Getting divorced is a complex process, even when the parties to the proceedings agree that ending their marriage is necessary. When the challenges of divorce and preparing to litigate terms arises, Harrisburg residents can benefit from speaking with dedicated family law advocates. This informational post is not offered as legal advice but rather a starting point for those who wish to learn more about the grounds for divorce in Pennsylvania.
Four different options for ending a marriage in divorce
Pennsylvania law recognizes four separate grounds on which to base a divorce filing. Those grounds include the following:
- Mutual consent: Available when the parties agree that they both want to divorce and end their marriage.
- Irretrievably broken: Available when a marriage cannot be saved and the parties have been living apart for at least a year.
- Fault: Available when one or both of the parties to a marriage commits a recognize action of fault, including, cheating, desertion, and incarceration.
- Institutionalization: Available when a spouse has been institutionalized. This grounds for divorce must meet duration requirements to be available.
Before filing for divorce, it is important that a party understands what they will have to prove and negotiate in order to secure a divorce order.
Protecting one’s rights with committed counselors
Every type of divorce, even those based on mutual consent, can and do involve conflict. There are many things that individuals can do to avoid and overcome conflict in their divorces, but having dedicated and supportive legal counsel in the form of a zealous divorce attorney can make a difference for a divorcing party. Individuals can benefit from seeking representation from lawyers in their communities who understand state laws and local procedures for working in the courts of Pennsylvania.
