• Alimony
• Child Custody
• Child & Spousal Support
• Division of Family Business
• Divorce Tax Matters
• High Asset Divorce
• High Conflict Divorce
• LGBT & Same-Sex Divorce
• Professional Athlete Divorce
• Property Distribution

Common Types of Divorce in Pittsburgh

Divorce in Pennsylvania can take several forms, depending on the circumstances and the willingness of both parties to cooperate.

No-Fault Divorce: A no-fault divorce occurs when both spouses agree that the marriage is irretrievably broken. Pennsylvania allows couples to file for mutual consent divorce, which can be finalized after a 90-day waiting period if both parties sign an affidavit of consent. If one spouse does not agree, the other may still proceed with a no-fault divorce by proving that the couple has been separated for at least one year.

Fault-Based Divorce: Pennsylvania also allows fault-based divorces in cases where one spouse alleges specific wrongdoing by the other. Grounds for fault-based divorce include adultery, abandonment, domestic violence, bigamy, and imprisonment for a significant period. Fault-based divorces can be more complex, often requiring evidence and court proceedings to establish the claims.

Contested Divorce: A contested divorce occurs when spouses cannot agree on key issues such as asset division, child custody, or alimony. These cases typically require mediation or litigation, making them lengthier and more expensive than uncontested divorces.

Uncontested Divorce: An uncontested divorce happens when both spouses agree on all major aspects of their separation. Since there are no disputes to resolve in court, the process is usually faster and less costly. Uncontested divorces often result from well-drafted separation agreements negotiated by attorneys or through mediation.

Mediated Divorce: Mediation is an alternative to traditional divorce litigation that allows couples to negotiate the terms of their divorce with the help of a neutral third party. Mediation can be beneficial for reducing conflict and preserving relationships, particularly when children are involved.

Things to Consider During Divorce

Divorce involves much more than the legal termination of a marriage. Several factors must be carefully evaluated to ensure a fair resolution.

Division of Assets and Debts: Pennsylvania follows equitable distribution laws, meaning that marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. Courts consider factors such as each spouse’s income, contributions to the marriage, and future financial needs. Separate property, such as inheritances or assets acquired before the marriage, typically remains with the original owner.

Child Custody and Parenting Plans: For divorcing parents, child custody is often the most emotionally charged issue. Pennsylvania courts prioritize the best interests of the child when determining custody arrangements. Factors such as parental involvement, stability, and the child’s needs play a role in custody decisions. Parents must also develop a parenting plan that outlines visitation schedules, decision-making responsibilities, and other co-parenting matters.

Child Support and Alimony: Child support is determined based on Pennsylvania’s guidelines, which consider both parents’ incomes and the child’s needs. Alimony, or spousal support, is not guaranteed in every divorce. Courts evaluate factors such as the length of the marriage, the earning capacity of each spouse, and contributions made to the household before awarding alimony.

Emotional and Psychological Impact: Divorce can be an emotionally draining process, affecting mental health and well-being. Seeking support from family, friends, or professional counselors can help individuals cope with stress and uncertainty.

What to Do If Thinking of Divorce

If considering divorce in Pittsburgh, careful preparation is essential. Taking the right steps early can protect financial interests, parental rights, and overall well-being.

1. Evaluate the Situation
   Before making a final decision, assess whether divorce is the best solution. Consider whether reconciliation is possible through counseling or mediation. If the marriage is irreparable, moving forward with legal guidance is the next step.
2. Gather Financial Documents
   Organizing financial records, including bank statements, tax returns, mortgage documents, and retirement accounts, can help ensure a smoother divorce process. Having a clear understanding of assets and liabilities will aid in negotiating property division and support agreements.
3. Consult an Attorney
   A divorce attorney can provide insight into Pennsylvania law and help develop a strategy tailored to individual circumstances. Consulting a lawyer early can prevent costly mistakes and ensure that rights are protected throughout the divorce.
4. Consider Custody and Support Needs
   For parents, planning for custody and child support arrangements is crucial. Understanding how Pennsylvania courts determine custody can help in making informed decisions about the child’s living situation and parental responsibilities.
5. Protect Assets and Credit
   If divorce is imminent, taking steps to protect financial stability is important. Opening individual bank accounts, monitoring credit reports, and understanding joint debt obligations can help prevent financial complications.

How Pennsylvania Law Applies to Divorce

Pennsylvania law provides clear guidelines for divorce procedures, property division, custody arrangements, and support obligations.

• Residency Requirements: To file for divorce in Pennsylvania, at least one spouse must have lived in the state for at least six months. Divorce cases are typically handled in the county where one of the spouses resides.
• Waiting Periods: No-fault divorces require a 90-day waiting period if both spouses consent. If one spouse does not agree, the couple must be separated for one year before filing. Fault-based divorces do not have a specific waiting period but may take longer due to litigation.
• Equitable Distribution of Property: Pennsylvania courts divide marital assets based on equitable distribution principles. This means that property is divided fairly, considering factors such as each spouse’s contributions, financial standing, and future needs.

Custody and Child Support Laws
Child custody determinations are based on the best interests of the child, with courts considering factors such as parental involvement, stability, and the child’s well-being. Child support is calculated using state guidelines that take into account parental income and expenses.

Alimony Considerations
Pennsylvania courts evaluate several factors when determining alimony, including the length of the marriage, financial dependency, and future earning potential. Alimony may be temporary or long-term, depending on the circumstances.

How Bunde & Roberts, P.C. Can Help

Bunde & Roberts, P.C. is a respected family law firm in Pittsburgh, dedicated to guiding clients through the complexities of divorce. Their experienced attorneys understand the emotional and financial challenges of ending a marriage and work tirelessly to protect clients’ rights and interests.

