Pennsylvania Divorce

First Step in Filing for Divorce in PA You’re not happy in your marriage, and you’ve decided that it is time to get a divorce. Now what? Do you talk to your spouse? Fill out a form? Call a lawyer? Although every divorce is different, every couple must follow the same steps to end a […]

In this video: Firm partner and Philadelphia Divorce Lawyer Melinda Previtera covers the basics of a PA Divorce, including the grounds for a Fault and No-Fault Divorce in the Keystone State. Melinda Previtera, Esquire Divorce Lawyer in Philadelphia What is No Fault Divorce? In Pennsylvania, a no-fault divorce is a type of marital dissolution where […]

Social Security is extremely important to our economic security. Social Security stands as one of the most complex areas in financial planning (let alone divorce planning), but most people overlook it. For divorcing couples, if proper planning is not done, the result could be economically detrimental. The purpose of this guide is to address some […]

QUESTION: I expect that I will be awarded alimony, how long can I expect to collect it? Alimony is a regular payment that one spouse makes to the other spouse in order to provide financial support after a divorce. In the past, Pennsylvania courts awarded one year of alimony for every three years of marriage. […]

In an opinion issued on March 20, 2014, a Dauphin County judge upheld and explained his prior order denying an ex-husband’s request that he be entirely discharged from paying alimony to his ex-wife.  The case was Eugene v. Eugene. The ex-husband had asked for discharge of his alimony obligation, which was outlined in his written […]

Do I Really Need a Divorce Attorney? QUESTION: Is there any particular reason why I should hire a lawyer rather than doing a do-it-yourself divorce? You’ve seen the ads for $59 do-it-yourself divorce and you are wondering, “Why should I pay an attorney, when I can fill out the forms myself?” Some people have no […]

The Pennsylvania Divorce Process has several steps, and one of them is the discovery phase. This part is really important because it lets both parties gather all the info they need for the case. Usually, it happens after filing and serving divorce complaints, but before mediation or trial. The discovery process makes sure that both […]

QUESTION: “Can my former spouse file for bankruptcy to avoid paying child support?” Your ex is upset about paying child support. He tried moving. Then he refused to pay. Now, he says he will file bankruptcy.  Can filing bankruptcy prevent him from paying child support? In the U.S., both custodial and non-custodial parents are obligated […]

At Petrelli Previtera, LLC, our attorneys believe in the process of resolving family law issues that arise in a divorce proceeding without the necessity of litigation, if possible. This is called alternative dispute resolution (ADR). ADR includes processes such as collaborative law, mediation, and arbitration. However, if ADR is not possible, our family law attorneys are […]

For most couples, the idea of divorce is daunting.  When a marriage comes to an end, you are emotionally raw, yet also must keep a level head to protect yourself, your family and your interests.