Divorce Lawyers in Chester County, PA

At Perna & Abracht, LLC, our knowledgeable divorce lawyers have decades of experience handling all types of family law matters, including divorce, child custody, financial support, and protection from abuse orders.

Our Top Rated Divorce Attorneys Handle All Types of Cases

From marriages with a few conventional assets to multi-million-dollar marital estates and businesses, our team is well-versed in handling divorce cases of all levels of complexity. We know how to identify and value all marital and non-marital assets and debts, and how to determine your fair share of the marital estate and any other monetary relief to which you may be entitled. We also handle insolvent marital estates where marital debts outweigh marital assets.

Negotiating an out-of-court settlement or using divorce mediation as a tool can help you avoid the emotional turmoil and financial expense of a trial. However, if a settlement agreement cannot be reached, our divorce attorneys will zealously litigate the matter in court and fight to ensure you receive a fair settlement.

Divorce Lawyers for Men & Women

Although the gender of a lawyer is not usually important to many clients, some divorce clients feel more comfortable with a female divorce lawyer, while others prefer being represented by a male divorce attorney. Having both male and female divorce attorneys on our team, we guide you through the process with compassion, help you understand your rights, and empower you to deal with any legal issues that may come your way.

Our Divorce Lawyers Have a Wide Range of Knowledge in Family Law Matters

Our team assists clients with a myriad of family law matters, including:

• ​Negotiations with opposing divorce lawyers
• Spousal support and alimony
• Child custody, visitation and child support
• Issues of paternity
• Co-Parenting Plans
• Property Division
• Complex Property Division
• Retirement Account Division
• Alternative dispute resolution/mediation
• Modifications of court orders
• Cohabitation Agreements
• Disputes involving unmarried individuals who own property or have children together
• Protection from Abuse matters
• Assisted Reproduction legal issues
• LGBTQ legal issues
• Wills and trusts to protect your children’s interests
• Prenuptial Agreements
• Post-Nuptial Agreements

The uncertainty that often comes with divorce can be nerve-wracking and emotionally draining. Our experienced and compassionate attorneys listen to your concerns, answer any questions you may have, and advise you on the most effective course of action to achieve a fair settlement.

Divorce FAQs

What Types of Divorces are Available in PA?

No-fault divorce by mutual consent is the most common type of divorce in Pennsylvania. This means both spouses consent to a divorce due to an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. A no-fault divorce can be granted even if one spouse doesn’t consent if the couple has been separated for a year. The other type of divorce in PA is based on fault grounds. The spouse who files for divorce must show that their husband or wife caused the breakdown of the marriage due to adultery, abandonment, cruel and barbarous treatment, indignity, humiliation, bigamy, or incarceration for a crime.

My Spouse and I are Splitting on Good Terms. Do I Still Need an Attorney?

Yes. Even in the best of situations, conflicts can arise. Hiring a divorce lawyer is well worth it to ensure your rights and interests are protected. Our divorce attorneys can help you file for divorce and reach a fair settlement agreement that lays-out specifics. This may include details about the distribution of property, alimony, child support, child custody, and any other matters you would like to address.

Can I File for Legal Separation in PA?

No. There is no legal separation in Pennsylvania. However, the date of your separation is relevant to your divorce filing and the distribution of marital assets. Even if you are still living in the same home, you may claim you were separated from the time you discussed the dissolution of your marriage.

How Long Will My Divorce Take?

An uncontested divorce by mutual consent can take as little as 90 days.  Contested divorces, however, may take anywhere from six months to several years, depending on the specific circumstances. If you and your spouse are having trouble agreeing on issues like child custody, assets, debts, or other matters, collaborative divorce or mediation can be an alternate, economical option rather than taking your divorce case to trial.  

How is Property Divided in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania is an equitable distribution state, which means that property is divided based on a judge’s determination of what is fair in each individual case. Typically, only marital property is divided. Each spouse usually keeps any assets they owned before the marriage, inheritances, and property they obtained after they were separated. There are several factors the court may consider in determining what is fair, such as the length of the marriage, each spouse’s age, health, and income, the standard of living during the marriage, and whether a spouse will have custody of any children.

How Does Domestic Violence Affect a Divorce Case?

Domestic abuse can have an impact on the division of property, alimony, and issues of child custody and visitation. For example, if a domestic violence victim was financially dependent on their spouse and the abuser kept them from working, a judge may award a larger portion of marital assets and alimony to the victim. If you are leaving an abusive spouse and you are concerned for your safety and/or the safety of your children, our divorce lawyers can help you file for a protection from abuse order.

Can Your Attorneys Help with Custody and Financial Support Issues After I’m Divorced?

Yes. Our divorce lawyers handle all aspects of family law matters. We can help you create a parenting plan that works for you and addresses your child’s specific needs, assist you with filing for court-ordered child support, and represent you in any child custody or support hearings. Our knowledgeable team is well-equipped to handle any disputes that may arise, including enforcement or modification of custody orders, and spousal support or alimony.  

How Much Does A Good Divorce Lawyer Cost?

Our legal team understands that facing the end of a marriage and finding an affordable divorce attorney can be daunting. Finding the best divorce lawyer for you doesn’t have to cost a fortune. At Perna & Abracht, LLC, we provide an initial free divorce attorney consultation so we can get to know you, assess your situation and offer personalized solutions that meet your needs, fit your budget and protect your interests.

Cost of Divorce: Read Here What to Expect.

If you have a specific legal question that you would like answered without any obligation to retain our firm, please schedule a complimentary 30-minute consultation with one of our attorneys below.

Schedule a Consultation Here

Contact Us to Learn More about Our Family Law Services

Whether you’re facing contentious litigation or need to negotiate a divorce settlement with an amicable spouse, at Perna & Abracht, LLC, we are dedicated to providing you with the support you need, and to helping you make informed decisions to achieve the best possible results for you and your family. Contact us here or call us at 610-708-1970 to schedule a consultation with an experienced Chester County family law attorneys you can trust.

Related Links:

• What is Divorce Mediation and How Does It Work?
• Divorce Waiting Period Reduced in Pennsylvania
• Common Types of Divorce in PA
• 5 Things You Can Do to Help Your Divorce or Custody Case
• No Contest Divorce in Pennsylvania: Pros and Cons
• Thinking About Divorce? This Divorce Preparation Checklist Can Help
• Can You Afford the Cost of Divorce? What to Expect
• Divorce In A Pandemic: 5 Things To Do Now
• Questions to Ask When Looking for a Divorce Attorney
• How Does Domestic Violence Affect Divorce Cases?