Top 7 Issues You Must Consider Before Filing A Divorce In PA
The term “divorce” should never be thrown around lightly. When any couple decides to proceed with divorce there are major changes that may take place, not only to your own lives but to many lives around you. Your family, friends, and even your neighbours and employer may feel the impact of your divorce.
Before filing for divorce in Pennsylvania, you should carefully consider the following aspects to determine if and how divorcing your spouse may impact them, and if you proceed, how you can manage the changes it may have on your life.
1. Think about your children before filing a divorce in PA
One of the most important considerations you should have is how divorce may impact the children involved. First is the logistical considerations of who will have primary custody, where the children will children reside, how you will manage visitation, and how you will jointly care for their needs. Then, there is the emotional consideration. How you choose to inform them of your decision to divorce and how you present the details will have a great impact on how children view the situation. You may even wish to seek a family counsellor to help you navigate these challenging conversations.
Related: PA Custody Factors: What Courts Consider when Awarding Child Custody
2. How long does a Pennsylvania divorce take?
There are many factors that can impact the amount of time it takes for two people to officially divorce, namely the type of divorce that is being filed. A mutual consent divorce can take 4 to 5 months, including Pennsylvania’s mandatory 90-day waiting period, which begins after the spouses file for divorce in Pennsylvania.
Besides mutual consent divorces, there are also irretrievably broken divorces, meaning you and your spouse can no longer get along and the marriage is no longer working, can take a few months to finalize, if all parties comply with the procedural requirements. For irretrievably broken divorces, there is no 90-day waiting period.
Unlike in many states, in Pennsylvania spouses can proceed with “fault” or “no-fault” divorce. During a fault divorce process, the court is considering the misconduct of both spouses related to the divorce. Marital misconduct includes adultery, abuse and drug addiction. It is hard to predict the amount of time it may take to fully process a fault divorce and is highly dependent upon the circumstances under examination.
3. It matters who files for divorce first in Pennsylvania
Like most things in life, there are advantages and disadvantages to being first. Filing for divorce is no exception. The first party to initiate the divorce will presumably have time beforehand to obtain the proper legal representation, as well as the necessary documents. It can also stop your spouse from hiding money or assets before the break-up. Conversely, the individual who petitions for divorce first might have to pay the filing fees and possibly more to retain legal assistance to gather proper information in order to file for divorce. Every situation is unique, and these pros and cons should not stop you if you truly feel like filing for divorce is your best option. Speaking to an experienced divorce attorney can help you understand the steps you should take for the most favourable outcome.
4. Copy important financial documents
Be sure to obtain and make copies of all important financial documents as soon as possible. It is in your best interest to have copies of such items in your own possession and to not need to rely upon your spouse for access to them. Important financial documents may include vital records for you and your children, logins and passwords to important accounts, titles, deeds, wills, and more.
5. Your current living arrangements with your spouse
Before filing for divorce you should think through how you will handle living arrangements with your spouse. If currently separated, this may not need to be as large of a consideration. But if you still reside together, you may want to have a discussion as to the best options for all parties involved, including children. Are you able to arrange for temporary housing, if desired? Will children reside with you, your spouse, or someone else? How long can you sustain alternate accommodations? Thinking through all of this in advance may save you stress, uncertainty, and inconvenience.
6. Know what to do after you move out
If you determine your best option is to move out of your home prior to or during the divorce process, you should be prepared to make this substantial change in your life. First, make sure all important accounts are changed to reflect your new address, even if temporary. You can also request a mail forward from USPS. For any accounts that you and your spouse jointly share, you will need to determine the address the mail will come to moving forward, and how you will share necessary information with one another.
You will also want to arrange to obtain your personal items. If this is only a temporary separation until other factors are determined, you may need just the essentials. If you anticipate you will not return to your home in the near future, you will want to be sure to take all items of value to you, that you own, so that you have them in your possession.
7. Your daily life behavior matters
Finally and most importantly, you must consider all of your actions leading up to and during your divorce process. How you interact with your spouse, children, friends, family, and mutual contacts may impact your case. Generally speaking, you should act reasonably and responsibly to put yourself in the best position for a favorable outcome.
How Colgan & Associates can help you with your divorce
If you are considering a divorce and seeking legal advice, the first thing you should do is talk to a trusted divorce attorney who can discuss the unique aspects of your case and provide you with the most important things you should consider about your decision to move forward with the filing process.
At Colgan & Associates, our team of experienced family & divorce lawyers in South Central Pennsylvania are ready and able to help you with your matter. Call us for a no-cost, no-obligation phone consultation at (717) 775-6695 or
Schedule a free consultation here.
