Filing for divorce in Pennsylvania requires a few first steps to start the process. The spouse who files for divorce must declare the reason the marriage is ending.
Under the law, there are four options from which to choose when filing for divorce. The legal process may vary depending on the grounds stated in the petition. Take a closer look at some of the options available.
Irretrievable breakdown
Sometimes, a marriage does not work for a myriad of reasons. When these add up over time, and no one spouse is at fault, the court considers the marriage broken beyond repair. Thus, when a spouse files for divorce, the grounds that make the most sense is that the union is irretrievably broken. The couple should also live apart for at least one year before this action.
Mutual consent
A couple may agree to go their separate ways and come to agreeable terms to do so. In this situation, a mutual consent divorce may prove an appropriate route. This action allows for a quicker divorce since the couple must agree on all issues from the start.
Fault
In some marriages, one spouse does something that makes it impossible for the other to continue in the relationship. A fault-based divorce may prove tricky as the spouse using this as a grounds must provide adequate proof to back up the allegations. The benefit to a fault-based divorce is a judge may consider the behavior when making decisions regarding property division and support. Adultery is the most common reason given in this type of proceeding.
Regardless of why the marriage ended, getting through a divorce requires time and compromise. A willingness to negotiate with the other party may prove in the best interest of all.