It's important to understand that the financial repercussions of divorce can linger long after the divorce decree is issued. Therefore, it's not advisable to hire the cheapest lawyers available in order to reduce expenses. The best advice for selecting the right divorce lawyer in Pennsylvania is to look for character, education, and reputation. Additionally, make sure that your attorney has experience handling divorce cases in Pennsylvania, particularly in the jurisdiction where your case will be heard.
When all the issues raised in the divorce petition have been settled by agreement or court order, a judgment of divorce will be issued. Once a client decides to file for divorce, an attorney will draft a petition for divorce indicating the party's intention to divorce. If you search for the average cost of a divorce in Pennsylvania, you'll find three to five-figure amounts on various websites; however, since divorce applications are not reported to any central authority, these figures are merely speculative and not based on facts. A no-fault divorce means that neither spouse accuses the other of any misconduct, such as adultery, desertion, cruel or other treatment, and only wants their divorce to be finalized due to an irretrievable breakdown.
PA divorce law states that litigants in a divorce matter must be placed on an equal footing and have equal access to legal advice to protect their own interests, regardless of whether or not they have the means to do so. A good family lawyer can help you navigate the many questions and uncertainties that come with filing for divorce in Pennsylvania. A low hourly rate does not necessarily equate to a low-cost divorce if an inexperienced and unscrupulous lawyer racks up their bill with unnecessary trips to court or unproductive phone calls and letters to the opposing lawyer. To be clear, the Davis Divorce Act DOES NOT sell divorce kits or DIY (do it yourself) divorce instructions.
All of these records are private and subject to attorney-client privilege, and many people have filed their divorces without an attorney (and a large number of them never end). When choosing the right divorce lawyer in Pennsylvania, you should consider more than just the cost of services. The main factor influencing the cost of a divorce in Pennsylvania is whether both spouses consent to the divorce.