FAQs

The timeline for divorce in Pennsylvania varies. A mutual consent divorce may be completed in as little as a few months, while contested cases can take a year or longer. At Tibbott & Richardson, P.C., we represent clients in a variety of types of divorce, from uncontested divorce matters that may resolve quickly to complex cases with many contested family matters that may require significantly longer to resolve. We are here to protect and pursue your legal rights and those of any children involved in this process.

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.

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.

The timeline varies based on the complexity of assets, cooperation between spouses, and whether the case is resolved through agreement or court proceedings.

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

Debts incurred during the marriage are also subject to equitable distribution. The Court considers factors such as who incurred the debt, the purpose behind it, and each spouse’s ability to manage or contribute to the repayment. We are also able to include the debts in negotiations and settlements to avoid litigation.

Whether a spouse can keep the family home depends on financial circumstances, ownership, and whether minor children are involved. When determining who retains the family home, the court may consider who will maintain the home, who will provide primary care for the children, and whether one spouse can afford to keep it. The parties need to consider whether or not they will be able to continue to be responsible for the upkeep of the house after the divorce. The fate of the marital home also depends on its value and the financial situation of each spouse.

Parents may include child custody and child support terms within their divorce agreement as long as the provisions meet Pennsylvania standards and support the best interests of the child.