Best Divorce Lawyers in Allentown, PA

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Allentown, Pennsylvania?

  The non-emergency contact number for Allentown Police Department is 610-437-7751.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Allentown, Pennsylvania?

  To obtain a copy of the police report in person, you need to go to the Traffic Division entrance of the Allentown Police Department. You can also request a copy through the mail; information like your name, phone number, and the date of the incident should be enclosed. Expect a fee of $15 for the report.

• How can an Allentown divorce attorney determine the value of a marital home during the equitable distribution process?

  The divorce attorney could coordinate with multiple experts—like real estate appraisers, forensic accountants, and actuaries—to know the value of the home's worth. Working with specialists is especially important if the property is considered a historic building; last 2022, the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court ruled that building owners can obtain a property tax exemption if the structure's historical nature is preserved. Allentown is home to multiple historic districts, with properties for sale dating back to the 1700s.

• What aspects of a person's financial situation does an Allentown court consider when determining child support obligations?

  According to Pennsylvania law, a court can review factors like:

  • Salary
  • Bonuses
  • Profit from businesses or investments
  • Payments from Social Security Disability benefits
  • Lottery winnings

  Another factor that a court might consider is the parent's financial situation. Individuals residing in Allentown have a 6% higher cost of living than the rest of the state, based on an analysis conducted by RentCafe.

• Can an Allentown parent petition for a child custody modification if there has been a significant change in their child's daily routine?

  Yes. A child may develop an interest in the arts and request extracurricular activities that align with their newfound hobbies. Modifying the current child custody agreement could help parents successfully co-parent their child, especially if they cannot travel to youth programs managed by organizations like the Miller Symphony Hall, the Allentown Art Museum, and the Civic Theatre of Allentown alone.

• How much is the average cost of a contested divorce in Allentown?

  A contested divorce in Allentown could set a couple back $13,000 to $30,000. The cost is steep because family law attorneys usually charge a fee of $250 to $350 an hour. Another reason is the need for a report completed by a child evaluator to help courts determine the psychological state of a child's caregivers; parents might need to pay $7,000 or even $10,000 for the services of a private evaluator.

• What types of Protection From Abuse (PFA) orders can a domestic violence victim obtain from an Allentown court?

  An Allentown judge may grant a victim different types of protection orders depending on their circumstances. These include:

  • An emergency order for victims looking for immediate protection during cases where the court is closed.
  • An ex parte temporary PFA order, given to victims before a full court hearing.
  • A final PFA order, issued to victims after both sides delivered their testimonies before a judge. The order can last a maximum of three years.

• What are the basic steps to filing for divorce?

  The steps required to file for divorce depend heavily on whether the divorce is contested, if there are minor children or property issues at stake, and if there are disagreements over child support or alimony. The process may also differ from state to state, but generally parties must:

  • File the divorce petition
  • Hire a process server to give the other party divorce papers/respond to the original petitioner's filing
  • Request temporary orders covering issues such as custody/visitation, support, and exclusive property use
  • Make financial disclosures
  • Request discovery from your spouse
  • Propose and/or consider a possible settlement
  • Go to trial if necessary
  • Receive a signed judgment from the court indicating the divorce is final
  • Address post-divorce tasks such as transferring property titles and closing joint bank accounts

• How much does it cost to get a divorce?

  The cost of a divorce differs dramatically based on a litany of criteria, such as whether the divorce is contested, where the divorce petition is filed, and whether the divorce requires a professional intermediary or other legal expert. A simple, low-frills DIY divorce can be as little as a few hundred dollars. Add in mediation and the cost may jump to the mid-four figures and can easily reach $7,000 or more. Hire a lawyer and you may pay anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000+ if there are major custodial issue or complex financial concerns.

• How much does a divorce lawyer cost?

