Divorce is difficult, no matter where you live. There can be lots of emotional turmoil involved, and adding the legal aspects can make it feel even more challenging.
If you live in Pennsylvania, there can be another layer to divorce that you need to consider. Being familiar with the laws in your state can help you to have smoother divorce proceedings.
What is a “fault” divorce?
In Pennsylvania, there are two types of divorce, fault divorce, and no-fault divorce. A fault divorce is one where one spouse is clearly at fault for the breakdown of the marriage. Some things that can lead to an at-fault divorce include adultery, bigamy, and desertion of one year or more. If you would like an at-fault divorce, it will be necessary to prove that the other party has committed the things that you allege they did.
What is a “no-fault” divorce?
While some still opt for a fault divorce, a no-fault divorce tends to be much more common. A no-fault divorce is one where the couple is able to get divorced while maintaining that neither party was at fault for the breakdown of the marriage. Usually, this is a mutual decision and gets agreed upon by both parties.
Divorce can be difficult, especially if you feel uncertain about the legal process. By taking some time to understand the process in your state you can be better prepared for what is ahead for you and the person that you are about to get divorced from.