Wexford, Pennsylvania Divorce Attorneys

Divorce or marriage dissolution can be one of the toughest, most emotional challenges a person works through in his or her lifetime. Divorce can also be time-consuming and costly. Our firm uses a no-nonsense approach with cost-benefit analysis to determine which options will cost or save you the most money. If you are looking for reasonable divorce lawyers in Pennsylvania, we hope to make this process as pain-free and affordable for you as possible.

If you are going through this major life event, you need an attorney who has experience. Divorce attorney and separation attorney Dawn K. Gull has been practicing Pennsylvania family law since 1996. To put her experience on your side, call today: 412-440-5718.

Why Choose a Local Wexford & Allegheny County Divorce Attorney?

While we represent clients throughout the state, our deep roots in the Wexford, PA community and the Allegheny County court system provide our clients with a distinct advantage. Local knowledge of court procedures and personnel helps us streamline your filing, whether you are seeking a 90-day consent divorce or navigating a complex trial.

Dedicated Advocacy: Divorce Lawyer for Women in Wexford

Choosing a divorce lawyer who understands the specific hurdles women face can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. In Pennsylvania, women often navigate unique challenges regarding alimony (spousal support), the division of non-marital assets, and maintaining financial stability post-divorce.

Attorney Dawn K. Gull provides a supportive yet strategic environment for women to:

• Protect Retirement & Savings: Especially in “gray divorces,” we ensure your future is secure through meticulous equitable distribution.
• Navigate Child Custody: We advocate for arrangements that prioritize your children’s well-being and your parental rights.
• Address Financial Disparity: If there is a significant income gap between you and your spouse, we fight for the support you are entitled to under PA law.

The Process of Getting a Divorce in PA

The specific steps that you must complete to obtain a divorce in Pennsylvania depends on many factors, including the level of cooperation or the extent to which your spouse contests the divorce:

Can I file for a 90-Day Divorce in Pennsylvania?

Yes. If you and your spouse agree on all aspects of the dissolution of your marriage and distribution of your marital estate, you can obtain a divorce as quickly as 90 days from the date of service of the divorce complaint.

This will ordinarily include an exchange of documents and drafting and signing of an order or agreement as to the distribution of your marital assets.

1-Year Divorce

Under the Pennsylvania divorce code, the person who does not file a divorce complaint can make the one who files wait up to one year from the date of separation to begin the divorce litigation and finalization process.

During this year, we will obtain financial documentation and otherwise position the case to be ripe for resolution and/or litigation at the conclusion of that year.

While every effort will be made to resolve the matter without trial, if settlement is not possible, we will fully represent you in a trial to determine the distribution of your marital assets.

Once a final order is entered and grounds for divorce have been established, a divorce decree will be entered with or without your spouse’s consent.

We Can Explain Your Divorce Options

Each type of divorce carries its own set of options, requirements and deadlines. You need a lawyer who can explain these factors.

We can assist you with any type of Pennsylvania divorces, including:

• By Consent or After Trial: A consent divorce in Pennsylvania occurs when both parties agree on resolution of the issues raised in the divorce and a writing is issued to commemorate those agreements. This is the best option for most clients and avoids a long court battle.
• With or Without Consent: Without consent means when one party does not agree to the divorce, whereas with consent means both parties agree to the issuance of a decree, which minimizes court costs and counsel fees.

Many of our clients are going through a “gray” divorce. A gray divorce is one in which the parties are over age 50. These cases typically have more assets to divide and special considerations and planning need to be addressed since the parties are closer to retirement age. We can help you with this planning.

What Qualifies As Grounds For Divorce in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania is considered a “no-fault” state. This means that typically the parties are said to have irreconcilable differences, have filed affidavits at the appropriate time or have been separated for the statutory period of time. Fault divorces in Pennsylvania are virtually non-existent.

Is PA a community property state? Pennsylvania is not a PA community property state; it is an equitable distribution state.