal for couples who agree on many of the issues they face with the dissolution of their marriage. It is also a good option for couples that do not have numerous assets to split. It is the quickest way to dissolve a marriage.
Pennsylvania Divorce Filing Options
You are not required to have a lawyer help you file for divorce in Pennsylvania, though the process is undoubtedly more manageable if you do. When you do file, you will choose between a no-fault and at-fault divorce.
No-Fault Divorce
This option means that you have decided to end the marriage as a mutual decision with no one person taking the blame for the relationship’s demise. The reasons would be mutual consent, institutionalization or irretrievable breakdown with this option.
At-Fault Divorce
Filing for an at-fault divorce means that one or both parties have engaged in actions that led to the dissolution of the marriage. Such actions that are grounds for divorce in Pennsylvania include:
- Spousal abandonment of at least one year or more
- Adultery
- Cruelty
- Bigamy
You can also file for an at-fault divorce if your spouse made your life intolerable. A Bucks County divorce attorney can best provide guidance on which filing option is the best one for your situation.
Understanding the Pennsylvania Divorce Process
It is important to note that to even file for divorce in Pennsylvania, you or your spouse must have resided in the state for at least six months prior. Typically, you would file in the county in which you both reside. However, the person filing can do so in their county if it is separate from their spouse’s.
The process begins when you file a complaint with your county’s family law courts. The documents will then officially be served to your spouse, notifying them of the complaint and giving them a chance to respond. As the divorce progresses, you may have to appear in court and answer questions before a judge. A judge will finalize your divorce and issue an order with the details governing the split. If either of you fails to comply with the order, you may be held in contempt. This is yet another reason why it is so important to retain legal counsel before you even start the proceedings.
Contact a Trustworthy Bucks County Divorce Attorney for a Complimentary Case Review
The best thing to do if you are unsure of your decisions during a divorce is to consult with a reputable Bucks County divorce attorney. Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford P.C. is well-versed in helping clients through this emotional time, guiding them towards sound decisions on everything from finances to custody arrangements and beyond.
We have more than 65 years of experience working with couples in the throes of divorce and need practical legal counsel. Schedule a complimentary case review by calling us at (215) 822-7575 or reach out to us online to learn more.