Today many marriages in Pennsylvania end in divorce which can have long lasting consequences on a family. If your marriage is ending, you need an experienced divorce attorney to protect your rights.

The Reading based Law Office of Gary R. Swavely, Jr.  is dedicated to providing a supportive atmosphere throughout the divorce process and will work closely with you to protect your assets and finances and preserve the well-being of your children. Attorney Swavely has been helping couples for over 25 years to resolve the issues that typically arise in divorce such as the division of marital property and/or debt, spousal support, alimony pendente lite and/or Alimony and child custody and support.

Division of Marital Property

In a divorce proceeding, marital property must be divided according to Pennsylvania’s equitable distribution laws, including:

  • Property that was purchased by each spouse during the marriage, regardless of who held title
  • Property, such as a house or a car, that was acquired by the couple
  • Each spouse’s income
  • Investment accounts and retirement benefits

The principles of equity mean that the court will divide the property fairly, but not necessarily equally. In making this determination the court considers the financial status of each spouse, the future financial needs and liabilities of each spouse, whether one of the spouses is receiving alimony and other factors.

While Pennsylvania is an equitable distribution state, dividing marital property can still become contentious.  Attorney Swavely routinely works with clients to ascertain the value of their assets and debts and negotiate a fair agreement over the division of property.

Spousal Support

The purpose of spousal support is to assure the dependent spouse a reasonable living allowance. Alimony pendente lite (APL) is based upon the need of the dependent spouse to have equal financial resources to maintain or defend the divorce action. There are a number of factors the court will consider including the couple’s standard of living during the marriage, whether the receiving spouse has the resources to provide for his or her reasonable needs, and the financial ability of the providing spouse to meet those needs. Attorney Swavely realizes that issues of spousal support and APL are often disputed and strives to secure appropriate financial support for his clients.

Child Custody & Support

The courts make determinations about child custody and support that are in the best interest of the children. This means custody is typically granted to both parents, each of whom are responsible for the children’s financial well-being and general welfare. In determining child support payments, the court considers each parent’s income, whether one spouse is receiving alimony, and the health, medical, or educational expenses of the children.  Attorney Swavely can help resolve these issues in a way that is fair and that preserves the well-being of the children.

Protecting Your Rights in a Pennsylvania Divorce

Attorney Swavely works with clients in Reading, and surrounding areas to understand their needs and objectives and helps them navigate the legal and emotional challenges that often arise in a divorce proceeding. If an agreement cannot be reached through a negotiation, he will fight for your rights in the Pennsylvania courts. He will provide you with a superior level of personal service so that you can get back on your feet. Call the Reading office today at (610) 816-6366.