Are you looking to end your marriage in Philadelphia? One straightforward option is to file for divorce in the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas, located at 1501 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19102. The court is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:15 pm.
Divorce in Philadelphia can be either uncontested or contested. An uncontested divorce means both spouses agree on ending the marriage, and the court’s role is to formalize their agreement. Since there’s no need for the court to intervene in the decision-making process, uncontested divorces are typically less expensive and quicker to finalize.
In contrast, a contested divorce occurs when the spouses cannot agree on the terms of the divorce, and the court must intervene to help them reach a resolution. As part of this process, spouses must participate in a non-binding mediation, where a neutral third party attempts to facilitate communication and resolution. If mediation is successful, it could lead to the closure of the divorce case.
Divorces can also be either at-fault or no-fault. In an at-fault divorce, one spouse accuses the other of wrongdoing, such as adultery, abuse, or abandonment, which violates the marriage agreement. Some states do not recognize at-fault divorces.
Divorce proceedings in Philadelphia require the court to officially terminate the marriage and determine the rights and responsibilities of the parties involved, including decisions on child custody, visitation, child support, and spousal support (alimony). The court also divides the couple’s marital assets.
Property division during a divorce in Philadelphia can be relatively simple or quite complex. Disagreements and even disputes often arise when both parties disagree on how assets should be divided.
Hiring an experienced and skilled divorce lawyer in Philadelphia can help reduce the stress of filing for divorce and guide you in making informed decisions. A knowledgeable lawyer is crucial when navigating the divorce process. If both spouses are open to alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods, such as mediation or arbitration, consulting with a divorce mediation lawyer might be the best path forward.
Divorce lawyers are also well-equipped to handle child custody issues. Many divorce attorneys in Philadelphia specialize in family law, having met specific criteria to become certified family law specialists.
Whether you’ve agreed with your spouse to end the marriage or have received a divorce petition, consulting a local divorce lawyer is essential to fully understand your rights and options. A qualified family law attorney can discuss your case with you and explain your best available choices.
Even if you reach an agreement with your spouse on matters like rights and responsibilities, seeking legal consultation with a divorce lawyer is still important. When choosing a lawyer, select someone with experience and a proven track record in handling divorce cases.
Finally, ensure that your attorney is someone who will support you throughout the divorce process, always working to help you make the best decisions for your future.