If you’re headed toward divorce, you may be wondering if you really need an attorney, especially if you’re having a friendly or “amicable divorce.” You may also be wondering if a divorce lawyer is necessary if you have no real assets or if you don’t have any children.
Even if you expect a relatively easy divorce, it’s still important to have a lawyer represent you. If your marriage has broken down beyond repair, there are several ways an attorney can help you:
- An attorney will advise you on your rights and responsibilities under Pennsylvania’s divorce laws.
- An attorney will tell you what to expect.
- An attorney will help you avoid legal disputes.
- Any attorney will look out for your best interests.
- An attorney will protect your legal rights.
- An attorney will advise you on what to do, and what not to do (this can be priceless).
- An attorney will facilitate negotiations and a fair divorce settlement.
How Long Do I Have to Be Separated?
Each state has different requirements regarding divorce. If you’re having marital problems and you or your spouse, or both of you, have decided to file for divorce, and it’s been one year since you have been living separately and apart, or if it’s been one year since the divorce was filed, you may be ripe for a divorce to proceed through the courts.
“What if I don’t want the divorce?” If your spouse is asking for a no-fault divorce, the only defense that he or she has is showing the court that you have not lived separate and apart for at least one year, or that the marriage still has hope for repair.
Next: Will Cheating Ruin a No-Fault Divorce?
If you’ve been living separate and apart for some time, or if one of you intend to file for divorce, we invite you to contact our firm to speak with a Philadelphia divorce attorney.
