Divorce Attorneys in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania

For individuals grappling with the initial shock of separation and dealing with the profound emotional aftermath—our goal is to empower you to move forward with confidence and a renewed sense of hope for the future.

At the Law Office of Shabbick & Stehle, we know that ending a marriage can be one of the most stressful and emotionally-taxing experiences in your life. We are committed to offering compassionate legal support, effective representation, and practical strategies for anyone facing the challenges of divorce. 

Serving the residents of Bethlehem, Palmerton, and throughout Lehigh County, Northampton County, and Carbon County, we provide caring yet tenacious legal counsel to guide you through this stressful time. 

Overview of Pennsylvania Divorce Laws

In Pennsylvania, divorce laws are structured to accommodate both fault and no-fault grounds. For a no-fault divorce, the couple may mutually consent to the divorce by agreeing that the marriage is irretrievably broken.  

Alternatively, if one party does not consent, the court may grant a divorce after a separation period of at least one year, determining the marriage to be irretrievably broken.

Fault-based divorces, although less common, can be pursued on grounds such as adultery, cruelty, desertion for one year or more, bigamy, and imprisonment for two years or more.  

Additionally, Pennsylvania recognizes legal separation but does not require spouses to live separately before filing for a no-fault divorce. Understanding these laws and consulting with a legal professional can help individuals as they move through the divorce process in Pennsylvania.

How to File for Divorce in Pennsylvania

Filing for divorce in Pennsylvania begins with the preparation and filing of a complaint in the Court of Common Pleas in the county where either spouse resides.  

To initiate the process, the filing spouse (plaintiff) must complete the necessary forms, which include the Complaint in Divorce and accompanying documents. It's essential to provide accurate details about the marriage, such as the date of marriage, separation date, names and birthdates of any children, and a statement of the grounds for divorce.  

After the complaint is filed and the necessary filing fees are paid, the plaintiff must serve the other spouse (defendant) with the complaint in accordance with Pennsylvania law, which specifies acceptable methods of service. 

The defendant has the opportunity to respond to the complaint, either agreeing to the terms or contesting the divorce. If both parties agree on the divorce and its terms (a no-fault divorce by mutual consent), they can submit a settlement agreement that outlines the division of property, alimony, child support, and custody arrangements. This can significantly simplify the process, potentially avoiding a trial.  

When disagreements exist, mediation or legal intervention may be required to resolve the issues.

Our family law attorneys at the Law Office of Shabbick & Stehle are equipped to provide the guidance and support needed to tackle filing for divorce in Pennsylvania, ensuring that your rights are protected every step of the way. 

Our Divorce Services

Our comprehensive divorce services are tailored to serve the unique needs of each client we represent. Here's how we can assist you: 

Legal Guidance on Filing for Divorce 

The nuances of Pennsylvania divorce laws can be overwhelming. We provide clear, step-by-step guidance on the entire divorce filing process, ensuring that you understand your rights and obligations every step of the way. 

Property Division 

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average length of a marriage prior to divorce is eight years. That gives couples plenty of time to acquire new property and debts together, and dividing them is a crucial aspect of divorce.

Our attorneys have substantial experience in advising clients on a fair and equitable division of property—from the family home to retirement accounts—while also considering the financial impact of any debt shared between the parties. 

Child Custody and Support 

When children are involved, their well-being is our highest priority. We offer assertive representation in child custody and support cases, always aiming for solutions that serve the best interests of the children while protecting your parental rights. 

Alimony 

Determining appropriate alimony can be complex. Our goal is to negotiate and advocate for arrangements that allow you to maintain your standard of living post-divorce. 

Mediation and Collaborative Law 

For couples seeking an amicable resolution, we facilitate mediation and collaborative law services. These approaches encourage cooperative problem-solving and often result in less hostility and expenses compared to traditional litigation. 

Litigation Support 

In some cases, divorce proceedings may lead to the courtroom, especially when disputes cannot be settled outside of it. With decades of combined litigation experience, our attorneys stand ready to fight for your rights and interests in front of a judge, if necessary. 

Why Choose Us for Your Divorce Proceedings?

With over five decades of combined legal experience, our team is proficient in handling a wide range of family law matters, including divorce. Here's why clients choose the Law Office of Shabbick & Stehle: 

• Versatile Service: The breadth of our practice allows us to address all aspects of your divorce proceedings, from property division and child custody to support matters. 

• Genuine Support: We believe in genuine care and will work to shoulder your legal burdens during this tough period. 

• Fierce Advocacy: Our attorneys possess the necessary skills and determination to fight for your best possible outcome, whether at the negotiation table or in court. 

Our Approach to Divorce Representation

Divorce settlements are not a one-size-fits-all situation. Each case comes with its own set of circumstances that require a personalized approach.

With our divorce lawyers, you can expect the following: 

• Individual Attention: We'll listen to your story, understand your goals, and craft legal strategies aligned with your needs. 

• Direct Communication: You'll work closely with our attorneys—not intermediaries—to keep you informed and engaged throughout your case. 

• Strategic Negotiation: Every action we take is aimed at steering your case toward the most favorable resolution possible.