Divorce is a complicated process and differs from state to state. This is usually a difficult time in a person’s life. The emotional toll of divorce and trying to figure out who has proper ownership of various items is trying.
The Law Offices of Rovner, Allen, Rovner, Zimmerman & Nash is there for you and will provide you with experienced representation. You are guaranteed to find a helpful and professional divorce attorney from our Bucks County firm. We will walk you through every step of the process and can provide options such as negotiated settlements, mediation and trial litigation if needed.
We understand that divorce can be confusing and messy. Here are answers to four common questions about divorce.
What are the grounds for fault divorce?
There are two grounds for divorce: fault and no-fault.
Grounds for fault in Pennsylvania include adultery, abandonment without cause for at least one year, cruelty which includes domestic violence which endangered the life or health of the innocent spouse, bigamy, conviction of a crime and imprisonment for two years or more and intolerable humiliation. The grounds in New Jersey are irreconcilable differences, extreme mental or physical cruelty, adultery, desertion, constructive desertion, habitual drunkenness or drug use, imprisonment, institutionalism, deviant sexual behavior and divorce from bed and board.
What are some requirements for a no-fault divorce?
No fault means that both parties agree on the divorce, and neither are placing blame on one another.
In New Jersey, the two parties must be separated from each other for a minimum of 18 months with no possibility of reconciliation. The other possibility for a no-fault divorce is based on irreconcilable differences, where a marriage has suffered for at least six months.
In Pennsylvania, a divorce can be granted on no-fault grounds where the two parties agree on a divorce, or there has been an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage following a two-year separation.
What type of records should I gather to prepare for a divorce?
Some common records that you will need to gather together for a divorce are listed below.
- Marriage Certificate
- Estate Planning Documents
- Proof of Grounds for Divorce
- Court Orders
- Pre- and Post-Nuptial Agreements
- Financial Documents
- Tax Returns
- Pay Stubs
- Bank/Credit Card Statements
- Deeds or Leases to property
- Automobile Titles
- Insurance Policies
How are assets divided?
States differ on how assets are divided up during a divorce. Common ways to determine separate property include property that was owned by a party prior to marriage, inheritance, a gift received from a separate party and payment received for pain and suffering. Settlements in Pennsylvania and New Jersey follow equitable distributions, which is a fair practice. You should consult one of our lawyers to learn more about how your assets can be divided.
We are happy to answer any questions that you may have. Call us at 215-259-5958 or visit online to schedule a free initial consultation with a divorce or personal injury lawyer from our firm in Montgomery County.
