What to Expect During the Divorce Procedure
Deciding to separate and divorce your spouse can be a heart-wrenching decision, but the legal aspects of the process don’t have to be difficult. An experienced attorney can help walk you through the petition for divorce, negotiation, and legal judgment. Pennsylvania is an "equitable distribution" state, meaning that your property does not have to be divided equally, just fairly. Here is an overview of what you can expect during the divorce procedure:
Evaluation of Your Debts and Assets
Before you can decide how to divide your belongings, you and your spouse have to look at what you own. This involves examining all investment accounts, vehicles, real estate, and 401k plans, no matter whose name it is listed under. Next, you have to look at all of your debts and make note of every credit card, mortgage, and car loan you may have outstanding. Only then can you and your attorney decide on the way to split up the assets.
Petition for Divorce
After accounting for all of your assets, your attorney will draft a petition for divorce and file it with the court. In this legal document, you propose an agreement about who gets what property and what the child custody and alimony agreement will be like.
Negotiation and Divorce Court
With luck, your spouse will think that your divorce petition requests are reasonable. If so, he or she will be able to accept your provisions and appear in front of a judge, and the court will grant you a divorce. If your spouse is unhappy with the alimony, child support, or property division in your plan, your attorneys will need to negotiate on your behalf until you reach an agreement.
If you are thinking of filing for divorce, you need a knowledgeable lawyer to fight on your behalf. Michael E. Eisenberg, Esq. is an experienced divorce attorney who understands what it takes to help you through the divorce procedure. Schedule a free consultation today at our Montgomery County office by calling (267) 722-8383.
- Loading comments...
