3 FAQs about divorce in Pennsylvania

On Behalf of | Jan 4, 2023 | Divorce, Family Law |

After trying to reconcile, the time may come when divorce becomes the best solution for you and your spouse.

Many other people face the same situation. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, 31,691 marriages ended in divorce or annulment in 2021. Not that the time has come, you likely have questions regarding the divorce process.

1. How long will my divorce take?

In general, it takes around four months to finalize a divorce in Pennsylvania. That timeline varies since no two divorces look the same. If a couple continues to fight and does not compromise, the process could take much longer. If you and your future ex get the process started quickly and work together, it may take less time.

2. Will I have to go to court?

Most divorce cases do not require that you appear in court. By working with a mediator or attorney, you can finalize the key elements of your divorce, from deciding what to do with a house to making custody arrangements. A court appearance may become necessary if one party makes a legal claim or if unable to agree upon the distribution of assets.

3. How do assets get divided?

If the courts need to divide marital property, it happens on an equitable basis. That does not equate to evenly splitting property and other assets. A judge will look over a significant amount of information to make a judgment. Some of these factors may include age, marriage length, income, education contributions, earning capability, the standard of living and tax ramifications.