  Most divorce lawyers charge by the hour and billing can vary dramatically. Some attorneys in more affordable markets and/or with less experience may charge as little as $75/hour. More experienced attorney or those who have large staffs, specialize in complex cases, or hold relevant certifications may charge premium rates in excess of $400/hour. Then there are the amount of hours invested; simple cases may be over in a matter of weeks while hotly contested divorces can drag on for years leading to lawyer's fees in the tens of thousands.

• How to choose a divorce lawyer/what to look for?

  Divorce lawyers are not one-size-fits-all. It's important to find a lawyer whose skill set, experience, and resources align with the demands of each specific situation. For instance, some attorneys will push mediation while others are naturals in the courtroom.

  • Know your budget
  • Limit your search to lawyers experienced in family law
  • Zero in on lawyers or firms that can handle the complexities of divorce, especially any issues that may be specific to the current case
  • Read reviews and ask friends for recommendations, but remember that their situations and needs may not be the same
  • Conduct interviews to see who feels trustworthy and can spell out an approach that feels appropriate
  • Try to ignore ad campaigns and office décor and instead consider track record and skills

• What is an uncontested divorce?

  An uncontested divorce is one in which both parties agree on the major issues, such as custody of any minor children, child support, alimony, and how to divide any assets and/or debt. While uncontested divorces still require a judge to approve the terms of the divorcing couple's signed agreement, these relatively simple splits tend to move faster, cost less money, and are easier to execute without the help of a divorce lawyer. A divorce filing that goes unanswered by the non-petitioning party may also be considered uncontested.

• Can you file for divorce without a lawyer?

  It's possible to file for divorce without a lawyer, especially if the divorce is uncontested. Many states offer free divorce forms either online or at legal self-help centers located in or near family court. There are often dispute resolution resources available as well; mediation services can help iron out disputes over custody or financial support without involving lawyers. Still, a free consultation with a divorce lawyer can offer valuable insight, and contentious divorces, whether they go to trial or not, all but require legal representation.

• How long does it take to get a divorce?

  The length of a divorce is contingent on four things: each state's mandatory waiting period, whether the divorce is uncontested or contested, how quickly both sides can come to an agreement, and how quickly a judge is able to hear or review the case and sign off. The best-case scenario is an uncontested divorce in a state with a short waiting period which could see a divorce finalized in a matter of weeks. For divorces with highly combative parties, long discovery periods, and other complications, a decision could take months or even years.

• How to prepare for divorce?

  It's difficult to ever feel truly prepared for the rigors of divorce, but there are several steps that can make the process more bearable and allow for a more positive outcome:

  • Interview attorneys
  • Locate and make copies of important documents like mortgage and car titles, insurance policies, business licenses, financial records, bank statements, and income tax returns
  • Take inventory of valuable household items that should be considered later while splitting assets
  • Make a detailed list of monthly expenses, including utilities, rent or mortgage, childcare, kids' activities like sports or dance classes, school tuition, and insurance
  • Know what the respondent's income is, including any income from self-employment, stock dividends, and interest
  • Double-check credit history and evaluate both short- and long-term earning potential
  • Set goals for ideal custody arrangement, support amounts, and living arrangements
  • Get support from friends and family

• What to do with an engagement ring after divorce?

  Most courts follow state laws that consider an engagement ring to be the recipient's property once a wedding takes place, which means it remains that recipient's individual property even after a divorce. Other states categorize engagement rings as marital property and as such the ring is subject to the same division of assets as a house or art collection might be. For spouses who get to keep their jewelry, engagement rings can be sold, dismantled and repurposed, returned to the original buyer, or kept and handed down to any children the marriage may have produced.

• What is divorce mediation?

  When divorces get heated or even just have the potential to become messy, a neutral third party can help calm both parties and resolve issues without the need for a trial. This is called mediation. A great mediator is unbiased and invested in a balanced, fair outcome; they will ideally listen to both parties, encourage respectful discussions, and raise questions or concerns when appropriate. Once an agreement is reached, the mediator will prepare documents detailing the agreed-upon terms. Using a mediator only works if both sides are willing to meet and discuss a compromise, but doing so can save a considerable amount of time, money, emotional strain, and overall stress.