FAQs

A temporary PFA may be granted the same day a petition is filed. A final hearing is usually scheduled within ten days.

Domestic violence includes physical, emotional, or sexual abuse committed against a spouse, intimate partner, child, household member, or family member under Pennsylvania law.

While not required, retaining an experienced attorney helps protect your rights, helps to maintain compliance with Pennsylvania law, and supports attention to requirements and considerations of the complex legal processes in a contested divorce.

Marital property division, spousal support, child support, and debt allocation are common financial matters in a Pennsylvania contested divorce case.

Some cases may be resolved through mediation or settlement conferences, but others require court hearings when agreements cannot be reached. Each contested divorce case is different.

The timeline for a contested divorce varies depending on case complexity, court schedules, and dispute resolution efforts, ranging from several months to over a year.

A contested divorce occurs when spouses cannot agree on one or more key issues, such as property division, child custody, or spousal support.

Marital property generally includes all assets and debts acquired by either spouse during the marriage, except those specifically excluded by law, such as inheritances or gifts to one spouse.

Yes, retirement accounts and pensions accumulated during the marriage are typically considered marital assets and divided through methods such as a QDRO.

Courts consider several factors to decide custody, including the child’s relationship with each parent, the parents’ ability to provide care and a safe environment, stability, caregiving history, and the child’s best interests.