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Grounds for Divorce in PA

You may have multiple reasons for obtaining a divorce, but your legal grounds must meet specific requirements under Pennsylvania law.

Divorce can occur for a number of reasons. Maybe you discovered that the two of you are not compatible, or perhaps your spouse committed an unforgivable act. If you are currently going through a divorce, it is likely that you are not looking forward to the legal processes involved. Since there are several types of divorce, the rules and procedures can be confusing.

The Pittsburgh divorce lawyers at Pittsburgh Divorce & Family Law, LLC know that the end of a relationship can cause mental and emotional anguish. We will do everything under the law to make the process as painless as possible.

Call (412) 471-5100 to see how we can help you get through a divorce quickly and amicably.

Divorce with No-Fault Grounds

In some divorce cases, neither spouse is at fault. A couple might simply drift apart or realize that they have incompatible personalities. For these and countless other reasons, both spouses may wish to file for a mutual consent divorce. Coming to an agreement regarding the end of a relationship helps to avoid legal fees and can also help the case progress more quickly. In a case of mutual consent, the grounds for getting a divorce involve the marriage being irretrievably broken, or damaged to the point where it can no longer continue. This claim is often substantiated by oral or written statements from both spouses explaining why divorce is the only course of action.

Another type of divorce that involves grounds with no fault is institutionalization. If one spouse is confined to an institution due to a mental health issue, a divorce can be pursued on the grounds that the institutionalized spouse is no longer able to participate in the marriage. This type of divorce will only be approved if the confined spouse has been away for more than 18 months and there is no chance that the spouse will be released in the next 18 months.

Divorce with Fault-Based Grounds

On the contrary, in certain circumstances, a spouse may be inclined to file for a fault-based divorce. Essentially, this means the divorce is the result of one spouse’s actions. In these cases, the spouse seeking the divorce can get the divorce approved without the consent of the other spouse. A judge may approve a divorce request based on the following fault-based grounds:

  • One spouse cheated on the other or committed another form of adultery
  • One spouse abandoned the family for a period of more than one year
  • One spouse has subjected the other spouse to cruel or barbarous treatment, such as domestic abuse
  • One spouse has committed bigamy (marrying another person without divorcing their first spouse)
  • One spouse has made the life of the other spouse extremely difficult or unbearable

Let Pittsburgh Divorce & Family Law, LLC Protect Your Rights

Going through a divorce is difficult for everyone involved. A divorce means having to determine a lot of very hard issues such as child custody, support payments, and other day-to-day needs. Pittsburgh divorce lawyer Anthony Piccirilli realizes that a divorce can create a lot of turmoil and uncertainty in your life. With considerable legal experience, Pittsburgh Divorce & Family Law, LLC can help you gain clarity in your specific situation and navigate the legal system.

Call (412) 471-5100 today to protect your rights during this difficult time.