Take the First Step - Preserve Your Rights

When it comes to divorce law, it is very important for you to consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. YOU DON'T WANT TO WAIT FOR A COMPLAINT TO BE FILED. Often, people refrain from hiring a lawyer until their spouse files a Divorce Complaint. This can pose significant problems when it comes to preserving your rights in a divorce.

We recommend you retain an attorney as soon as you know that a divorce is possible. This way, an experienced divorce lawyer can advise you as to your rights and obligations, as well as instruct you on what actions to take and what actions to avoid.

At David K. Lucas & Associates, we are experienced in all aspects of divorce and family law, including: equitable distribution of property, child custody, support and spousal alimony, custody relocation, grandparent's rights, disposition of a family owned business, father's custody rights, and more.

You should work with an experienced divorce attorney who is familiar with local legal procedures, including Westmoreland county custody procedures. Contact us today, or give us a call at 800-836-3980. We're here to help.

The Cost of Divorce

Going through a divorce in Pennsylvania can be either a very simple procedure or one that is time consuming, expensive, and complex.

It is quite common to be asked by a client, "How much will this divorce cost?"

It is very difficult, if not impossible, for an attorney to quote a specific fee for a divorce proceeding. Most divorce attorneys charge an hourly fee and the ultimate cost is dependent upon the amount of time that is required to finalize the case.

Some couples are fortunate in that they are able to agree as to the issues in the divorce and the cost of obtaining one is greatly reduced. Some couples are unable to agree on anything and it becomes necessary to schedule hearings to have these issued resolved. Normally, the more hearings that are required, the greater the expense becomes.

At the beginning of each case, our office requires a retainer. The amount of the retainer is dependent upon the type of case that you have. These retainers are provided at the time of the first meeting and are held in trust. As the attorney does work on your file, money is taken from the retainer and applied to your bill. If at the conclusion of the case any retainer remains in trust, it is returned to you.

At David K. Lucas & Associates, all retainers are refundable after satisfaction of the last invoice. Please feel free to call our office at 800-836-3980 or complete our easy-to-use contact form today to find out what retainer will be required in your situation.

How Long Does it Take to Divorce

Provided both you and your spouse desire to have a divorce and there is no dispute as to the division of property, custody or other issues, you are eligible to receive a divorce 90 days after a Divorce Complaint is filed. Normally, because of the Court's schedule, the actual Divorce Decree will not be issued until 100 days have expired.

Please note that most divorces require additional time to resolve the economic issues such as the division of assets and debts, alimony and support issues.