What are the Grounds for Divorce in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania?

Divorce cases in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, involve numerous factors and legal issues you must consider. One key issue is the grounds for divorce, and the grounds cited will play a major role in how the divorce case unfolds. This is an important matter if you are filing or responding to a divorce petition.

If you are facing a divorce, always have trusted legal guidance from the start to avoid errors, such as citing improper grounds that cause unnecessary delays or conflict. Contact our Harrisburg divorce lawyers at Purdy Law Office, LLC, to discuss your situation and determine the proper grounds for your divorce.

No-Fault Divorce

In Harrisburg, the most common type of divorce is a no-fault divorce. This means you cite grounds that there has been an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage with no chance of reconciliation. With no-fault grounds, neither party must prove wrongdoing or place blame on the other spouse in order to dissolve the marriage.

A no-fault divorce can be obtained after the couple has been living separate and apart for a period of at least one year, or if both spouses sign affidavits that they mutually consent to the no-fault divorce.

This option allows couples to minimize conflict and end their marriage as amicably as possible, which is especially important if they have children together. Even though you do not need to prove no-fault grounds, you will still need to resolve many issues in divorce, such as property division and child-related matters. Having the right legal representation is key.

Fault Divorce

In some cases, a spouse might choose to cite fault-based grounds for divorce in Harrisburg, which can complicate the process, but might be necessary to protect their interests. Fault-based grounds in Pennsylvania include:

• Adultery
• Abandonment or desertion
• Cruel treatment
• Bigamy
• Imprisonment for two or more years

In a fault divorce, one spouse must provide evidence of misconduct on the part of the other. These grounds require concrete proof, which means personal information will often be aired in court regarding one spouse’s wrongdoing. For this reason, these cases can be more contentious than no-fault divorce.

Although fault divorces may involve more conflict and can be emotionally challenging, they may be necessary in certain circumstances. Proving fault for a divorce might benefit you in determinations regarding property division, spousal support, or child custody.

If you believe that your spouse’s misconduct has significantly impacted the marriage and is a valid ground for divorce, consult an experienced attorney who can assess your situation and guide you through the legal process.

Contact a Harrisburg Divorce Attorney from Purdy Law Office, LLC

If you are facing a divorce in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and need legal guidance, contact Purdy Law Office, LLC. Our experienced team of Harrisburg divorce attorneys is here to provide personalized and effective representation.

To schedule a consultation, contact us directly. Remember, you don’t have to face a divorce alone – we’re here to guide you every step of the way.