PITTSBURGH DIVORCE LAWYER

Considering a Divorce in Pittsburgh or Allegheny County?

If you are considering a divorce in Pennsylvania, having an experienced Pittsburgh divorce attorney can help you understand your rights and your options before you make important decisions.

At Steven R. Tabano & Associates, our Pittsburgh divorce attorney provides experienced legal representation to individuals throughout Pittsburgh and Allegheny County.. With more than 35 years of legal experience, we help clients navigate the divorce process with practical advice and personal attention.

We handle both uncontested and contested divorces, including Pennsylvania no-fault divorce, division of marital property, and other issues that may need to be addressed as part of the divorce.

You do not have to navigate the divorce process alone. Call (412) 381-6626 to schedule a consultation.

One spouse, called the”Plaintiff,” files with the court a legal paper called a “Complaint”. The complaint states what type of divorce is being sought and may also state that the plaintiff is seeking other things, like support, alimony, custody, and a property settlement.

In Pennsylvania, couples may obtain either a no-fault or fault-based divorce. Most divorces are handled as no-fault divorces, which generally means the parties do not have to prove that either spouse caused the marriage to end. Depending on the circumstances, a divorce may also involve issues such as the division of marital property, child support, spousal support, and other financial matters.

• Equitable Distribution (a division of marital assets)

• Child Support

• Spousal Support /  Alimony / Alimony Pendente Lite / Counsel Fees

  

Types of Divorce in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania law provides for both no-fault and fault-based divorces. Most couples who are able to reach an agreement proceed with a no-fault divorce based on mutual consent. If both spouses consent to the divorce, Pennsylvania law generally requires 90 days to pass after the divorce action is commenced before the parties can establish mutual consent.

When spouses do not both consent, a no-fault divorce may proceed based on an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage after the parties have lived separate and apart for at least one year, subject to the requirements of Pennsylvania law.

Pennsylvania also recognizes fault-based grounds for divorce, including adultery, desertion, cruel and barbarous treatment, and certain other circumstances. These cases can involve different procedures and considerations than a typical uncontested no-fault divorce.

Uncontested Divorce in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County

If you and your spouse agree that the marriage should end and can reach an agreement concerning the issues that need to be resolved, an uncontested divorce may be the simplest way to proceed. Steven R. Tabano & Associates helps clients throughout Pittsburgh and Allegheny County understand the divorce process and address the issues that may need to be resolved before the divorce is finalized.

Can the Court stop my spouse from taking, hiding or wasting marital assets?

Yes. Pennsylvania courts can take steps to protect marital property when there is a concern that a spouse may improperly dispose of, transfer, or conceal assets. In appropriate circumstances, the court may issue an injunction to prevent the removal or disposition of property when necessary to protect a spouse’s rights to equitable distribution or support.

If you believe your spouse is taking, hiding, transferring, or wasting marital assets, it is important to address the issue promptly with a divorce attorney.

Will You Have To Go To Court?

>Whether you have to appear in court depends on the circumstances of your divorce. In many uncontested Pennsylvania divorces, the spouses can resolve their issues through an agreement and complete the required paperwork without a contested court hearing.

If you and your spouse disagree about property, support, or other issues, court involvement may be necessary. An experienced Pittsburgh divorce lawyer can explain the process, prepare the required documents, and help you understand when a court appearance may be required.

An experienced Pittsburgh divorce lawyer can explain the process, prepare the required documents, and help you understand when a court appearance may be necessary.

Dividing Property, Retirement Accounts and Debts in a Pennsylvania Divorce

Dividing marital property can be one of the most important parts of a divorce. A marital home, mortgage, bank accounts, investments, retirement accounts, pensions, vehicles and debts may all need to be addressed as part of the divorce. Pennsylvania follows equitable distribution, which means marital property is divided in a manner the court considers fair after considering the circumstances of the parties. Equitable distribution does not necessarily mean that every asset or debt is divided equally. The marital portion of a pension or retirement plan may also be subject to division. Pennsylvania law specifically provides rules for determining the marital portion of defined-benefit retirement plans. The marital home and mortgage can require particular attention. Even when both spouses are on the deed or mortgage, the divorce agreement or court order may address whether the home will be sold, transferred to one spouse, or otherwise handled as part of equitable distribution. Debts should also be identified and addressed when negotiating a divorce settlement. An agreement should clearly state which spouse will be responsible for particular debts and how marital assets and liabilities will be handled.

Every divorce is different. Whether you are dealing with an uncontested divorce or disagreements involving property, retirement accounts, support or debts, understanding your rights before signing a settlement agreement is important. Steven R. Tabano & Associates helps individuals throughout Pittsburgh and Allegheny County understand their options and work toward a fair resolution.  If you are looking for a Pittsburgh divorce attorney, our firm can explain your options and help you understand the steps involved in a Pennsylvania divorce.

Schedule a Divorce Consultation

Call (412) 381-6626 to discuss your Pennsylvania divorce and learn how we can help.