In Pennsylvania, people who get married do so with the intent of it being a long-lasting partnership. No one enters a union planning for it to come apart and end in divorce. Unfortunately, many marriages fail and people need to take the necessary steps to move forward and get a divorce.
This can be a complex undertaking considering the various issues that must be navigated. That includes property division, child custody, child support, alimony and parenting time. For many, it is undoubtedly overwhelming.
From the outset, people need to be aware of how to prepare for their case, what to expect, have help determining if there is common ground between the parties to reach an agreement, receive a gauge as to how long it will take and have their small and large questions answered. For these matters, it is imperative to have qualified assistance.
There are common questions people will have as they prepare to divorce
Financial, emotional and personal concerns come to the forefront in a family law case. Regardless of the couple’s finances, they will want to know how property is split. If there is a family home, bank accounts, investments, automobiles, items of sentimental value and anything else, it is essential to receive a comprehensive explanation of how equitable distribution works in Pennsylvania. Equitable means fair, not equal. Many times, people do not realize this and are disappointed if the property is not split in half.
Regarding child custody, there could be a preconceived notion that the mother automatically gets preferential treatment when custody is determined. That is not the case. The court will make its decision based on the child’s best interests. Child support hinges on how the child will be cared for. A child with special needs will require a different level of support.
In case of alimony, the facts of the case will be assessed when the judge makes an award. For example, if one person was a stay-at-home parent while the other was the primary breadwinner and the stay-at-home parent needs time to gain education, training and find suitable employment, that will reflect in the amount that is ordered.
Other considerations come to light with alimony such as if one person helped the other build a business or get through school to attain a professional degree or certificate. Since every case is different, it is vital to have tailored help and information regarding what can be achievable in the case and having realistic expectations.
Getting understandable answers to family law questions can ease the process
The last thing people need when they are going through a divorce is to seek assistance and either not get the attention they need or not have the situation explained in a way they can easily understand. It is natural to have questions and people should not be afraid to ask them while getting answers in layman’s terms.
From the beginning, it is wise to contact professionals who can serve as a guide, give advice on when to negotiate and settle and when it might be better to go to court. Every case needs to be treated individually. This is a fundamental part of seeking help and reaching a positive outcome.