Bucks County Divorce Attorney

Experienced and Trustworthy Attorneys Serving Pennsylvania and New Jersey

Since 1981, the lawyers of Kevin L. Hand, P.C. have successfully represented clients in family law, divorce, criminal defense, and personal injury in Bucks County, Mercer County, Montgomery County and throughout the region. Our Bucks County divorce attorneys are aggressive litigators and skilled negotiators with extensive experience. We possess the knowledge necessary to assess the merits of each case and plan effective strategies that maximize recovery for clients. Our skills and resources allow us to pursue large, complex cases and yield excellent results – but we also have the knowledge to resolve smaller issues before they grow into more complicated ordeals. Our lawyers are admitted to practice in local, state and federal courts in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Divorce can be an emotionally and legally complex process, especially in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Whether you’re seeking an amicable resolution or facing a contentious situation, understanding the divorce landscape in Pennsylvania is essential. Kevin L. Hand, P.C., a highly experienced divorce lawyer in Bucks County, PA, is dedicated to guiding individuals through each step of the process, ensuring their rights and interests are protected.

Common Types of Divorce in Bucks County, PA

In Pennsylvania, there are several types of divorce to consider, depending on the circumstances of the couple:

No-Fault Divorce: This is the most common type of divorce in Pennsylvania, where neither party is blamed for the breakdown of the marriage. It can be categorized as mutual consent or irretrievable breakdown after a period of separation.

Fault-Based Divorce: In this type of divorce, one spouse must prove that the other is at fault due to reasons such as adultery, desertion, cruelty, or incarceration. Fault-based divorces can be more time-consuming and contentious.

Contested Divorce: A divorce in which the spouses cannot agree on key issues such as property division, alimony, or child custody. These cases often proceed to court, where a judge makes the final decisions.

Uncontested Divorce: If both spouses agree on all the terms of their separation, they can pursue an uncontested divorce, which is typically faster and less costly than a contested one.

Collaborative Divorce: In a collaborative divorce, the spouses work together with their attorneys to settle their disputes outside of court, aiming for a cooperative and amicable resolution.

What to Consider During Divorce

Divorce requires careful consideration of various important issues, including:

• Property Division: Pennsylvania follows the principle of equitable distribution, meaning that marital assets are divided fairly, but not necessarily equally.
• Child Custody and Support: Determining custody and support arrangements for children is often one of the most challenging aspects of divorce. The court prioritizes the best interests of the child.
• Alimony: Spousal support may be awarded based on factors such as the length of the marriage, earning capacities, and financial needs of each spouse.
• Legal Representation: Having an experienced divorce attorney like Kevin L. Hand, P.C., is crucial to ensuring that your rights are protected and that the process runs smoothly.

The Pennsylvania Divorce Process

Understanding the divorce process in Pennsylvania helps in preparing for what lies ahead:

1. Filing the Divorce Complaint: The process begins when one spouse files a divorce complaint with the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas.
2. Serving the Spouse: After filing, the complaint must be served to the other spouse, notifying them of the divorce proceedings.
3. Waiting Period: For a mutual consent no-fault divorce, there is a mandatory 90-day waiting period from the date of filing before the divorce can be finalized.
4. Negotiation and Settlement: During this time, both spouses (and their attorneys) negotiate issues such as property division, child custody, and support. If an agreement is reached, it is submitted to the court for approval.
5. Court Hearing: If the spouses cannot agree, the case may go to court, where a judge will make final decisions on unresolved matters.
6. Finalizing the Divorce: Once all issues are resolved, either by agreement or court order, a divorce decree is issued, legally ending the marriage.

Serving Throughout Bucks County, PA

Bucks County is home to many beautiful towns and neighborhoods:

• Doylestown
• Newtown
• Yardley
• Langhorne
• Bensalem
• Perkasie
• Quakertown
• Levittown
• Warminster
• Bristol
• Morrisville
• Richboro
• Southampton
• Chalfont
• Buckingham
• Solebury
• Upper Makefield
• Lower Makefield
• Plumsteadville
• New Hope

How Kevin L. Hand, P.C. Can Help You

Navigating a divorce requires skilled legal guidance to ensure your rights and interests are protected throughout the process. Kevin L. Hand, P.C., with extensive experience in handling divorce cases in Bucks County, PA, offers personalized, compassionate, and strategic legal representation. He works diligently to help clients achieve favorable outcomes, whether through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.

From handling high-conflict cases to amicable separations, Kevin L. Hand, P.C. is dedicated to supporting his clients every step of the way. Whether you’re dealing with property division, child custody disputes, or spousal support, Kevin L. Hand can provide the legal expertise you need to protect your future.

