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Providing Compassionate And Skilled Family Law Representation

One of the most stressful events any person could experience is a troubled marriage leading to divorce. It is an emotional and difficult time for both spouses and any children. This time is also fraught with confusion and frustration over the circumstances, including child custody and support, and spousal support and alimony. Questions over who will pay the bills, where the children will live and what happens to the marital residence are all common concerns.

At Kelly, Parker & Cohen, LLP, we understand it is difficult and may even be embarrassing to discuss family problems with a lawyer, but our experienced family law attorneys are compassionate and sympathetic. And, when necessary, our attorneys will aggressively fight for your rights. We provide our clients with a well-rounded and balanced approach to handling family law matters and work hard to protect their rights under Pennsylvania law.

Types Of Divorce In Pennsylvania

Sometimes the only solution for a troubled marriage is a divorce. In Pennsylvania, the two main types of divorce are “no-fault” and “fault.” A no-fault divorce can be granted by mutual consent 90 days after the divorce is filed and served or the parties have been separated for one year.

If a no-fault divorce is not applicable, the grounds for divorce may include the following:

  • Adultery
  • Bigamy
  • Abandonment without cause for at least one year
  • Cruelty, including domestic violence
  • Conviction of a crime and imprisonment for two or more years
  • Conduct rendering the marriage intolerable

Understanding Child Custody And Child Support Guidelines

Child custody is one of the most hotly contested issues in a divorce. Child custody and child support issues in family law cases often result in emotional and stressful proceedings. Our family law attorneys understand this and know how to provide effective representation under these circumstances to protect your rights and the best interests of your children.

Pennsylvania law recognizes several different custodial arrangements that parents can be awarded. These range from full custodial rights where only one parent has full-time, to split custody, and even to visitation where one parent may have supervised visits. We work with you and the court to determine what custodial award is in the best interests of your children while ensuring your rights are protected.

Child support is another extremely important issue. Both parents are financially responsible for their child(ren) until they graduate high school or turn 18 years old, whichever is later. There are some circumstances where child support may be further extended. Pennsylvania has established child support guidelines that determine each parent’s share. Typically, the guidelines determine what the noncustodial parent must contribute to the custodial parent in terms of child support. However, each situation is unique, and there are many facts to be considered and legal arguments that can be made.

Spousal Support And Alimony Laws

Pennsylvania has enacted guidelines to establish how spousal support and alimony are determined during the divorce process and after a divorce decree is issued. One of the purposes of these laws is to help the spouse in need get back on his or her feet during the process or after a divorce. These laws attempt to balance the financial inequities that might arise, such as one spouse earning more than the other, or one spouse sacrificing his or her career to help the other spouse through higher education and ultimately higher earning capacity.

Our family law attorneys know that spousal support and alimony are important and complex issues in divorce. Our experienced attorneys understand how to protect your assets and ensure the court properly reviews and utilizes the guidelines when determining its award.

We Are Here To Help. Contact Us Today.

No one plans to go through a divorce, but it is a sad reality. During this time, it is essential that you retain experienced and compassionate representation. The attorneys at Kelly, Parker & Cohen, LLP, can help you through this difficult time.

You can contact us with your questions 24/7 at 717-971-1974 or by completing our online form.