Providing Skilled Counsel Throughout Your Divorce

Family and marriage are sacred aspects of a person’s life. When problems arise, it is stressful, frustrating and may be too emotional to cope with. It can quickly become overwhelming, and you may be too embarrassed to ask for help. No one plans to be divorced, but sometimes that is the best result for both spouses and the children.

At Kelly, Parker & Cohen, LLP, our compassionate and experienced divorce attorneys understand that you are going through a very difficult time, and are filled with questions, concerns and uncertainly. We provide our clients with the answers they need to help lessen the concerns they have and to create stability in their lives during a time that is anything but stable.

We take a thorough and practical approach to handling divorces and other family law matters. We offer options to represent you, including cheaper alternatives to divorce such as alternative dispute resolution and mediation. Call us today at 717-971-1974 to learn more about how we can help you during your divorce.

Considerations To Keep In Mind During Divorce

Divorce is not the outcome anyone hopes for, but it is an unfortunate reality and sometimes the only solution to a troubled marriage. During this time, you have many important decisions to make that can affect the rest of your life. It is important to have an experienced divorce attorney to help you make informed decisions.

Most of the important and difficult decisions during the divorce include some of the following:

• Who will pay spousal support and alimony, how much and for how long?
• What will happen to the marital home?
• What objects and possessions can I keep, or how will our possessions be split up?
• Who will have primary custody of the children?
• Who will be liable for child support and how much will be paid?
• How are debts split up?
• Can I still keep my pension or retirement plans?

The answers to these questions depend on the facts and circumstances surrounding the divorce and the parties. Our experienced divorce attorneys can help you find the answers to your property division questions and others. You can rely on them to advise you on the best way to proceed.

Ending Your Marriage Through A No-Fault Divorce

Under Pennsylvania law, spouses may sometimes file for what is known as a “no-fault” divorce. First, the spouses may consent to a divorce after 90 days following filing and service of the divorce summons and complaint. The spouses would agree that they have “irreconcilable differences”. “No-fault” is the easiest and most cost-effective way, but it requires both spouses to consent.

If one spouse does not consent, and if the spouses have been “separated” for at least one year, and the marriage is “irretrievably broken,” they may be eligible for a no-fault divorce. No-fault divorce is cost-effective, but it could result in a contested divorce.

When Divorce Becomes Contentious

Many times, the process of divorce can become contentious and even vicious. Thus, a spouse may not consent to a no-fault divorce, and it may not have been at least one year to obtain a no-fault divorce by separation. In these unfortunate circumstances, a spouse may wish to commence a contested divorce based on fault.

While it is most common to use a no-fault divorce, the grounds for fault may still be established. The following is included:

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

You Do Not Need To Face Your Divorce Alone

It can be overwhelming to navigate Pennsylvania’s legal process while you are struggling with emotional upheaval at home. You do not need to face this legal matter alone.

If you are having family or marital problems where a divorce may be an option, or if you have been served with a summons and complaint in a divorce action, contact us. The experienced divorce attorneys at Kelly, Parker & Cohen, LLP, are ready and prepared to help you protect your assets and rights.

Reach Out Today

We handle matrimonial matters in Harrisburg, York, Mechanicsburg, Hershey, Carlisle, Lancaster, Lebanon and many other surrounding areas. Contact us online today or call our trained professionals at 717-971-1974 to begin the conversation.