If you are considering getting divorced in Pennsylvania, you might be so preoccupied with your current situation–or getting out of it–that you may not be able to focus on what life would be like after divorce.
While divorces are as unique as the couple seeking them, all couples getting divorced have to deal with the division of marital property. In Pennsylvania, marital property is divided according to Pennsylvania’s equitable distribution laws which seek to divide marital property fairly but not necessarily equally.
In addition to the property and debts of the couple being equitably divided, the issue of whether one spouse will pay spousal support, also known as alimony, to the other must be considered. If the couple cannot agree, the court will determine if alimony is appropriate by looking at factors that may include assessing the couple’s standard of living during their marriage and whether the spouse seeking alimony needs help meeting their reasonable needs and whether the spouse who may be paying has the financial ability to do so.
As if property division and alimony aren’t
A skilled family law attorney will negotiate and, if necessary, litigate to help clients through the divorce process so they can begin the next chapter in their life. So, what happens after the divorce?
After months or even years fighting to get out of a marriage, newly-single former spouses may not know what to do with what is often extra free time in their post-divorce lives.
Some suggestions for ways to “kick start your new life” after divorce include the following:
- finding a new hobby
- taking
an art or creative class - redecorating your home for a fresh look
- taking
vacation to relieve stress - volunteering to fill up free time
- getting a pet for companionship and unconditional love
- cooking healthy foods to save money and maximize wellness
- backing off social media–particularly not stalking your ex.
These are just samples of the ways to use free time to find happiness, improve your mental and physical state, and find new friends (and potential partners) with similar interests.
If you are considering getting divorced or have been served with divorce papers, the Law Office of Gary R. Swavely, Jr. can help you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
From our office in Reading, Pennsylvania, we’ve been helping families in Berks and the surrounding counties in all aspects of family law for over 25 years.