Focusing On Your Family’s Best Interests During Divorce
At The Law Offices of Joseph A. Guillama, I know that divorce is tough. Even if both you and your spouse are committed to resolving your differences amicably, there is much work and trauma involved in separating two lives. If the split is contentious or if there are children involved, the difficulty can increase dramatically.
In a field in which many lawyers consider any court victory a “win,” my law firm is different. Whenever possible, I focus on the whole family and its needs. I am a highly experienced and locally respected attorney and child advocate. My Reading firm has helped countless residents in Berks County and the surrounding area find effective solutions that allow them transition to their next stage in life.
Whether you have few assets and no children, or you have complicated financial and child-related issues to resolve, I can help you. Contact me for a free consultation, and we will discuss your circumstances and the outcomes you hope to achieve from obtaining a divorce.
Customizing An Approach According To Your Circumstances
When possible, I help our clients achieve peaceful divorces through alternatives to litigation, including negotiation, mediation and collaborative law. When necessary, however, I fight for my clients by litigating their contested divorces.
Different approaches are justified given your situation and goals. Meet with me, and I can begin to paint a picture of how your life could look years into the future.
Understanding “No-Fault” And “Fault” Divorce
Most Pennsylvania divorces are “no-fault” divorces in which both spouses agree they have irreconcilable differences that require them to dissolve their marriage. In these divorces, both parties can obtain a divorce once they have divided their assets and debts, and resolved any outstanding child custody, child support and spousal support issues.
Most divorces end in a settlement – reached either through direct negotiations between the spouses’ attorneys or after mediation intended to identify common ground. Assets and debts acquired through the marriage are divided equitably between the parties.
Although much less common today, a “fault-based” divorce can still occur in Pennsylvania. In these cases, one party alleges the other caused the marriage to fail through adultery, abandonment, physical abuse or another fault-based reason. While fault-based divorces, in theory, do not affect the division of marital assets and debts, a fault-based divorce can impact the extent and duration that alimony is paid and/or received. I can explain to you whether the pursuit of a fault-based divorce is appropriate in your circumstances.
Equipped To Facilitate Complex Or Simple Divorces
I am a seasoned attorney and negotiator who can first help you determine your objectives and then aggressively pursue them. Whether your circumstances are simple or complex, whether you want an uncontested divorce or need to pursue a contested divorce, I am here to help you reach your goals. In over 20 years of legal practice, I have guided thousands of clients through the Pennsylvania divorce process.
To discuss your options with an experienced Berks County divorce lawyer, contact me online or call 610-295-5335. I offer a free and confidential consultation to each prospective client. Se habla español.