Divorce Road Map

Pennsylvania Attorney Guiding You Through Divorce

If you have decided to end your marriage and file for divorce, as a Pennsylvanian, you must take a specific path. As a counselor at law and a professional mediator, I am here to provide you with a divorce road map and to guide you through the marriage dissolution process.

E-mail me or call 717-260-3145 or 866-534-8769 to speak with an experienced lawyer about filing for divorce.

Road Map to Filing for Divorce

In Pennsylvania, marriages do not end simply by filing for divorce. There is a process with a specific timeline that must be followed:

Filing Meet with an attorney to file a petition for divorce. It does not matter who files; filing has no bearing on the outcome of the divorce proceedings, including matters pertaining to custody and support. The only difference between Plaintiff, the one filing for divorce, and Defendant is that the Plaintiff pays the filing fee.

Waiting The Defendant is officially served with the legal divorce complaint. This begins a mandatory 90-day waiting period before the divorce can be finalized.

Negotiating Negotiations, through mediation or litigation, begin between the husband and wife, or between their attorneys, to determine division of assets (such as bank accounts) and liabilities (such as credit card debt), child custody and support arrangements, spousal support/alimony, etc. If a settlement issue cannot be resolved out of court, the parties will go to a Masters hearing.

Hearing A couple has up to two years to agree to a marriage settlement; otherwise, their case may go to a Master. The Master is a neutral attorney who will hear both sides and then issue a decision on how the assets and liabilities will be divided. The Masters decision may be appealed. The divorce will be finalized by the Master.

Signing After both parties have agreed to a marital settlement or have completed a Master's Hearing the Plaintiff and the Defendant will sign an affidavit of consent and a waiver of notice to finalize their divorce.

Finalizing Upon receipt of the divorce documents, the courts will issue a final divorce decree. This order of dissolution finalizes the divorce.

Working with countless families as a lawyer and a professional mediator, I have participated in traditional litigation, collaboration and mediation. In my experience, litigation often is an expensive, drawn-out proceeding with people fighting for rights despite their needs or those of their children. Additionally, the arguments and accusations become public record, thereby airing a family's dirty laundry.

Resolving Disputes, Rebuilding Relationships

I fully believe in the power of mediation for settling family disputes. In a private, confidential setting, couples can address their problems, agree to a settlement and move forward.

If you have questions about divorce and/or mediation, contact my firm. I am here for you. Contact me at 717-260-3145 or 866-534-8769.