Delaware County Divorce Lawyer

Do You Need a Trusted Delaware County Divorce Lawyer?

Divorce is a major event that can bring emotional turmoil and serious legal challenges. Whether you're contemplating ending your marriage or you have already decided to proceed, having a knowledgeable and compassionate attorney by your side is crucial.

The Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz, P.C., guides clients through every step of the process with confidence. Our Delaware County family law attorney has the knowledge and experience to handle your divorce in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Call (610) 645-0100 to schedule a free consultation.

Why Choose Sheryl R. Rentz Over Other Delaware County Divorce Lawyers?

When selecting a divorce attorney, experience, reputation, and personalized service matter. Here are some reasons why clients choose the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz, P.C.:

Over 30 Years of Experience: Providing dedicated family law services in Pennsylvania.
Exclusive Focus on Family Law: Ensuring deep knowledge and attention to detail.
Personalized Legal Strategies: Tailoring approaches to meet each client's unique needs.
Strong Courtroom Advocacy: Proven track record in both negotiations and litigation.
Compassionate Support: We understand the emotional aspects of divorce and offer empathetic guidance.

What Are the Grounds for Divorce in Pennsylvania?

When you file a Complaint for Divorce in Pennsylvania, you must declare the grounds on which you seek to dissolve your marriage. Both no-fault and fault divorces are allowed in the Keystone State.

No-Fault Divorce: In order to obtain a no-fault divorce, you and your spouse must agree to divorce or must have lived separately for at least two years. In the latter case, either spouse may file for divorce solely on the grounds that the marriage is irretrievably broken.
Fault Divorce: There are seven grounds on which either spouse can base a complaint for a fault divorce, including desertion, adultery, cruelty, bigamy, imprisonment or confinement to a mental institution, confinement to a mental institution for eighteen months, and indignities.

A Brief Outline of the Pennsylvania Divorce Process

Understanding the divorce process can alleviate some of the stress associated with it. Here's a simplified overview of how divorce proceedings typically unfold in Pennsylvania:

Residency Requirement

At least one spouse must have lived in Pennsylvania for a minimum of six months before filing for divorce.

Grounds for Divorce

Pennsylvania is a no-fault divorce state. Grounds for divorce include mutual consent or an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage after a separation period.

Filing the Divorce Complaint

The process begins by filing a divorce complaint with the appropriate county court, outlining the grounds for divorce and any related claims (e.g., property division, alimony).

Serving the Complaint

The non-filing spouse must officially be served with the divorce papers, initiating their opportunity to respond.

Negotiation and Settlement

Parties may negotiate terms related to asset division, child custody, support, and other matters. If an agreement is reached, it can be submitted to the court for approval.

Court Proceedings

If disputes remain unresolved, the case may proceed to court, where a judge will make determinations on contested issues.

Final Decree

Once all matters are settled, the court issues a divorce decree, officially dissolving the marriage.

Major Factors to Consider Before Filing for Divorce

Financial Implications

Assess your financial situation, including income, assets, debts, and expenses. Understanding your financial standing can help in negotiating equitable settlements.

Child Custody and Support

If children are involved, consider custody arrangements and support obligations. Prioritize the children's best interests and prepare for potential co-parenting challenges.

Living Arrangements

Decide whether you or your spouse will remain in the marital home during the proceedings and post-divorce. This decision can impact financial responsibilities and custody considerations.

Legal Representation

Consulting with an experienced divorce attorney ensures that your rights are protected and that you understand the legal implications of your decisions.

Common Divorce Mistakes to Avoid

Being aware of common pitfalls can help you navigate the divorce process more smoothly:

Lack of Preparation: Failing to gather necessary financial documents and information can hinder negotiations.
Letting Emotions Drive Decisions: Allowing anger or resentment to dictate actions can lead to unfavorable outcomes.
Neglecting Tax Implications: Overlooking the tax consequences of asset division and support arrangements can have long-term effects.
Disregarding Legal Advice: Ignoring your attorney's guidance can jeopardize your case.
Using Children as Leverage: Involving children in disputes can cause emotional harm and affect custody decisions.

Who Keeps the House in a Pennsylvania Divorce?

Pennsylvania follows the principle of equitable distribution, aiming for a fair, though not necessarily equal, division of marital property.

Several factors influence the court's decision regarding the marital home:

Financial Contributions: Each spouse's contribution to the purchase and maintenance of the home.
Custodial Arrangements: If children are involved, the primary custodial parent may be favored to retain the home to maintain stability.
Ability to Maintain the Home: The financial capability of each spouse to afford mortgage payments, taxes, and upkeep.
Emotional Attachments: While less quantifiable, emotional ties to the home may be considered.

Delaware County Client Testimonials

“Responsive and Made Herself Available” - Marianne D. (5-Star Yelp Review)

Sheryl Rentz is attentive and compassionate. She is sensitive to billing and, as such, will try to be diligent in the use of her time. My divorce was complicated, and Sheryl understood the process and worked hard to inform me of my options as well as work through the process. She was responsive and made herself available to accommodate my schedule.

“Highly Professional and Readily Available” - Elyse (5-Star Avvo Review)

Effective and caring. After my first meeting with Sheryl, it was obvious I had made the right decision having her handle my divorce. Not only did Sheryl carefully explain my options, but she competently guided me through the many issues that developed during the process. With Sheryl's advice, I was able to negotiate my settlement without going to court. I found Sheryl to be highly professional and readily available to answer my questions. Additionally, she provided me with compassionate and emotional support, which was extremely important to me. I would definitely recommend Sheryl to anyone seeking a divorce attorney.

Why Should I Mediate?

