Pittsburgh and Allegheny County Divorce FAQ
Making the decision to file for divorce certainly was not easy, and when you finally decide to end your marriage in Pittsburgh, you will likely have many questions that need to be answered before you can proceed.
For this reason, below we have provided the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions our clients have had in regard to their impending divorce. Additional questions can be answered when you schedule your initial consultation with our firm.
What Does It Mean for a Divorce to Be Contested?
A contested divorce means that either you or your spouse are unable to agree to the terms of your divorce thus far. This might include the division of your property and assets, spousal support, child custody issues, and child support, to name a few.
Most contested divorce cases can be resolved in mediation, though it is possible that the judge presiding over your case may need to make executive decisions on your behalf if you are unable to come to an arrangement with your spouse.
Does PA Recognize Legal Separations?
No, the state of Pennsylvania does not recognize legal separations. However, it is important to note the exact date that you and your spouse began living separate lives, as this will be relevant when it comes time to divide your property, debts, and assets.
How Does Alimony Work in Pittsburgh?
When one spouse earns less than the other, they may be in need of financial assistance for a period of time, and the higher-earning spouse can be ordered to pay spousal support to the lesser-earning spouse.
Alimony can be ordered in the interim or permanently, depending on the circumstances of your case, while the amount that will be ordered will be dependent on a number of different factors. Your Pittsburgh divorce attorney can offer clarification when you reach out to discuss the details of your case.
What Is Equitable Distribution?
The equitable distribution process refers to the portion of your divorce where you and your spouse divide your property, debts, and assets amongst each other. Equitable distribution means that your marital estate will be divided equitably, but not necessary equally.
With this in mind, you will want to try to divide your marital property together rather than having the courts do so on your behalf so that you have a better opportunity to retain the property and belongings that you hope to keep.
Consult with a Pittsburgh Divorce Lawyer
Before you move forward with your divorce, it would be well-advised to consult with a Pittsburgh divorce lawyer at Lisa Marie Vari & Associates, P.C.
You can schedule your initial case evaluation today by giving our office a call at (412) 231-9786 or by completing the brief contact form located on our site.
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“Lisa herself is a very dedicated, hard working, professional and compassionate person. She is very driven to get the results you desire, but also listens to your needs and understands the difficult nature of the business.”
- Pennie E. -
“I've worked with this firm on more than one occasion and have nothing but HIGH PRAISE for their professionalism, expertise and knowledge.”
- Rebecca H. -
“I not only recommend attorney Melissa Lewis, but I guarantee once you have used her service you will look no further. She responds in an extreme timely matter, is very knowledgeable, and an extremely trustworthy person.”
- Maurice B.
Lisa Marie Vari & Associates, P.C. Is the Right Choice for Your Family Matters
Learn more about our firm and why you should entrust our experienced legal team to handle your family law matters.
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Strong SupportA team of senior attorneys, junior associates, paralegals and law school clerks for full legal support throughout the process.
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Complex CasesExperienced with high income, self employed professionals in complex support and equitable distribution cases.
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DiverseAttorney Lisa Marie Vari is trained as a mediator and collaborative family lawyer.
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ExperiencedMore than 30 years of experience practicing family law in Pennsylvania.
Request a Consultation
We can further discuss the individual details of your case when you come in for your no-obligation consultation, which can be scheduled by calling our firm at (412) 231-9786 or via the quick contact form we have included at the bottom of this page.