Best Divorce Lawyers in Allentown

Frequently Asked Questions

• 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.