Divorce Attorney in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, filing for divorce is one of the possible ways to legally dissolve or end your marriage. However, divorce procedures can be complex, and emotions are often sensitive for the parties involved. Any decision or action you take can have a huge effect on different aspects of your life, including your family, finances, children, assets, and future relationships. 

If you're considering filing for divorce or have just been served with divorce papers, consulting with an experienced Pennsylvania family law attorney is imperative for proper guidance and to avoid costly errors. At the Law Office of MariAnn Hathaway, we are committed to offering knowledgeable and trusted guidance to individuals and couples in family law and divorce-related matters. 

As your legal counsel, we're available to discuss your unique situation, determine your eligibility to file for divorce in the state, and enlighten you about your available divorce options. In addition, we will guide you through every legal process involved and help make your transition as seamless as possible. 

The Law Office of MariAnn Hathaway proudly serves clients across Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, and surrounding areas throughout Washington County. 

Divorce in Pennsylvania

Divorce involves the legal process of dissolving or ending a marital relationship. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, divorce may either be uncontested or contested. 

Uncontested Divorce

An uncontested divorce involves a divorce where both spouses mutually agree on the vital provisions and terms of the divorce settlement. Divorce matters, such as division of assets, alimony, child support, child custody, and parenting time, are easily resolved by the couples. 

What's more, the agreed-upon terms will be properly documented in the divorce settlement. The agreement will be filed with the Pennsylvania courts for official approval. A seasoned divorce lawyer can advocate for your rights and help keep the conversation productive. 

Contested Divorce

Conversely, a contested divorce is a divorce in which the divorcing spouses are unable to reach an agreement regarding one or more crucial provisions of the divorce settlement. When divorce is contested, the couples will turn to the family court to help resolve any pending relationship or divorce issues. 

Furthermore, the court will schedule a divorce hearing, where both parties will be allowed to present their cases. At the end of the hearing, the judge will issue a final divorce decree to dissolve the marriage. A knowledgeable family law attorney can help present your case intelligently and help you achieve the most favorable outcome for your unique circumstances. 

Eligibility to File for Divorce in Pennsylvania 

However, only couples who meet the residency requirements will be eligible to file for divorce in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In order to get a divorce in the state, one or both of the spouses must have resided in Pennsylvania for at least six (6) months prior to filing. 

Additionally, Pennsylvania allows couples to seek either "no-fault" or "fault-based" divorce. 

No-Fault Divorce

In a no-fault divorce, the spouse seeking a divorce doesn't have to show that the other party's actions were responsible for the relationship breakdown. The grounds for no-fault divorce in Pennsylvania include the following: 

• mutual consent—the marriage is irretrievably broken 

• living separate and apart for at least one year 

Fault-Based Divorce

In a fault-based divorce, the requesting spouse must provide evidence that the other party's actions led to the marital breakdown. Here are some grounds for fault-based divorce in Pennsylvania: 

• willful and malicious desertion 

• adultery 

• knowingly entered into a bigamous marriage without ending their previous marriage 

• cruel and barbarous treatment 

• incarceration for more than two years 

• insanity or serious mental health disorder 

An experienced Pennsylvania divorce attorney can evaluate all of the surrounding facts of your personal situation, determine the right divorce option for you, and enlighten you about how long it may take for your divorce to be finalized. 

How Long Does a Divorce Take?

However, how long it might take to get a divorce in Pennsylvania usually depends on the type of divorce you're seeking and other surrounding factors. Typically, it can take anywhere from 90 days to one year, or sometimes more, to get a divorce judgment in Pennsylvania. Essentially, faulty-based divorces are often contested and may take longer to settle divorce issues and get a final judgment compared to no-fault divorces. 

Work With an Experienced Family Law Attorney

Filing for divorce in Pennsylvania often involves a lot of complex procedures. Negotiating a fair divorce settlement with your soon-to-be ex-spouse, distributing marital property, and establishing post-divorce agreements can make everything difficult and challenging. Therefore, when thinking about divorce, you should speak with an experienced family law attorney for detailed advocacy. 

At the Law Office of MariAnn Hathaway, our attorney has the diligence and expertise to advise and guide clients through the complicated divorce processes. With our extensive knowledge, we can determine the right divorce option for you and help file your petition. Also, we will work intelligently with every party to settle divorce matters—such as custody, child support, asset division, parenting time, and spousal support—amicably and productively.