Take Action with our Pittsburgh Aggressive Divorce Attorney Team

Aggressive, Attentive Pittsburgh Divorce Lawyers

Divorce is a legal process for dissolving the marital relationship and severing the financial ties between married people. It is also an emotional process of transitioning to independence, exploring other pathways and changing the focus of one’s life. It may be a time of mental and financial turmoil as the decision to pursue a divorce can be a difficult, emotionally charged process. Yet, divorce can also be an opportunity for a fresh start, leading to growth, change and ultimately a new path forward.

The attorneys at Pollock Begg are known for their ability to balance the need for aggressive litigation versus amicable negotiations. As Pittsburgh divorce attorneys, we understand issues pertaining to equitable distribution, child custody and support can cause additional disputes. We are as skilled in navigating high-conflict divorce cases requiring aggressive representation as we are implementing alternative dispute resolution tactics designed to keep couples out of court. With a diverse range of courtroom experience and legal knowledge, we are problem solvers at the core; pursuing the best legal options to meet the needs of our clients. As a firm, our team always works toward tenacious, innovative representation with accessible, attentive counsel.

What Is No-fault Divorce?

No-fault divorce is the dissolution of a marriage without proof of wrongdoing by either party.

Prior to 1980, divorce was exceedingly difficult to obtain in Pennsylvania, even when spouses agreed they had irreconcilable differences. The fault divorce laws prevalent through much of the 20th century demanded people air their dirty laundry — or invent some — in order to get a divorce and move on with their lives. After hearing extensive testimony about the hardships caused by the 1929 divorce law, Pennsylvania’s General Assembly enacted the no-fault divorce laws that are still in use today.

Whether there are reasons one party is at “fault” for the divorce, such as adultery or abuse, or the couple simply has irreconcilable differences or is incompatible, parties can save time and money through a no-fault divorce.

How Do I File for Divorce Under Pennsylvania Law?

There are two paths to a no-fault divorce under Pennsylvania law: (1) If both spouses are willing to sign consent forms, there is a 90-day waiting period, which begins to run when the first paper (a complaint) is filed in court after the defendant is properly served; or (2) If one spouse will not sign a consent form, the spouse who wants a divorce will have to wait one year from the date of separation. It is not necessary to file a divorce action in court if both spouses do not consent, and in some cases, we advise clients not to file.

How Will Our Money and Assets Be Divided?

Some spouses pursue a simple divorce without asking for money or property. If the plaintiff or defendant wants money or property to be considered in their divorce, however, they must file claims. Claims in divorce create the right — but not obligation — to request money or property, such as equitable distribution of marital property, alimony, spousal support or legal fees. The court will address these claims only if one of the parties takes further steps to pursue them. If claims are not raised during the divorce proceeding, they will be waived when the divorce becomes final.

How Long Does It Take to Finalize a Divorce?

At a minimum, it takes 90 days to complete a simple no-fault divorce. There are no shortcuts. Some couples negotiate an overall settlement during the waiting period so they can complete the process as quickly and inexpensively as possible. Others contest every issue, which can take months or years.

When divorcing spouses want to resolve economic issues such as dividing marital property or awarding alimony, the process may take a little longer. While the vast majority of these divorce cases are eventually settled, some cases ultimately require a judge to decide on any unresolved economic issues.

Family division judges are extremely busy, so there can be long waiting periods to get an appointment for a meeting or hearing. Court rules require spouses to complete their investigations of money and property before they come to court, and the judges have enacted procedures to encourage settlement outside of court by creating obstacles to the courtroom. A fully litigated divorce can take six months to more than a year, although many cases settle through the process.

How Much Does a Divorce Cost?

With the exception of no-asset cases, the cost of a divorce is very difficult to predict. Many factors contributing to the cost, such as the level of emotional conflict, the difficulty of obtaining complete and accurate information and the court’s schedule and procedures, cannot be effectively controlled. At Pollock Begg, we keep our clients’ needs at the forefront of the process and offer a range of services and personnel to staff each case. We know we serve clients involved in high-asset and high-conflict divorce, and our attorneys are adept at crafting quick settlements or finding an alternative dispute resolution solution, which often lets clients better control costs.

Is the Pittsburgh Aggressive Divorce Attorney Team at Pollock Begg Right for Me?

At Pollock Begg, our entire law firm is dedicated to the practice of family law litigation, settlement and appeals. In fact, we are the largest firm dedicated solely to family law in western Pennsylvania. Our knowledgeable and aggressive Pittsburgh divorce attorneys bring several decades of experience to your case and are well-equipped to manage everything from simple divorces to the most complex, high-value economic cases and high-conflict custody disputes. Keeping up with the latest appeals and developments of the law, Pollock Begg attorneys are recognized at the state and national level for our achievements and service to the family law community in Pittsburgh.

The attorneys of Pollock Begg are trusted advisors who can help you understand the intricacies of the Pennsylvania Divorce Code, plan a strategy for your case and aggressively litigate if a settlement cannot be reached. Contact our office at 412.471.9000 to make an appointment with one of our knowledgeable Pittsburgh divorce attorneys today.