Gladwyne Divorce Lawyers
Gladwyne Divorce Assistance
From grand Woodmont to the lush beauty of Rolling Hill Park, Gladwyne seems like the ideal place to live - and it very nearly is.
In 2006, Gladwyne had the highest amount of married couples - 72.8 percent - in the entire Lower Merion Township! That is very impressive, considering that the U.S. average is 55 percent. Gladwyne’s small population of around 3,800 people only has a divorce rate around 7 percent.
However, that number doesn’t take previous divorces into account. All it surmises is how many people are currently married. And it doesn’t say anything about the type of relationship any given couple has. One-time Gladwyne resident and notable NBA player Allen Iverson ended up having a nasty divorce. Though this is hardly a typical situation, sometimes divorce is necessary - and having the right legal help makes all the difference.
Filing for Divorce in Gladwyne
If you’re currently living in Gladwyne, you’ll be filing for divorce at the Montgomery County Courthouse in the Court of Common Pleas, which services Gladwyne and all of Montgomery County. Even if your spouse isn’t in the Keystone State, you can file for divorce through Pennsylvania’s family courts. However, that court may have limited jurisdiction over things like property division. Speak to a local lawyer if you have concerns over your own situation.
The State of Pennsylvania allows either a "no-fault" or an "at-fault" divorce. In theory, the reason for the divorce doesn’t matter - the state strives to treat all cases fairly. But in fact, at-fault divorces are more complex, tend to take longer, cost more, and "who’s at fault" may change who pays alimony to whom. Marital property, on the other hand, is divided up “equitably” by the family courts without regard to misconduct.
Divorce Checklist: Things to Ask Your Attorney
Here’s some general advice on what to ask your Gladwyne divorce attorney. Obviously, your situation is unique, and you need to speak to a lawyer like Sheryl R. Rentz for actual legal specifics.
- How much does a divorce cost? Montgomery County’s filing fee is currently $280, but there are other costs. Just sitting down to consult with a lawyer for the first time is almost always free. After, the client puts down a retainer fee for the lawyer’s services. Usually, the more contentious the divorce is, the higher the fee ends up being.
- Are there recommended alternatives to divorce? Your lawyer can inform you about credible mediators, support networks, and alternative dispute resolution.
- What are the specific divorce procedures in Gladwyne? Gladwyne may fall under the Montco court system, but there might be hyper-local details in your specific case.
- How long does a divorce in Gladwyne usually take? An experienced Gladwyne divorce lawyer can explain how the process has worked for other clients - and how it should work for you. Pennsylvania has a 90-day waiting period for no-fault divorce, but fault-based divorces have none. However, the time it takes to work out all divisions and paperwork can vary.
- Are there specific rules for alimony or child support? Pennsylvania doesn’t include claims for alimony or child support in the initial divorce complaint form; it’s additional paperwork filed later in the process, even through different court offices. Your attorney can help you navigate Montgomery County’s specifics.
- How do judges decide child custody in Gladwyne? Judges and court always try to rule in the "child’s best interest" when it comes to custody. Only personal experience with the Montgomery courts serving Gladwyne can give you insight to the major factors of "best interest."
- How does the Montgomery County Court split marital assets? Equitably - unless there are other considerations. Both pre and postnuptial agreements are upheld by Pennsylvania courts. Contested assets and hidden assets are another pitfall in the divorce process that an attorney can help you avoid.
Divorce Resources for Gladwyne
Court Information
Montgomery County Courthouse - Court of Common Pleas
Family Division
2 E. Airy St,
Norristown, PA 19404
(610) 278-3224
Pennsylvania State divorce forms
Montgomery County Court’s family matters overview
Montgomery County Court’s mediators
Support Groups and Divorce Therapists
Divorce Support meetups near Gladwyne
School and Day Care
Lower Merion School District clinical services
Lower Merion School District family resources
Gladwyne Divorce Attorney Sheryl R. Rentz
Gladwyne seems to have more rolling hills than people - just take a walk down Bridlewild Trail. But a place is not what makes home - it’s the people surrounding you. Divorces rarely spring up suddenly like an M. Night Shyamalan plot twist. When a relationship isn’t working, you know it. Sometimes, in order to find the best home for you and your children, divorce is the correct answer.
The Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz, P.C., focuses on the needs of families. We handle highly complex divorce cases involving all types of domestic issues, including alimony, annulment, bankruptcy, child custody and support, mediation, asset division, and more. Call (610) 645-0100 for a free consultation with an experienced Montgomery County divorce attorney.
We know your problems are unique & special.
Call us, we will listen.
(610) 645-0100