Family law attorneys in Mechanicsburg, PA
If you are facing a family law case in Mechanicsburg, PA, the outcome will directly affect you personally in your future. This helps highlight the significance of this area of the law and the importance of seeking trusted legal representation from the outset. Turn to the experienced family law attorneys at Purdy Law for the help you need today.
Your Children
A significant portion of family law focuses on matters related to children – whether in divorce cases or outside them. These include:
- Child custody arrangements
- Adoption
- Child support
Child Custody Arrangements
Child custody in Pennsylvania is divided into legal custody and physical custody. Legal custody determines how you and your ex will make primary parenting decisions about critical matters like the following:
- Schooling your shared children receives
- The medical care your shared children receive
- Religious education that your shared children receive
- The extracurriculars and travel your shared children participate in
Physical custody, on the other hand, refers to what you may think of as visitation. Pennsylvania courts are guided by the best interests of the children involved, which generally means spending significant time with each parent. One parent may, however, serve as the primary physical custodian, while the other has a visitation schedule.
Child Support
The State of Pennsylvania uses the income shares model for child support. This involves calculating the amount of each parent’s income designated for supporting their children. Generally, the higher-earning parent is responsible for child support, even when physical custody is shared evenly.
Adoption
Adoption is a carefully regulated process that allows an adult to become the legal parent of a child who is not their biological child. While the process is exacting, adding a child to your family through adoption is profoundly rewarding.
Your Financial Rights in Mechanicsburg
Specific divorce terms that are addressed by family law and affect your financial rights include the division of marital property and alimony, which applies only under precise circumstances.
The Division of Marital Property
The assets that you, your spouse, or you and your spouse together came to own while you were married are identified as marital property. In the event of a divorce, these assets must be divided between you equitably. This means that when a range of circumstances is carefully considered, the matter can become very complicated very quickly.
Alimony
Alimony is awarded only if one spouse can prove that the divorce leaves them without the financial means to meet their established needs. In addition, the divorcing spouse must have the financial means to pay alimony. When applicable, alimony can play an important financial role.
Don’t Wait to Consult with an Experienced Mechanicsburg Family Law Attorney
The formidable Mechanicsburg family law attorneys at Purdy Law welcome the opportunity to implement the full scope of our proven experience on your behalf. Your case is important to your future, so please don’t put off reaching out for more information by contacting us online or calling us at 717-674-2885 today.