For anyone considering divorce in Bucks County, PA, reaching out to Kevin L. Hand, P.C. can be the first step toward resolving your case efficiently and effectively.

Pennsylvania Family Law & Divorce FAQ

The Bucks County family attorneys at Kevin L. Hand, P.C. understand the sensitive nature of family matters. Our family law attorneys have nearly four decades of experience representing clients in a wide variety of family law matters. Whatever you are facing, we want to make the process easier for you and your loved ones. Below, we have answered frequently asked questions in Pennsylvania about divorce, alimony, child custody and child support.

How Long Does a Divorce Take in Pennsylvania? The length of the divorce process ultimately depends on the circumstances surrounding the divorce. There are two types of divorce in Pennsylvania: a fault divorce and a no-fault divorce, however the court must approve the grounds for divorce in a no-fault divorce. Application for a grounds order can be made 90 days after service of the divorce complaint by mutual agreement of the parties. If there is no mutual agreement, then one party can unilaterally seek grounds one year after the parties separated. Once the grounds order is entered, the parties can begin to resolve equitable distribution of property. The more agreeable the parties, the shorter the property division phase will last.

Who Gets Alimony In a Divorce? In the event of divorce, the court may grant alimony, or spousal support to either party if they believe it is necessary. The court will consider a variety of factors when determining alimony. For example, the court will evaluate the relative needs of the parties and each party’s sources of income including earned income, assets and expectancies. The court will also consider each party’s liabilities, mental and physical health, and whether each party is incapable of self-support. If alimony is awarded, the court will determine the amount and duration of alimony.

What Is Alimony Pendente Lite? In Pennsylvania, alimony pendente lite is a type of spousal support that can be issued from the court after a divorce is filed and while the divorce is pending. Alimony pendente lite provides financial support to the lesser earning spouse during the divorce process. However, it is a short-term order. It is terminated once the divorce is finalized.

How Is Child Custody Determined? There are two parts to child custody: legal custody and physical custody. In many cases, the court will adopt a reasonable custody agreement decided upon by both parents. If both parents cannot agree upon a custody agreement, the court will decide. The court makes their decision based on a variety of factors that determine the child’s safety and best interests. The court will consider factors such as each parent’s ability to provide for the child, the child’s preference and history of criminal activity and abuse. In Pennsylvania, under certain circumstances, grandparents or great-grandparents may be awarded partial physical custody or supervised physical custody.

Can the Custodial Parent Move Out of State? The custodial parent cannot move out of state with the child without first filing a notice of the proposed relocation. Each individual who has child custody rights must consent to the proposed relocation or the court must grant the custodial parent permission. If the non-relocating party objects to the proposed relocation, then a hearing will be scheduled and the court will decide. The court should grant or deny the relocation request after evaluating a variety of factors with the child’s safety and best interests in mind. Failure to meet Pennsylvania’s child relocation provisions could result in child custody modifications, a court order to return the child to the other party and fines.

How Is Child Support Calculated in Pennsylvania? Once a child custody order is in place, the court will use a formula created by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to determine the amount of child support that the non-custodial party must contribute each month. The formula emphasizes each party’s net income and earning potential. However, the amount of child support awarded depends on other circumstances too. The court may consider factors such as the child’s health and potential medical expenses, whether each party is responsible for other children, and the child’s best interests.

When Does Child Support End in Pennsylvania? Child support ends when the child becomes 18 or graduates high school, whichever occurs last. However, there are exceptions. If both parents agreed upon certain provisions of child support, they must be adhered to. For example, Pennsylvania does not require university support; however, if both parents agreed that child support would continue through university, then child support would end after graduation.

How Can I Find a Family Law Attorney Near Me? If you are facing a family law matter, we recommend that you contact the Bucks County family law attorneys at Kevin L. Hand, P.C. Call us today at 215-968-6602 to discuss your situation. You can also fill out our online contact form and someone from our office will be in touch with you shortly.

Contact Our Experienced Bucks County Divorce Attorneys Today

When you choose Kevin L. Hand, P.C., you’re more than just a client — you’re part of the team. Our criminal defense and divorce attorneys listen attentively, and make sure our clients understand what is happening with their cases at all times. Additionally, when you have a question, our firm is committed to return your call with a substantive answer within 24 hours.

Qualified, respected, responsive. Whether your case involves seeking compensation for a personal injury, dealing with a family legal issue or defending yourself against criminal charges, the Bucks County, PA divorce attorneys of Kevin L. Hand, P.C. get results. Office location in Newtown, Pennsylvania make us easily accessible to clients throughout Bucks County, Montgomery County and Mercer County. For more information, contact our firm today at 215-968-6602.