Pittsburgh Divorce Attorney

Although we all hope for marriage to end in happily ever after, this is not always the case for couples. If you can no longer make your marriage work, you need to retain the skilled legal services of a divorce attorney to guide you through the process of dissolving your marriage. At Schmidt Bresnahan Law Group, LLC in Pittsburgh, our legal team has assisted clients through the divorce process for nearly 20 years and is backed by a history of successful results. You can rely on us during this difficult time.

Reach out to our firm today by contacting us online or calling (412) 693-6681 to set up an initial consultation with our knowledgeable Pittsburg divorce attorney.

Step-by-Step Guide to Filing for Divorce in PA

Filing for divorce in Pittsburgh, PA involves the following steps:

1. Meet PA Residency Requirements 
   • Ensure that you or your spouse meet the residency requirements for filing a divorce in Pennsylvania, which generally include residing in the state for at least six months.
2. Gather Necessary Documents 
   • Collect important documents such as marriage certificate, financial records, property titles, and information on children, including birth certificates.
3. Consult with a Pittsburgh Divorce Lawyer 
   • Seek the advice of a knowledgeable divorce attorney in Pittsburgh who can guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and advocate for your interests.
4. File the Divorce Complaint 
   • Prepare and file the divorce complaint with the appropriate family court in Pittsburgh. Pay the necessary filing fees and ensure that the complaint is properly served to your spouse.
5. Negotiate Settlement or Litigate
   • Engage in negotiations with your spouse to reach a settlement agreement on important matters such as property division, child custody, child support, and alimony. If an agreement cannot be reached, be prepared to litigate the issues in court.
6. Attend Court Hearings 
   • Attend any scheduled court hearings and follow the court's instructions throughout the divorce proceedings.
7. Finalize the Divorce
   • Once all matters are resolved, obtain a final divorce decree from the court, officially ending the marriage.

Key Issues in Pennsylvania Divorce Cases

No two divorces are alike. However, in most cases, spouses will generally have to resolve certain key issues when dissolving their marriage. Depending on the unique factors of your case, these issues can determine how complex and time-consuming your divorce ultimately is.

Here are the key issues you must resolve during your divorce:

• Property division
• Alimony
• Child custody
• Child support

No matter how complicated or straightforward your divorce case may be, you can rely on our experienced divorce team to provide the strong legal support you need to get through and protect your interests. We understand how challenging this experience can be and will work diligently on your behalf to secure the results you deserve.

How Does Pennsylvania Handle Debts in Divorce?

In Pennsylvania, debts incurred during a marriage are treated similarly to assets when it comes to divorce proceedings. Pennsylvania follows the principle of equitable distribution, which means that marital debts are divided in a way that is fair, though not necessarily equal. It’s important to understand that only marital debts—those acquired during the marriage—are subject to division. Debts acquired by either spouse before the marriage or after separation are generally considered separate and are not divided.

During divorce, the court examines several factors to determine how to allocate marital debts. These factors include each spouse’s income and earning potential, the length of the marriage, the standard of living during the marriage, and the financial needs and liabilities of each party. The court may also take into account who benefited from the debt and who was responsible for its accumulation.

Common types of marital debts include mortgages, credit card debt, auto loans, and student loans taken out during the marriage. The court’s goal is to reach a fair distribution that does not unduly burden one spouse over the other. It is important for spouses to disclose all debts during the divorce process to ensure a thorough and equitable division. Failure to do so may result in legal penalties or an unfair financial burden. For individuals navigating this process, it is critical to have experienced legal guidance to protect their financial interests.

Contact Our Pittsburgh Divorce Attorney for Personalized Legal Support

If you recently decided to end your marriage, now is the time to hire a skilled legal advocate to represent your case and ensure you navigate this emotionally taxing process as smoothly as possible. At Schmidt Bresnahan Law Group, LLC in Pittsburgh, our divorce attorney has a reputation for providing clients with sound legal advice and effective strategies that address their unique goals and needs. With our team on your side, you can rest assured your case will be in good hands with us.

Reach out to our divorce team today at (412) 693-6681 to set up a consultation with our experienced attorney and learn more about your legal options.