Couples in Pennsylvania may believe that ending their marriages will make their lives better. While this may be true for some, there are several myths about divorce and separation that couples should disregard. One of the big misconceptions is that child custody or alimony is awarded solely based on a person’s gender. Child custody rulings are made based on what is in the minor’s best interests.
It is possible for a father who acts as a son or daughter’s primary caregiver to be awarded legal and physical custody of that child. If a wife earned more money than her husband during a marriage, she may be the one making alimony payments. This may be more likely if a man was the one who stayed home to watch the kids while his wife went to work.
In some marriages, couples choose to fund and maintain their own bank accounts. However, there is a chance that the funds will be considered joint property and eligible for division in a divorce settlement. Individuals should also know that getting a divorce won’t necessarily solve all of their problems. A divorce could cause a new set of problems such as trying to maintain a comfortable lifestyle on a reduced income. Furthermore, disputes over how to raise a child are unlikely to be resolved if parents can’t communicate with each other effectively.
Those who are thinking about ending their marriages may want help from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, divorce lawyers. An attorney may be able to help a person gather financial or other documents that may be useful during settlement talks. These documents may be able to establish whether an asset should be labeled as joint or separate property. An attorney may also provide assistance to parents who are seeking custody of their children.