Family Law & Domestic Relations
Divorce, custody, support, equitable distribution, PFA orders, and prenups for Bucks County families. Practical guidance from filing to resolution.
Divorce & Property
Separation, equitable distribution, prenups
Custody & Support
Parenting plans, child support, modifications
Divorce & Property
Divorce in Pennsylvania: Process, Grounds & Timeline
Equitable Distribution: Dividing Marital Property
Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
Fault vs. No-Fault Divorce: Strategic Considerations
Spousal Support, APL & Alimony
How Much Does Divorce Cost in Pennsylvania?
Uncontested Divorce in Pennsylvania
Dividing Retirement Accounts & Pensions in Divorce
Unmarried Couples: Rights & Obligations in Pennsylvania
Custody, Support & Ongoing Issues
Child Custody: Legal Standards & Practical Realities
Child Support & Spousal Support (Alimony)
Child Support Guidelines Calculator for Pennsylvania
Father's Rights & Custody in Pennsylvania
Modifying Custody & Support Orders
Protection From Abuse (PFA) Orders
Custody Conciliation & CCES (Bucks County)
Going through a separation? Decisions made now affect your family for years. Free consultations for divorce and custody.
Get Started →Common Questions
How long does a divorce take in Pennsylvania?
Minimum 90 days for a mutual consent divorce (both parties agree). If one party does not consent, you must show one year of separation. A contested divorce can take 1 to 2 years or more.
How is property divided?
Pennsylvania uses equitable distribution; fair but not necessarily 50/50. The court considers over a dozen factors including length of marriage, each spouse's income and earning capacity, and contributions as homemaker.
How is custody decided?
Best interest of the child, based on 14 statutory factors. The court looks at stability, which parent encourages the other's relationship with the child, abuse history, and many other factors. There is no presumption favoring mothers or fathers.
Can I get a PFA order?
If you have experienced physical abuse, sexual abuse, stalking, or threats from a current or former spouse, partner, household member, or dating partner, yes. The petition is free to file and can be obtained the same day.
Do I need to prove fault to get a divorce?
No. Pennsylvania allows no-fault divorce on two grounds: mutual consent (90-day wait) or irretrievable breakdown after one year of separation.
Will I get alimony?
Not automatically. Spousal support during the divorce is based on income guidelines (33% of the higher earner's net income minus 40% of the lower earner's net income, without dependent children). Post-divorce alimony is discretionary based on 17 statutory factors.
My spouse is hiding assets. What can I do?
File discovery requests (interrogatories, document requests, subpoenas). If you suspect hidden accounts, the court can order forensic accounting. Deliberately hiding assets is fraud and can result in sanctions.
Can I move with my children after a custody order?
Not on notice alone. Pennsylvania treats a move as a relocation only when it significantly impairs the ability of the other parent to exercise custodial rights. No relocation may occur unless every person with custody rights consents or the court approves it. You must send notice by certified mail, normally by the 60th day before the move. Even if no one objects, you must file a petition to confirm the relocation, with proof that notice was given, before you move. If the other parent files a timely objection, the court holds an expedited hearing. Moving without proper notice can result in a change of custody.
Recent Legal Developments
Pennsylvania law changes that affect family law. These updates reflect the law as of our last review.
- How Kayden's Law Changes Custody Cases in Pennsylvania · Act 8 of 2024 prioritizes child safety in custody determinations
- Pennsylvania PFA Orders Now Cover Pets: Act 146 of 2024 · Courts can prohibit abusers from harming or contacting companion animals
- PA Supreme Court Clarifies When Third Parties Owe Child Support · Only third parties with legal custody can be ordered to pay child support
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