Divorce can be an incredibly difficult process for a Pennsylvania couple. Many people choosing to end their marriage wonder if there is any way to eliminate unnecessary complications from the process. For some of these couples, collaborative law provides alternatives to costly and stressful litigation during an already difficult time.
The alternatives to divorce litigation
Changes in child support and other family law trends
Some lawyers used to feel they could predict the outcome of a couple's divorce within a short time after meeting them. This is becoming less common as co-parenting laws change and couples in Pennsylvania and elsewhere are turning to more cooperative post-divorce attitude. With these changes, issues like child support and alimony may soon be things of the past.
Withholding child support for more visitation is a poor decision
Following the divorce, you may be adjusting to a lot of changes. You may not get to see your children as often as you would like. If your ex-spouse was granted custody, you are probably paying child support payments mandated by a Pennsylvania court. However, because your ex-spouse has been uncooperative about your scheduled time with your children, you may be considering holding off on your regular support payments.
High asset divorce involves careful planning
Ending a marriage is seldom easy. However, if one does not take the time to prepare well, the aftermath may be even more difficult. If a Pennsylvania couple has acquired considerable assets, they may have a great deal of sorting to do before property division can take place. When preparing for a high asset divorce, there are some specific tasks that will need to be completed to ensure one receives a fair settlement.
Child custody does not have to be a holiday battle
A divorced couple may be co-parenting pretty well, but they may be dreading the holidays. Perhaps for the past year, the two of them were able to figure out child custody arrangements that suited everyone, and they want to make sure the kids have the holiday traditions they remember from before the divorce. However, one parent expects that the other will call the day before the holiday to say he or she wants to take the children to celebrate with relatives outside of Pennsylvania.
Agencies deny fathers' rights to innocent man accused of abuse
Many fathers in Pennsylvania have only their child's best interests in mind. They often do what they can with their limited resources to provide stability and love. However, too often, fathers' rights are denied when agencies make critical errors in judgment. One man in another state nearly lost everything in his efforts to protect his daughter.
Property division involves assets and debts
When a couple decides to dissolve their marriage, they can expect to face a number of complicated decisions. One of these decisions is how to divide the assets they have accumulated while they were married. Each state has its own rules to follow, and couples can help themselves by remaining as open and agreeable as possible through the process of property division. In an equitable distribution state, like Pennsylvania, both assets and debts are divided in a way that is determined to be fair and reasonable by the court.
