What Are the First Legal Steps to Take When Considering Divorce in PA?
Deciding to end a marriage is deeply personal, and the legal side can feel overwhelming before you even file paperwork. Taking the right first steps early on protects your interests and gives you a clearer picture of what lies ahead. When considering divorce in Pennsylvania, the first step is to consult a family law attorney at Schaffranek & Foster who will listen to you and fight for your goals throughout the process. Our team can help you avoid costly mistakes and build a strategy tailored to your specific situation.
Determine Residency and Grounds
Pennsylvania requires that at least one spouse has lived in the state for a minimum of six months before filing. You also need to identify the legal grounds for your divorce, which fall into two categories:
- Fault-based grounds such as adultery, desertion, or abuse
- No-fault grounds, which break down into two paths:
- Mutual consent: Both spouses agree to the divorce, and a 90-day waiting period applies after the divorce complaint is filed
- Irretrievable breakdown: If one spouse does not consent, a two-year separation period is required before the court will grant the divorce
- Residency documentation, such as a lease, utility bills, or voter registration
Gather Financial Documents
A complete financial picture is one of the most powerful tools you can have during divorce proceedings. You’ll want to list all assets and debts, determine separate property, and gather essential documents, including the following:
- Recent tax returns and W-2s for both spouses
- Bank statements
- Investment and retirement plan summaries
- Mortgage documents, vehicle titles, and property deeds
- Credit card statements and outstanding loan balances
- Pre-or Post-Nuptial agreements
Secure Financial Accounts
Measures to protect your assets include changing passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and freezing or removing yourself from joint accounts to prevent unauthorized use. Opening an individual bank account and establishing credit in your own name are practical steps that many people overlook.
Protecting your access to funds does not mean acting in bad faith, but it does mean making sure you are not left financially vulnerable during the transition.
Consider Custody, Support, and Parenting Plans
If children are involved, their well-being and best interests become the central focus of your case. Our dedicated divorce lawyers help parents develop thoughtful plans that prioritize stability for the entire family:
- Physical and legal custody arrangements
- Child support calculations under Pennsylvania guidelines
- Visitation schedules and holiday planning
- Decision-making authority for education and medical care
By considering what type of child-related arrangements might work best for your family, you get ahead of the process and set the stage for cooperation and realistic expectations in many cases.
Don’t Wait to Speak to a Pennsylvania Divorce Attorney
Are you unsure where to begin or worried about what happens next? Waiting often makes financial and custody matters more complicated than they need to be. Call Schaffranek & Foster at 412-643-3848 or contact us online to connect with a reputable Pennsylvania divorce lawyer who will guide you through each step with the clarity and purpose you need to move forward.