In PA, you can file for divorce with or without proving fault and pursue a no-fault divorce if you and your spouse agree or have been separated for at least one year. While PA law gives you a path to move forward, the process isn’t always simple, especially when children, property, or emotions are involved.
If you’re considering divorce, working with our Harrisburg, PA, divorce attorneys at the Law Office of Allissa McDonald Myers can help you avoid costly mistakes, protect your rights, and reduce stress during an already challenging time.
Key Divorce Issues and What Our Harrisburg, PA, Divorce Lawyers Can Do For You
Divorce is not just the end of your relationship; it’s also the legal division of your shared life. At McDonald Myers Law, our Harrisburg, PA, divorce attorneys can help you navigate these key divorce issues the court will address in your case:
Property Division
PA follows the principle of equitable distribution. This means your marital property must be divided fairly but not necessarily equally. The court considers factors like the length of the marriage, each spouse’s income and debts, and who contributed what to the household.
For instance, the court may award more assets to you in compensation for your lost earning potential if you stayed home to care for your children while your spouse worked. Regardless of your specific circumstances, our Harrisburg, PA, divorce lawyers will help identify what qualifies as marital vs. non-marital property and ensure you receive a fair share.
Child and Spousal Support
Courts may award child and support for the lower earning spouse during or after a divorce. Pennsylvania uses a formula to calculate child support based on your and your spouse’s incomes and the number of children you have. Spousal support is more discretionary and depends on factors like specific needs, ability to pay, and standard of living during the marriage. During the Divorce proceedings, the Courts award support to the lower earning spouse in the form of Alimony Pendente Lite or APL to assist with litigation costs and the transition to financial independence post-divorce.
While the state’s child support formula is straightforward, factors such as bonuses, self-employment income, or a party’s willful underemployment can complicate the calculation. Our Harrisburg, PA, divorce attorneys can make sure everything is accounted for and that the final number is fair to you and your children.
Child Custody and Child Visitation
Child custody is often the most emotionally draining part of a divorce. PA law requires custody decisions to be based on your children’s best interests. This includes considering which party is more likely to ensure the safety of the child, your and your spouse’s stability, level of involvement, and your children’s preferences if they’re mature enough.
Our Harrisburg, PA, divorce lawyers can help you present a custody plan that works for your children and supports a stable, nurturing environment. We have worked with parents who feared losing time with their children, only to gain more consistent, healthy parenting arrangements through well-prepared custody petitions.
Alimony and Post-Divorce Support
Alimony is not guaranteed in every case. However, courts may award it to a spouse who needs financial help after the divorce. Duration and amount vary based on several factors, including the length of the marriage and each spouse’s earning capacity.
For instance, you may receive alimony while you retrain or return to work if you were out of the workforce during the marriage. Whether you are asking for or fighting against alimony, our Harrisburg, PA, divorce attorneys will advocate for a fair support arrangement based on your unique circumstances.
Let Our Seasoned Harrisburg, PA, Divorce Attorneys Help Protect Your Future
At McDonald Myers Law, our Harrisburg, PA, divorce lawyers have guided many families through divorce with compassion and clarity. Contact us online or dial 717-704-9077 to arrange your confidential consultation.
