Divorce Process – Fault vs. No-Fault in Pennsylvania

In the state of Pennsylvania, you have the option of filing a fault or no fault divorce. The first step when deciding to file for divorce is to have consultation with a PA Divorce Process Lawyer. It is important for you to be represented by a lawyer that knows the laws and they are able to analyze your situation and determine what is best for you. When a divorce is filed with someone at fault, the spouse has knowledge of something that occurred and that will support their reason for getting a divorce. An at fault divorce requires the spouse to prove infidelity, an unstable mental health problem, physical abuse, and their spouse misled them about being able to produce children prior to getting married. Being able to produce children may seem like a non important factor in a divorce. However, most people get married with the idea of having children and building a family. A no fault divorce does not require any of the spouses to prove one of the fault factors when filing for a divorce. A no fault divorce is granted by the courts just because two spouses do not want to be together anymore. The divorce is filed as irreconcilable differences and no questions are asked about the couple no longer wanting to be together.

It is important to retain a lawyer that knows the laws, understands your options, and will work hard with you being their best interest. Many years ago in Pennsylvania divorces were not granted unless it could be proven that a spouse committed adultery, had severe mental issues, or misled their spouse about being able to produce children. That rule did not allow many couples to divorce because non of the reasons applied to their situation. There are many divorces cases in the state of Pennsylvania that are granted under the no fault rule. The PA Divorce Process Lawyer will file your divorce on the grounds of being at fault in order to obtain alimony for their client or to prove why alimony should not be paid. Any PA Divorce Process Lawyer will meet with you and hear all of the facts before filing the divorce papers for you.