If a person wishes to terminate his or her marriage in Norristown, he or she may file for a divorce in the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas. The divorce court for Norristown is located at 2 E Airy St, Norristown, PA 19401. Get Directions. There phone number is 610-278-3360. They are opened Monday – Friday – 8:30 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.
In Norristown, a divorce can be either uncontested or contested. If a divorce is uncontested that means that the two spouses agreed on all issues necessary to issue a legally enforceable dissolution of the marriage. In uncontested divorce cases, the court’s role is typically minimal. Courts will enforce arrangements that both parties agree to. The benefit, then, from an uncontested divorce, is that it can usually be completed faster and cheaper.
A contested divorce in Norristown is one where the parties do not agree on one or more issues, and the court must intervene to help the parties reach agreement. As part of the contested divorce process, many states require spouses to go through non-binding mediation. In mediation, a neutral third party attempts to help spouses communicate and work out issues which can eliminate the need for a court to make final decisions.
In addition to contested and uncontested divorce categories, a divorce in Norristown can be either fault or no-fault. In an at-fault divorce, one spouse has alleged that the other spouse committed some wrongdoing that was an offense against the marriage. Examples of these offenses are adultery, abandonment, and abuse. Not all states offer at-fault divorces.
In a divorce proceeding in Norristown, the court will terminate the marriage and determine the rights and responsibilities of the divorcing parties regarding child custody, child visitation, child support and spousal support (alimony). The court will also redistribute marital assets.
Division of property in Norristown can be a very simple or very complex process. Disputes often arise during this phase of a divorce if the two parties disagree as to who should receive which assets or property.
Finding a divorce lawyer in Norristown who is experienced and reliable can reduce your stress and help you make the best choices possible. A good divorce lawyer should be a problem solver who is skilled at negotiation and possesses a solid trial background. If both parties are open to alternative dispute resolution (ADR), such as arbitration or mediation, finding a lawyer experienced in collaborative divorce or divorce mediation would be beneficial.
Divorce lawyers also handle child custody issues, including multi-state and international child custody situations. Some divorce lawyers in Norristown may be certified as being family law specialists. Certification often requires that a lawyer meet certain experience and educational criteria.
Whether you’re thinking about ending your marriage, or your spouse just served you with a divorce petition, speaking to a local divorce attorney is essential to understanding your legal rights and responsibilities. An experienced family law attorney in Norristown can formulate a tailored strategy based on your circumstances and explain the options that best meet your family’s needs.
Some couples are able to agree on all of their divorce-related issues, such as custody, child support, alimony, and property division. But even in straightforward divorce cases, it’s a good idea to consult with a lawyer who can help you draft a fair and lasting settlement agreement. If you and your spouse can’t agree, or have complicated legal questions, you’ll need to hire a lawyer who can explain how your state’s laws apply to your situation and what you can expect if you take your case to trial.
Look for a divorce attorney whose experience matches your needs. Are you facing a complicated custody battle? Then make sure the lawyer you hire has successfully handled several custody cases over the last few years. Is your spouse a venture capital investor? Your attorney must have the know-how to handle the complicated financial analysis that is sure to be a major part of your case.
Finally, find an attorney with whom you can carry on a good working relationship. You may be spending a lot of time together, and you’ll need your lawyer’s insights and legal advice in order to make major, life-changing decisions throughout your divorce.