Horsham Divorce Lawyer

Are You in Need of a Horsham, Pennsylvania, Divorce Lawyer?

Divorce can be a painful process. Even when both spouses agree it's for the best, you'll still face some difficult decisions regarding your future and the distribution of your assets. And if you have children, safeguarding their future is another primary concern that takes priority.

A credible family and law divorce law firm in Horsham, like the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz, P.C., can help you review your options so you can move forward with your life in peace.

Why Choose Us Over Other Divorce Attorneys in Horsham?

For over 30 years, experienced family law attorney Sheryl R. Rentz has been helping families in Horsham. Sheryl has a deep understanding of divorce law in Pennsylvania, and she'll fight to protect your future.

The Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz, P.C. | Divorce Law Firm in Horsham

The Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz, P.C., has a Perfect 10.0 AVVO rating.
Sheryl R. Rentz was selected as a Top Attorney by Suburban Life Magazine.
Sheryl R. Rentz is a committee member of the Montgomery Child Advocacy Project (MCAP).
Sheryl R. Rentz has served as Secretary and Co-chair of the Montgomery Bar Association (MBA).
Sheryl R. Rentz has been serving the local community for over 30 years.

Call (610) 645-0100 to schedule a FREE case review with Sheryl R. Rentz and protect your future.

Requirements and Grounds for Divorce in Pennsylvania

If one or both spouses wish to get a divorce in Pennsylvania, you can get the process started by filing the necessary papers in the county where you live. The couple must be separated for 90 days prior to the filing, but you can continue to live in the same residence for financial reasons or to provide a stable environment for the children.

Pennsylvania is a no-fault divorce state, so it isn't necessary to prove that one of the spouses is guilty of wrongdoing to end a marriage. Irreconcilable differences refer to fundamental disagreements that make it impossible to continue with the marriage. It is the most common grounds for divorce in Pennsylvania.

Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce

A contested divorce involves disputes over issues like property division, custody, or spousal support. These divorces require court intervention and can be lengthy and costly due to disagreements regarding issues such as:

Property division: Disagreements over who gets the family home or other assets.
Child custody: Conflicting views on custody arrangements or visitation rights.
Spousal support: Disputes regarding the amount or duration of alimony payments.

On the other hand, an uncontested divorce offers numerous benefits, including:

Cost-effective: Lower legal fees due to reduced court involvement.
Quicker resolution: Faster process due to mutual agreement.
Less stress: Reduced conflict and emotional strain.
Increased privacy: Fewer public court records compared to contested divorces.

Why You Should Avoid Filing for Divorce Yourself

Navigating a divorce without professional assistance might seem like a good idea to save money, but your financial security and children's future are too important to jeopardize with a DIY approach. Engaging a Montgomery County divorce lawyer provides assurance that your interests are represented and potential pitfalls are avoided.

An experienced divorce and family law attorney like Sheryl R. Rentz has the necessary negotiation skills, can handle legal documentation, and understands procedural compliance—all of which are crucial for achieving a favorable outcome.

Filing Deadlines and Other Requirements

Missing deadlines can lead to case dismissals or unfavorable judgments. A lawyer ensures that all paperwork is filed on time, adhering to court protocols. Your attorney will keep track of deadlines, reducing the risk of administrative errors.

Seeking a Fair Settlement

An inequitable division of assets may cause serious financial hardship. Lawyers bring essential knowledge in asset valuation to the table. They also provide guidance on alimony and child support.

Settlement negotiation is a critical aspect of divorce. Lawyers are skilled negotiators who can advocate for the best possible terms. Your lawyer can negotiate terms that reflect your needs and protect your interests.

Importance of Objectivity

Personal emotions can cloud judgment, leading to impulsive decisions that might not be in your best interest. A lawyer can provide a clear-headed approach, focusing on facts and legal rights rather than emotions. This can prevent conflicts from escalating, promoting a more amicable resolution.

