State College Divorce Attorneys
While Pennsylvania laws allow spouses to receive a no-fault divorce which simply terminates the marriage commitment, there are other factors to consider and include in seeking a more thorough divorce decree.
Custody
If there are children of the marriage, it is important to consider future rights and obligations of each parent when they begin to live in separate households. In Pennsylvania, the court will issue orders about “legal custody,” which sets forth the rights of each parent to participate in making decisions about the children’s medical and educational needs. A “physical custody” schedule will be arranged with a plan for the children to spend time with each parent. The court will consider the best interests of the children when developing a parenting plan.
Equitable Division of Assets and Debts
A divorce should accomplish an equitable division of the personal property and real estate acquired during the marriage. While “equitable” may mean “equal,” there are other factors to be considered such as the individual contributions made by each spouse from premarital assets.
Pension or retirement accounts, bank accounts, motor vehicles, and credit card debt are just a few of the things that should be mentioned in the divorce decree. Each spouse should leave the divorce with their fair share of assets and responsibility for any outstanding liabilities. Couples often remain tied to one another financially if the order does not include provisions for converting mortgages and ownership rights to the individual name of the spouse with ongoing possession or responsibility.
Alimony
It is possible for the court to order alimony to be paid to the spouse who needs financial assistance while adjusting to life without the consistency of finances typically enjoyed during the marriage. Temporary alimony, or “alimony pendente lite,” may be paid while the divorce process is ongoing, and permanent or long-term alimony may be awarded when the divorce decree is final.
Mediation for Divorce
When you and your spouse decide to end your marriage, your divorce does not have to become a bitter dispute. Mediation is a chance at a new beginning.
It is important to consider these factors and other provisions to make sure that your divorce decree includes everything that you need to adjust to your new lifestyle without giving up any of your rights. Contact State College divorce attorneys at The Mazza Law Group, P.C. to learn more about all of the important details that need to be included in your divorce decree.