Family Law Attorney Serving Hershey, PA
Family law governs important cases that directly affect families like yours, so having a solid understanding of the basics is a good idea. While your family law case will be unique to you and your situation, the involved legalities stay the same. One of the most important steps anyone facing a family law case can take is to consult an experienced Hershey, PA, family law attorney at Purdy Law early on.
Divorce Options in Pennsylvania: No-Fault, Fault, and Contested Cases
Divorce is one of the most common family law matters and involves the dissolution of the marital contract. To obtain a divorce, the matters of child custody, child support, the equitable division of marital property, and alimony must all be resolved, as applicable.
No-Fault vs. Fault-Based Divorce
Most divorces in Pennsylvania are no-fault cases. This means they are based on irreconcilable differences rather than on either spouse’s fault. The state also offers a fault-based option with primary grounds that include adultery, cruelty, and abandonment. With a fault-based divorce, you can skip the mandatory 12-month waiting period and may receive more favorable terms, but the burden of proving your spouse’s fault will lie with you.
Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce
Most Pennsylvania divorces are both no-fault and uncontested. Uncontested means the spouses, with guidance from their respective family law attorneys, can reach an agreement on each applicable term. Alternative dispute resolution options, such as mediation and collaborative divorce, are also available.
A contested divorce means the couple could not agree on all terms and therefore turned to the court to resolve the remaining issues. While every fault-based divorce is contested, no-fault cases can be either contested or uncontested, depending on whether or not the couple can resolve each of the terms that apply.
Adoption
Adoption in Pennsylvania is a challenging legal process that offers significant rewards. The basic requirements include all the following:
- The person or couple adopting must each be at least 21 years old. Marital status does not affect eligibility, but if a couple is married, both spouses must adopt, or the non-adopting spouse must provide consent.
- A state-mandated home study is required, which includes in-depth interviews, physical exams, background checks, and an inspection that addresses home safety.
- Both birth parents must terminate their parental rights and consent to the adoption, which can’t be done until at least 72 hours after the child’s birth.
- After the post-placement period, the adoption must be finalized by the court.
Our Experienced Family Law Attorney Welcomes the Opportunity to Help You
The compassionate Hershey, PA, family law attorneys at Purdy Law appreciate the magnitude of your family law case, and we dedicate our impressive practice to championing your rights in pursuit of an optimal case outcome. To learn more, contact us online or call 717-674-2885 today.