Safeguarding Your Child's Future

Nothing is more important than your child's well-being. A well-equipped divorce and family law lawyer will help you determine the best arrangement for your child's welfare. They can also mediate discussions, reducing the emotional strain on children and ensuring their needs are prioritized. By focusing on long-term stability, our lawyer will help create a supportive environment for your child after the divorce.

Avoiding Stress and Anxiety

Divorce is an inherently stressful process. Legal proceedings and negotiations add to this stress. A lawyer can alleviate these pressures, allowing you to focus on your personal well-being while we take care of the heavy lifting.

Find out how Sheryl R. Rentz can help with your divorce. Call (610) 645-0100 today!

Major Factors to Consider Before Filing Divorce

Child Custody

Courts prioritize the child's best interests when making custody decisions. Custody options include joint custody, where both parents share decision-making responsibility, and sole custody, where one parent assumes full responsibility.

Spousal Support and Child Support Arrangements

Spousal support, also known as alimony, is payments from the higher-earning spouse to the lower-earning spouse to help them maintain their standard of living after a divorce. It's calculated by considering factors such as the length of the marriage and the employment history of both spouses.

Child support is financial assistance to help support a child made by a parent who doesn't have full custody. It's designed to cover the child's needs and expenses, such as food, clothing, shelter, and medical care.

High-Net-Worth Divorces

A high-net-worth divorce poses unique challenges. The Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz, P.C., has considerable experience assisting spouses in this situation, and we know how to secure an equitable arrangement for our clients. We can help with the following issues:

Asset valuation
Explaining tax implications
Discovering hidden assets
Protecting your family's privacy

Domestic Violence

When domestic violence is an issue, safety—that of yours and your children—becomes the primary concern. This problem has profound implications for custody, and the court may decide to deny or restrict visitation rights.

Restraining Orders

Restraining orders serve to protect you and your children from physical violence. Your divorce attorney will file a motion seeking immediate protection if necessary.

Pet Custody

Pets play an important role in our lives, and deciding who gets custody of a pet is a contentious issue in many divorce cases. It's best if the couple is able to work these issues out on their own, but it may become necessary for the court to make a final decision.

You'll want to consider what's in the best interest of the pet in these situations, and it's also important to think about how pet custody will affect children.

Prenuptial Agreements

A prenuptial agreement is a legal contract entered into before a marriage outlining asset division and other issues that may arise as part of a divorce settlement. Your lawyer will advise you on how the prenup will impact your divorce.

In a case where a prenuptial agreement is contested, your attorney can help:

Clarify terms: Ensuring that you understand the agreement.
Legal validity: Verifying the agreement's enforceability.

The Divorce Process in Pennsylvania

The Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz, P.C., can provide assistance with every aspect of a divorce case, including:

Filing for Divorce
Service of Process
Responding to a Divorce
Discovery Phase
Negotiation and Settlement
Trial

Filing the Complaint

Filing is the first legal step in the divorce process. It involves submitting a divorce complaint to the court, which officially starts the proceedings.

Service of Process

The person filing for divorce must notify the other spouse by having the divorce papers delivered or through registered mail.

Response to a Divorce Filing

Once served, you have 20 days to reply. Your response indicates agreement or disagreement with the terms proposed in the divorce complaint.

Agreement: If agreeable, the process can move forward smoothly.
Disagreement: In this case, divorce could require negotiation or litigation.

Discovery Phase

The discovery phase involves gathering relevant information and evidence. This phase can be extensive, depending on the complexity of assets and issues involved. The process typically includes:

Document requests: Both parties may request documents from each other.
Depositions: Witnesses and parties may provide sworn testimony.
Interrogatories: Written questions that must be answered under oath.

Negotiation and Settlement

Negotiating a settlement can often resolve a divorce without the need for a trial. Understanding effective negotiation strategies is essential.

Successful negotiation often results in a fair settlement, saving time and resources. A well-negotiated settlement can provide closure and allow both parties to move forward.

