Divorce in Pennsylvania

[alexant]

I had a few questions on divorce in Pennsylvania. I'm have been a stay at home dad for three years, which seems to make me the primary caregiver. If I file (1) Does she have to move out? (2) Does she still have to pay the mortgage and other bills?

Also, I was told by someone (not a lawyer) that Pennsylvania has a 6 month "cooling off period" from the day of filing to the start of anything else. If the divorce is uncontested then the order is granted at that time, or thats when all the fighting starts. Is this true?

 

[irish223]

I had a few questions on divorce in Pennsylvania. I'm have been a stay at home dad for three years, which seems to make me the primary caregiver. If I file (1) Does she have to move out?

No, she doesn't have to move out when you file. If you can't agree about living arrangements, the judge will decide at the hearing.

(2) Does she still have to pay the mortgage and other bills?

I believe you can request temporary support when you file. She may be ordered to pay the bills for some time, but you will be expected to find employment. She will not be expected to fully support you.

Also, I was told by someone (not a lawyer) that Pennsylvania has a 6 month "cooling off period" from the day of filing to the start of anything else. If the divorce is uncontested then the order is granted at that time, or thats when all the fighting starts. Is this true?

Not according to this information:
http://research.lawyers.com/Pennsylvania/Divorce-in-Pennsylvania.html

 

[alexant]

No, I'm not looking for her to support me. I'm looking at her not bailing out of keeping a house over the kids heads while this is going on. We have four children (13, 12, 3, and 2). Three years ago it was decided I would stay home because she has the greater earning capacity. She makes six figures. I'm the primary caregiver, and I will be looking to have primary physical custody.