Personalized Legal Guidance – Every divorce is unique, and the attorneys at Bunde & Roberts, P.C. provide personalized strategies tailored to each client’s situation. Whether handling high-asset divorces, child custody disputes, or alimony negotiations, their legal team ensures that clients receive the best possible outcome.

Skilled Negotiation and Litigation – For contested divorces, Bunde & Roberts, P.C. employs strong negotiation skills to reach fair settlements. If litigation becomes necessary, their attorneys are prepared to aggressively advocate for clients in court.

Comprehensive Support for Families – Divorce affects families in profound ways, and the firm offers compassionate legal support to help clients transition smoothly. From crafting parenting plans to ensuring fair financial settlements, Bunde & Roberts, P.C. is committed to securing the best future for their clients.

Protecting Financial Interests – The division of marital assets can be complex, particularly in cases involving businesses, real estate, or retirement accounts. The attorneys at Bunde & Roberts, P.C. have the expertise to navigate these financial matters and ensure equitable property distribution.

Divorce is a challenging journey, but with the right legal team, individuals can move forward with confidence. Bunde & Roberts, P.C. provides the knowledge, experience, and dedication needed to achieve favorable outcomes in divorce cases throughout Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh Family Law Services

When the going gets tough, you can count on the attorneys at Bunde & Roberts to be with you every step of the way. With over 100 years of combined legal experience, we understand the personal and legal challenges you face, and we are skilled negotiators who are also adept at the complexities of the courtroom.

Divorce

Divorce is a complicated process, and one that is often compounded by emotional turmoil and high-stakes decisions. However the process unfolds for you, let us protect your best interests.

Property Distribution

After years of sharing bank accounts, real estate, and other assets, the task of ensuring an equitable division of property can be daunting. Let our attorneys guide you through the process to a fair resolution.

Child Custody

Protecting your relationship with your children is of the utmost importance. Our attorneys have a resounding record of success in negotiating, or litigating when necessary, custody matters.

Child and Spousal Support

Every parent wants to ensure that they can appropriately support their children and themselves. Our lawyers are intimately familiar with the spousal and child support process and know the arguments, evidence, and evaluations to present in order to obtain the best spousal and child support result.

Alimony

When facing divorce, questions about your future financial security are inevitable. Let our family law attorneys walk you through your support options and answer questions about your financial situation, both now and in the future.

Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements

Discussing your assets and allocating them from the start helps to avoid costly litigation later. Let our team steer the conversation and help you protect your interests, both before and after your marriage.

Adoptions

Adoption is a beautiful way to grow your family while opening your heart to a child in need. Our attorneys strive to empower our clients to understand their rights and make decisions that best fit their goals. We represent clients seeking to adopt into any style of family, be they single, married, same-sex or opposite-sex couples.

Protection from Abuse Actions

If you become a victim of abuse in your own home, or you fear impending abuse, you may be wondering where to turn. Our Pittsburgh domestic abuse attorneys can petition the court on your behalf to protect you and your children from harm.

Name Changes

People change their names for a variety of reasons. The process can, however, feel overwhelming. Let our attorneys guide you through the process of a name change in Pennsylvania.

Partition Actions

When property is jointly owned by two unmarried people, disagreements may arise when deciding what to do with that property. Our experienced Pennsylvania property division and partition lawyers can help you distribute these assets, even when divorce is not on the table.

Divorce Tax Matters

While the big picture of divorce is more than enough for most couples to consider, the tax implications are just as important. Let our attorneys provide you with guidance and advice regarding the tax consequences of the process so that you are as well-suited as possible to field the financial results of divorce.

Finding The Best Pittsburgh Divorce Attorney Near You

If you are searching for the “best Pittsburgh divorce attorney near me” is essential to consider the complexities of divorce, child custody, alimony, and property division. The right attorney will understand Pennsylvania’s divorce laws and provide personalized legal strategies tailored to your situation. If you are searching for a knowledgeable and compassionate divorce lawyer near you, consider factors such as experience, client reviews, and a proven track record in handling both contested and uncontested divorces. A skilled Pittsburgh divorce attorney can guide you through mediation, negotiations, or litigation, ensuring that your rights and interests are protected. Whether you are facing a high-asset divorce, a child custody dispute, or a no-fault separation, having a trusted attorney near you can make all the difference in achieving a fair resolution.

Serving Families Throughout Pittsburgh and Across Western Pennsylvania

Family law can be an emotionally stressful time. Our clients walk through our doors knowing their lives are about to change, and we provide honest, experienced representation to clients in Pittsburgh and throughout Western Pennsylvania who have challenging and complex family law issues.

• Butler
• Greensburg
• Washington
• Squirrel Hill
• Shadyside
• Lawrenceville
• Mount Washington
• South Side Flats
• Oakland
• Bloomfield
• Strip District
• East Liberty
• Regent Square
• Highland Park
• North Shore
• Downtown Pittsburgh
• Point Breeze
• Greenfield
• Beechview
• Brighton Heights
• Friendship
• Troy Hill
• Upper St. Clair

Pittsburgh’s Award-Winning Divorce Lawyers

If you are in need of an experienced, trustworthy family law attorney, you have come to the right place. We’ve handled issues like yours, and we strive to anticipate each move before it’s made. Our Pittsburgh divorce lawyers excel in negotiation and litigation of complex family law matters. And we aim to provide comforting, results-oriented representation from start to finish. We are here for you, from the first step until the final resolution of your Pittsburgh divorce or other family law dispute.