Introduction: How to Use This Book

Chapter 1 The Basics

• Unilateral No-Fault Divorce

• Mutual Consent No-Fault Divorce

• Divorce Laws

• Courts

• Prothonotaries

• Residency

• 'Common Law' Marriage

• Separation

• The Divorce Process

• Lawyers

Chapter 2 Property

• Equitable Distribution

• Definition of Nonmarital Property

• Equitable Distribution Considerations

• When a Formal Agreement is Unnecessary

• Tax Consequences

• Real and Personal Property

• Finality of the Property Agreement

• Property Distribution Issues

• Documents Needed To Begin Inventory

• Inventory and Appraisment Forms

• Filling in the Inventory and Appraisment Forms

• Liabilities

• The Inventory and Appraisment Cover Sheet

• Statement of Income and Expense

• Real Property

• Dividing Real Property

• Dividing Stock Option and Profit Sharing Plans

• Retirement and Pension Plans

• Social Security Benefits

• Federal Pension Benefits and Military Pensions

• Divorce Mediators

• Composing the Property Settlement Agreement

• Sample Agreement Clauses for Property Division

Chapter 3 Alimony and Child Support

• Making Your Own Decisions

• Factors Considered by the Court in Determining Alimony

• Enforcement of Alimony

• 'Rehabilitative' Alimony

• Child Support

• Determining Child Support

• Support Guidelines

• Deviation From Support Guidelines

• Method of Paying Child Support

• Modification of Child Support

• The Support Agreement

• Sample Alimony and Support Agreement Clauses

Chapter 4 Child Custody

• Grandparents

• Child's Best Interest

• Siblings

• Uniform Child Custody Act

• Counseling

• Legal Terms

• Reaching a Custody Decision

• Stipulation

• Some Sample Custody Clauses

Chapter 5 The Settlement Agreement

• When to Write Out the Agreement

• The Form of the Agreement

• Sample Settlement Agreement

Chapter 6 The Complaint

• Marriage Certificate; Names

• Plaintiff and Defendant

• Establishing Jurisdiction

• Composing the Complaint

• Sample Complaint in Divorce

Chapter 7 Filing For Divorce

• Local Rules -- A Note On Forms

• Notaries

• Filing Fees

• Custody Filing

• The Filing Process

• Filing the Complaint

• Notice to Defend

• The Marriage Certificate

• The Counseling Notice

• Affidavit of Non-Military Service

• Putting the Complaint in Divorce Package Together

• Serving the Defendant With the Complaint

• Affidavit of Consent

• Praecipe to Transmit Record

• The Final Decree

• Retaking Prior Name

• Enforcement of the Agreement

• Sample Forms

Appendix A: County Courts

Appendix B: Glossary

Appendix C: Blank Forms

Index

• View Chapter 3 - Alimony and Child Support

• View the Glossary of Pennsylvania Legal Terms

• Ordering Information