FAQs

During your free consultation with our firm, we will help answer your questions and clarify the process. There are many misunderstandings about the legal process as it relates to Divorce, Custody, Support, Alimony, and other areas of Family Law.  

Our Main Line family law and divorce lawyers can be contacted via email, or please call us at our offices at 215-283-5080.

Our Blue Bell location services Montgomery County & Bucks County.

Our Wayne / King of Prussia location services the Main Line, including all of Delaware County, Chester County, and Montgomery County.

 

*Disclaimer
How long will my divorce take?

Divorce is a serious legal matter.  Do not be misled by offers of quick internet divorces! 

Very few people will benefit from using the internet divorces.   These are couples who have been married for a very short period of time, have acquired no marital assets and who do not have children together.   If all of these factors do not apply to your marriage, please, do yourself a favor and contact us now for a free initial consultation to understand your rights and what you are entitled to based on the Pennsylvania court system.  

The law provides protection for you, both now and in the future, and sidestepping the process is never in anyone's best interest.  We work with many clients who are seeking an uncontested divorce and help them finalize agreements that comply with the law.  

What will my divorce cost?

Divorce doesn't have to be expensive. You can control the time, costs, and stress associated with your divorce by working with your spouse and your attorney to try to settle your property distribution without the need for litigation.  If settlement efforts fail, you can trust that your attorney at the Law Offices of Jennifer J. Riley will be a strong advocate for you in the Courtroom.  

Please, do yourself a favor and contact us now for a free initial consultation to understand your rights and what you are entitled to based on the Pennsylvania court system.  

Who gets custody?

A common misconception is that the children always live with Mom.  The law is not gender biased, and there is nothing in the law that requires that a child live with one parent or another.  Custody is determined on an individual basis by analyzing the best interests of the children.  Any parent may be awarded primary physical custody;  in many cases, both parents share joint physical custody of the children.  We will help you proceed in your children’s best interests.

We strongly urge you to contact us for a free initial consultation to understand your rights and what you are entitled to based on the Pennsylvania court system.  

Do I have to pay child support?

All parents have an obligation to support their children. You can't afford NOT to pay child support!  Child support orders are enforced with serious consequences if you do not pay as ordered by the Court.  It is crucial that you hire an attorney to ensure that the Child Support Order is calculated within the guidelines of the law.  You  can then be sure you can afford to support your family and can comply with the Court Order.

Please, do yourself a favor and contact us now for a free initial consultation to understand your rights and what you are entitled to based on the Pennsylvania court system.  

How is the property divided?

Property Division is not based on what’s yours and what’s mine.    All property acquired during the marriage is marital, with only a few exceptions.  "Yours" and "Mine" usually don't exist.  Property is divided during Equitable Distribution.  

Please, do yourself a favor and contact us now for a free initial consultation to understand your rights and what you are entitled to based on the Pennsylvania court system.  

Can I kick my spouse out?

In almost all cases no you may not.   There are certain circumstances which may warrant the removal of a spouse from a home but these are very specific and very rare.  

Please, do yourself a favor and contact us now for a free initial consultation to understand your rights and what you are entitled to based on the Pennsylvania court system.  

If I leave, is it abandonment?

In almost all cases, it will not be considered abandonment if you leave the marital residence.  There are certain factors the court will consider if there is a question of abandonment.  

Please, do yourself a favor and contact us now for a free initial consultation to understand your rights and what you are entitled to based on the Pennsylvania court system.  

Can the locks be changed?

No, the locks cannot be changed without a court order.

Please, do yourself a favor and contact us now for a free initial consultation to understand your rights and what you are entitled to based on the Pennsylvania court system.  

When do children have a say?

There are several factors the court will use to determine when children have a say in custody matters.

Please, do yourself a favor and contact us now for a free initial consultation to understand your rights and what you are entitled to based on the Pennsylvania court system.