When It Comes to Separation and Divorce, You're Not Alone

Separation and divorce are among the most traumatic experiences in adult life.  For couples with children, divorce often means a restructuring of family life, with concerns about child support and custody weighing heavily.  Finances, including the fate of the family home, become matters of dispute.  Even your identity, sense of well being, and security come under stress.

At Grudowski & Thompson, P.C., you’ll find our approach is both caring and thorough.  We help you set your life back on a solid foundation, avoiding those quick, bargain basement solutions that only lead to greater stress and heartache further down the road. We want our client to get what they are entitled to under the law.

If you’re entering a situation of divorce and separation, you’re not alone. Contact Grudowski & Thompson, P.C.  today, or complete our short Intake Form, providing our partners with a basic sense of your needs and situation.  We’ll be in contact shortly.

Divorce in Pennsylvania

Divorce in Pennsylvania is either “no-fault” or “fault.”  To be eligible for divorce in PA, you must have resided in the state for at least six months and be able to show that there are grounds for a lawfully acceptable divorce.

A No-Fault Divorce can occur in two situations.  One is a divorce by “mutual consent,” where both parties sign affidavits of consent.  In this case, a divorce can be granted by the court shortly after a 90-day waiting period after the serving of a divorce complaint.  If only one spouse wants a divorce, but you have been living apart for at least two years, a “no fault” divorce may also be granted if the court so determines.

A Fault Divorce occurs when one spouse is able to prove they are the “innocent and injured” party, or at no fault themselves, and that misconduct on the part of their partner has caused the marriage to fail.  Grounds for a Fault Divorce include violence, bigamy, adultery, desertion, insanity, or conviction of a crime.

Contact Grudowski & Thompson, P.C.  today, or complete our short Intake Form for more information.

Child Custody and Child Support

Matters of Child Custody and Child Support are emotional powder kegs.

In Pennsylvania, determinations of custody and visitation are never considered final. Without favoring either the mother or father, courts look to the relationship of each parent and child. In these proceedings, the child’s preference is one of many factors considered by the court. In seeking what is best for the children, even grandparents may file a petition for physical and legal custody of a grandchild.

The law is complex and distinguishes between physical custody and legal custody.  It addresses issues like a custodial parent moving out of the area with the child, access to medical records by the non-custodial parent, and how to seek emergency custody of a child whose life, health, or welfare is in immediate danger.

Did you know that even if a parent is not complying with a support order, a custody order which allows him or her to see the child must still be honored?  As you can see, the potential for legal difficulty is enormous, and you should seek the help of experienced family law attorneys in finding the best resolution for your particular situation.

Contact Grudowski & Thompson, P.C.  today, or complete our short Intake Form for more information.

Child Support Calculator

You may access Pennsylvania’s official online child support calculator. 

We are pleased to provide this link as a convenience to the visitors to our website.  For more information on receiving child support or paying child support, please don’t hesitate to Contact Grudowski & Thompson, P.C. for your Free Consultation and Case Evaluation.

Service Area

A Pittsburgh law firm providing a wide range of services, Grudowski & Thompson, P.C. assists clients throughout Allegheny and Westmoreland Counties, including Pittsburgh, Greensburg and surrounding areas and the communities of Coraopolis, Cranberry, Greensburg, Monroeville, Moon, Mt. Lebanon, Murrysville, North Hills, Oakland, South Hills, Upper St Clair, and more.

Disclaimer

Please visit our Disclaimer Page for information on the materials presented by this website and the attorney-client privilege.

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