Columbia County Divorce Attorney
Getting a divorce in Pennsylvania is rarely as simple as completing some paperwork. Untangling the legal and financial union of two people can be both stressful and complicated, especially if children are involved.
As a family law attorney with over 30 years of experience, I will take great care to address your concerns and guide you through the divorce process. My firm, the Law Offices of David H. Trathen, is conveniently located on Main Street in downtown Bloomsburg, one block from the Columbia County Courthouse.
I will work to assist you in reaching an agreement with your spouse on all of the issues in your divorce, including:
- Marital property division: With the exception of gifts and inheritances, assets and debts accumulated during your marriage need to be divided in an equitable manner. Marital property division can be complicated, as assets you owned before your marriage may include a marital property contribution. For example, if your spouse contributed to your business, he or she may be entitled to a percentage of it.
- Spousal maintenance: Pennsylvania may provide spousal maintenance for a period of time if there is a disparity of earning capacity and separate property.
- Child custody, visitation and support: If you have children, determining how you and your ex will co-parent and support your children will be the most important issue in your divorce.
Emotions can make it difficult to reach an agreement with your spouse. As your attorney, I will do everything I can to make the process easier rather than more difficult. I believe two people can reach a better agreement than one judge. If you are unable to reach a negotiated agreement, I will protect your interests through the mediation process and a hearing before a judge.
Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce In Bloomsburg
Facing a divorce brings many questions and a great deal of uncertainty. I am here to provide clear answers to help you move forward.
What documents are usually needed for a divorce case?
Gathering the right paperwork is a critical first step in the divorce process. To help you prepare, here is a list of common documents we will need:
- Financial statements
- Tax returns
- Bank account records
- Property deeds
- Debt information
- Pay stubs
- Any existing spousal agreements
Having these documents organized helps us build a strong strategy for your case.
What happens if spouses cannot agree on divorce terms?
Disagreements are common in divorce. When you and your spouse cannot agree, the case becomes a contested divorce. My first goal is to resolve these issues through skilled negotiation, working with the other attorney to find a practical solution. If direct talks do not work, we can use mediation. A neutral mediator helps guide discussions, giving you more control over the final outcome.
If key issues remain unresolved, the court must intervene. We will then prepare your case for a judge to hear, and I will present evidence and make strong legal arguments on your behalf. The judge will issue a final order that resolves all outstanding matters, which include decisions on child custody, the division of your property and spousal support.
Can I receive alimony while my divorce is still pending in Pennsylvania?
Yes, upon request, Pennsylvania courts can award temporary financial support during a divorce, which is legally known as alimony pendente lite or APL. Its primary purpose is to allow a dependent spouse to cover necessary living expenses and legal fees while the case proceeds, helping ensure that both parties are on equal financial footing during the divorce litigation.
The court calculates APL using state guidelines that consider both spouses’ net incomes and earning abilities. APL is not a final alimony award but a temporary order that provides financial stability and ends once the judge finalizes your divorce decree. I can help you petition the court for APL to secure the resources you need during this time.
Divorce Attorney Serving Union County
For detailed guidance that is tailored directly to your unique situation, contact me, Columbia County divorce lawyer David H. Trathen, online or call 570-284-3088 or toll free 877-772-5261 to discuss your specific legal concerns today. I serve clients in Columbia, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder and Union counties in Pennsylvania.