Washington Divorce Lawyer
Divorce is one of the most emotional experiences a person could live through. However, there are also many financial implications to consider. It is important to understand the laws that will govern your so you can make informed decisions and obtain the fair outcome you deserve. Below, our Washington divorce lawyer explains in greater detail.
- Alimony
- Business Valuation
- Child & Spousal Support
- Closely Held & Family Businesses
- Divorce Tax Matters
- Enforcement
- High Asset Divorce
- High Conflict Divorce
- LGBT & Same-Sex Divorce
- Post-Divorce Modifications
- Professional Athlete Divorce
- Property Appraisal
- Property Distribution
Grounds for Divorce in Washington
In Washington, and throughout the rest of Pennsylvania, couples can obtain a no-fault divorce or a fault-based divorce. When filing a fault-based divorce, one spouse states that their partner is at fault for the breakdown of the marriage. The grounds for a fault-based divorce are as follows:
- Adultery
- Desertion
- Cruel and barbarous treatment
- Bigamy
- Imprisonment for a crime
- Indignities
When filing a fault-based divorce, the spouse who is alleging wrongdoing must present evidence to prove their case. Whether grounds of fault will have an impact on the final outcome depends on many factors. For example, if one spouse had an affair and wasted marital funds on it, the other spouse may obtain more in marital property to compensate them for it.
When filing a no-fault divorce, one party must simply state that there has been a breakdown of the marriage and that there is no chance of reconciliation. In these cases, the spouse filing does not have to prove that their spouse is at fault. However, couples who wish to obtain a no-fault divorce must live separate and apart for at least one year.
Legal Separation in Washington
In Pennsylvania, it is still possible to obtain a legal separation, unlike in many other states. To do this, couples must only live separate and apart. That is to say, they must live as though they are no longer a married couple even though legally, they are still considered married.
Couples may choose to obtain a legal separation instead of getting a divorce for many reasons. They may want to take time to determine if they really want a divorce before following through with it. Or, a couple may choose to legally separate instead of getting a divorce for religious purposes. In some cases, couples are required to legally separate before they obtain a divorce.
While legal separation in Pennsylvania is an option, there is no official process for it. Couples can simply show that they have lived separate and apart for at least one year. One spouse moving out of the marital home may be enough to prove this. Still, couples do not have to live in separate residences to show they have lived separate and apart. They must simply live separate lives.
Our Divorce Lawyer in Washington Can Advise You of Your Legal Options
When many people consider divorce, they envision a long and bitter courtroom battle. Fortunately, that does not always have to be the case. At Bunde & Roberts, P.C., our Washington divorce lawyer can negotiate with the other side for a fair settlement and provide the strong representation you need throughout the entire process. Call us today at 412-391-4330 or chat with us online to schedule a consultation and to learn more about how we can help.