Trial

If a settlement cannot be reached, the case may go to trial. During the trial process, both parties present their arguments before a judge. The trial process includes:

Opening statements: Each side outlines its position.
Presentation of evidence: Both parties present evidence and witnesses.
Closing arguments: Final opportunity to summarize the case for the judge.
Decision: The judge will make a decision based on the closing arguments.

Is Mediation an Option for Your Divorce?

Divorce mediation offers an alternative to traditional litigation. This approach involves a neutral third party to help resolve disputes amicably. Mediation may provide advantages over traditional divorce proceedings:

Cost-effective: Typically less expensive than going to court.
Time-saving: Reduces the duration of the divorce process.
Less stressful: Encourages cooperation and communication.

How Is Property Divided in Pennsylvania?

Property division in Pennsylvania follows the principle of equitable distribution. This means assets are divided fairly, though not necessarily equally.

Common Divorce Mistakes to Avoid

Waiting too long to file
Not seeking legal advice
Resuming intimate relations
Using your children as pawns
Not being honest with your attorney
Accepting an unfair agreement
Hiding marital assets
Falling behind on payments
Fighting over trivial matters
Not changing your will
Inadequate estate planning
Not planning for new financial realities

Some of the Family Law Services We Provide in Horsham

Enforcing of Agreements
Annulment
Arbitration
Collaborative Law & Mediation
Military Divorce
Complex/High-Asset Divorce
Pre-Marital Agreements
Domestic Violence
Same-Sex Family Law
Paternity
Adoption
Post-Decree Modifications
Child Custody
Relocations
Child Support
Stepparents' Rights
Grandparents' Rights
Surrogacy
Mediation
Visitation
Parental Alienation

What Our Clients Have to Say About Us

"Sheryl Rentz […] Did What My Previous Attorney Did Not—Got My Divorce Done" - Tom F. (5-Star Yelp Review)

Sheryl Rentz is a fine attorney who did what my previous attorney did not—stand up to opposing counsel and get my divorce done. On her website, she is described as fearless; it's my belief that this is an accurate description. I would not hesitate to call her again, but since I'm staying single, I don't think that will be necessary. Overall, I'm not a fan of attorneys in general, but I became a fan of Sheryl Rentz.

"Responsive and […] Professional" - Claudia (5-Star Google Review)

Sheryl represented me in a compassionate and professional manner. She was responsive and made herself available to me via phone and email—at times, outside of regular business hours. My divorce was complicated and, at times, contentious. Sheryl's high standards, attention to detail, and courtroom presence, coupled with her adherence to professional and personal ethics, were important contributors to the resolution of many issues. I highly recommend Sheryl Rentz.

Other Areas We Serve in Pennsylvania

Get Help from a Compassionate Divorce and Family Law Attorney Today!

Call (610) 645-0100 and let the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz, P.C., work with you to make the process as smooth and painless as we can.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Know if My Spouse Is Hiding Assets?

The Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz, P.C., may call upon a forensic account specialist to identify and retrieve hidden assets. Signs that your spouse is hiding assets include large withdrawals for no apparent reason, being secretive about financial matters, and transferring assets to a family member.

Can I Get Divorced Without Hiring an Attorney?

You don't have to hire a lawyer to file for divorce, but finding the right marriage and family law attorney can have a huge impact on your financial future and the welfare of your children.

How Long Will My Divorce Take?

It will take at least 90 days to complete divorce proceedings in Pennsylvania. If you are going through a contested divorce, it could require over a year to complete the process.

What Are the Grounds for Divorce in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania is a no-fault divorce state, and that means irreconcilable differences is sufficient grounds to file for divorce.

How Is Marital Property Divided in Horsham, Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania requires equitable distribution of property. That means your martial assets will be distributed based on what is considered fair for both parties. This is a complicated process, and it's very helpful to have an experienced negotiator like Sheryl R. Rentz to represent you.

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

Meet Attorney
Sheryl Rentz

Meet Sheryl Rentz