West Chester Divorce Attorneys Stay by Your Side Through Each Step of the Process

Giving you the information and assistance you need to make sound decisions and move on with your life

The decision to end a marriage is rarely an easy choice. The Law Office of Marta S. Laynas understands the emotional hurdles you’re facing and is dedicated to making the process as easy as possible for you. At this West Chester firm, you work with a staunch ally who takes the time to understand your unique situation and develop a course of action that works for you. Experienced divorce lawyers are vital to ensuring that cases are handled efficiently and carefully and in full compliance with the law.

What are the grounds for divorce in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania law allows both fault and no-fault divorces. An experienced divorce lawyer can guide you through the process of filing for divorce. A no-fault divorce is possible when there has been an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. The court grants a no-fault divorce after at least 90 days elapse from the date of filing for divorce or if the parties file an affidavit stating that they have lived separate and apart for at least two years.

The fault-based grounds for a divorce are:

Understanding the legal minutiae that affect how you get divorced

There are several variables that affect the divorce process in West Chester, and an accomplished divorce lawyer can provide the most accurate and up-to-date advice. The attorneys at this firm act as mediators and assist couples in reaching mutually beneficial agreements about issues such as spousal support, child support and custody. In addition to being skilled negotiators, they also have the legal acumen to vigorously represent you in court to resolve any and all disputes.

Pennsylvania law establishes residency requirements that must be adhered to when seeking to obtain a divorce. To file for divorce in a Pennsylvania jurisdiction, at least one of the parties must have been a Pennsylvania resident for at least six months prior to filing. A divorce petition may be brought:

• In the county where the defendant lives
• In the plaintiff’s county of residence if the defendant lives in another state
• In the matrimonial county if the plaintiff has continuously lived in that county
• In the county where the plaintiff lives if the filing is less than six months after the final date of separation
• In either party’s county of residence if the filing is more than six months after the final date of separation

While there is no formal legal separation in Pennsylvania, a no-fault divorce may be granted if one of the parties refuses to consent to divorce and the parties have lived separate and apart for at least two years.

The effect of minor children on the divorce process

The divorce process for a couple with no minor children tends to be somewhat less complicated than a divorce involving minors. When children are involved, issues of child support, custody and visitation must be addressed. There are several factors that courts consider when deciding support and custody matters, but the primary concern is always what is in the best interests of the child.

Respected attorneys who help you face any challenge that comes your way

In many cases, divorces can be settled amicably through mediation. Mediation saves you time and money and greatly decreases the tension and stress that often result from a divorce. Child support, custody, visitation and alimony arrangements can be handled out of court if the parties are willing to work collaboratively. Parental relocations often have significant effects on custody and visitation schedules. Attorney Marta S. Laynas earned her family mediation certificate in 1998 and has helped numerous clients resolve their issues through mediation.

Many people think that their troubles are over once a divorce decree is finalized. However, it is not uncommon for one or both parties to experience a significant change in circumstances that affects the ability to comply with the divorce terms. Divorces also affects living wills, powers of attorney and medical powers of attorney. In these situations, you need an experienced family law negotiator and litigator to help you petition for post-divorce modifications that alter the original terms of your divorce.

Turn to a renowned West Chester divorce firm for help obtaining and modifying divorce decrees

The Law Office of Marta S. Laynas has been helping people overcome the challenges of divorce for more than 25 years. Call 610-692-3460 or contact the firm online to speak with an attorney about your case. The office is centrally located in West Chester and offers ample parking for your convenience.