Not all divorces have to involve courtroom battles. In fact, it is preferable to resolve your divorce outside of the courtroom. Through mediation, you and your spouse can work together to reach an agreement on issues such as property division, alimony, child support, and so on. Not only is mediation much less costly than a trial divorce, but you and your spouse, rather than a judge, retain control of all important decisions and outcomes.

Can You Handle My High-Profile or High-Asset Divorce?

While no divorce is ever truly easy, those involving high-profile individuals or highly valued assets can be especially complex. Oftentimes, millions of dollars, successful careers, and public and media relations are all put on the line. Such matters should be handled by not just any divorce attorney but an exceptional one who has a proven track record in the area. Attorney Sheryl R. Rentz and her associates fit the bill.

Divorce Law Firm in Delaware County, PA

At the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz, P.C., our philosophy is to treat each client as an individual with his/her own unique needs and goals.

If you are seeking an attorney who can provide you with the personalized family law services you need to build a better future for you and your loved ones, please don’t hesitate to contact our office at (610) 645-0100 today.

Post-Divorce Issues

If there is one thing we can all count on in life, it is change. Nothing stays the same, and it's always something new. So, when it comes to your divorce, despite having received a judgment and finalized your proceedings, you could run into just about anything that changes everything.

That's why it's good to have a qualified Delaware County divorce attorney by your side, who can keep up with your ever-changing life. The Law Offices of Sheryl Rentz, P.C., is here to make sure your divorce stays on track, even after it has been through the courts or mediation. With our experience and efficient methods, you'll be able to keep track of all those unforeseen changes that only appear after the dust has cleared.

Your income may have decreased. You may be getting remarried. There may be a new job opportunity in another state. Your ex may have stopped paying alimony altogether! There are a number of things that can change post-divorce. That's why you need someone who knows how to spot trouble before it happens, move to legal action quickly, and defend your interests from top to bottom.

Take the First Step Toward a New Beginning

Embarking on the path to divorce is never easy, but with the right legal support, you can navigate the process with confidence and clarity.

At the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz, P.C., we’re dedicated to providing compassionate and effective legal representation tailored to your unique circumstances. Contact our law firm at (610) 645-0100 to schedule a confidential consultation.

Custody Modification in Pennsylvania

While parents are able to change their custody agreements and visitation at any time on their own, most divorced couples will petition for a court ruling. There could be any number of reasons for a petition, but it is up to the one making the claim to prove that there has been a "substantial change of circumstances." This includes a switch in work schedule, a potentially drastic move out of the area, or a dangerous behavior that is threatening the well-being of the child. Remember, courts focus on the best interest of the child first, and the needs or wants of the parents second.

Modification of Child Support in Pennsylvania

Kids are the very definition of change. A child's world is a never-ending parade of development for the first twenty years of their lives. Therefore, it is perfectly acceptable for child support to shift in order to keep up with each new circumstance. In some instances, it could be due to the natural course of growth, as children's expenses change from toddlers to teenagers. Or, should a child suddenly encounter a serious health issue, they will most certainly need additional support. And should the custodial parent remarry, there could be significant changes in the amount provided.

Modification of Spousal Support

In order to alter the amount of money supplied through alimony, the petitioner must prove there has been a considerable change in their lives to warrant such an increase or decrease. Reasons often include a serious health problem that impedes their ability to work, a decrease in income or wages, or extraordinary increases in living expenses.

Two Steps Forward

Often, the only real way to deal with change is to embrace it. When it comes time for you to accept an inevitable switch in your current arrangement, the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz, P.C., is here to help walk you through, step by step. Whatever it takes, no matter the circumstance, attorney Sheryl R. Rentz has years of experience on her side and knows how to secure what is rightfully yours. Call (610) 645-0100to schedule a free appointment to discuss any new developments in your situation today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the residency requirements for filing for divorce in Delaware County, PA?

In Pennsylvania, either spouse must have lived in the state for at least six months before filing for divorce. Unlike child custody cases, which require a six-month county residency, divorce cases can be filed as long as the state residency requirement is met.

How long does it take to finalize a divorce in Pennsylvania?

The timeline depends on the type of divorce. An uncontested, no-fault divorce can be finalized in about 90 days after the complaint is filed and served. Contested or high-asset divorces may take several months or longer, depending on the complexity of the case.

What types of divorce does Sheryl R. Rentz handle?

Sheryl R. Rentz represents clients in both contested and uncontested divorces, including high-asset divorces involving substantial property and financial interests.

Can we file for a no-fault divorce in Pennsylvania?

Yes. Pennsylvania allows for both mutual consent no-fault divorces and irretrievable breakdown divorces, where the couple has lived apart for at least one year if one party does not consent.

How is property divided in a Delaware County divorce?

Pennsylvania follows equitable distribution, which means property is divided fairly, not necessarily equally. Factors like length of marriage, earning capacities, and contributions to marital property are considered.

Will I have to pay or receive alimony?

Alimony is determined based on financial need and the ability to pay. The court does not base it on the couple’s prior standard of living but rather on what is reasonable given both parties' post-divorce circumstances.

What if my spouse does not want a divorce?

You can still proceed under Pennsylvania's irretrievable breakdown provision. If you’ve been separated for at least one year, the court may grant the divorce even without mutual consent.

Can Sheryl R. Rentz assist with related issues like child custody or support?

Yes. In addition to divorce, the firm handles child custody matters and other family law issues that may arise during or after the divorce process.

Other Areas We Service Outside of Delaware County

Additional Information

We know your problems are unique & special.
Call us, we will listen.
(610) 645-0100

Meet Attorney
Sheryl Rentz

Meet Sheryl Rentz