When we opened our offices 45 years ago in 1976 the only way to obtain a divorce in Pennsylvania was to prove that you were entitled to a divorce.  The law then stated that one seeking a divorce had to be free from any fault and that their spouse had to have committed a crime and been sentenced to prison, or committed adultery or various other serious violations of moral and ethical standards.  There, existed then a catch-all: your spouse had to be guilty of “general indignities”, that is, he or she, had caused you, by there conduct, to believe that the love and affection had gone out of the marriage and had been replaced by “ hate and estrangement”.  These indignities had to be testified to before a court appointed Master, who had to write a report.  If your spouse didn’t want a divorce, it was very difficult to get one!

The law changed in 1980 and since that time people have the right to obtain a divorce without having to prove that they are free from fault or that there spouse is guilty of fault.  Since 1980 you can obtain a divorce on “no fault” grounds which means that a married person must allege that the marriage is broken.  The divorce is easier and faster if both parties agree, but even if no agreement is reached and it takes a little longer, a divorce will be granted.  If you have come to the conclusion that your marriage is broken, we can help you move on with your life.  Call for an appointment.

Davis and Davis, a team of professionals, working for you!  Since 1976.