Erie E-Law is a complimentary service of the Erie County Bar Association designed to make basic legal information available to you with ease. You can gain access to E-Law either by reading the information found below or by contacting us to request a copy of the transcripts.
Same-Sex RelationshipsFamily/Marital Law MattersAs of May 20, 2014, same-sex couples have the right to marry in Pennsylvania. Also as of that date, Pennsylvania recognizes marriages between same-sex couples validly performed in other states that permit same-sex marriage. At least 18 other states have, by legislation or court case, established same-sex marriage. In other states, these same-sex marriage rights have been put on hold during appeals. |
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Marriage CounselingFamily/Marital Law MattersMarriage counseling helps couples evaluate marital issues and assess marital strengths and weaknesses. Through marriage counseling, couples can clarify their concerns and make decisions whether to work toward reconciliation or to terminate an unsuccessful marriage. |
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How to Get a Custody Order in Erie CountyFamily/Marital Law MattersWhen parents separate, they must determine the appropriate custody arrangements for their children. It is not essential that the parties immediately proceed through the Court system and, in fact, many parents establish custody arrangements for their children based upon informal agreements. |
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How to Get MarriedFamily/Marital Law MattersThe first step in getting married is to obtain a marriage license. Pennsylvania no longer recognizes common law marriage, except in very limited circumstances. |
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DivorceFamily/Marital Law MattersIn 1980, Pennsylvania joined the majority of states that allow No Fault Divorces in addition to Fault Ground Divorces found in earlier laws. In a No-Fault Divorce, when ninety (90) days have passed from serving the Divorce Complaint, and when both parties have signed consents to the divorce, and all economic issues have been resolved, a divorce can be granted without the need for a hearing. Even with a No Fault Divorce, either party may contest custody, support or property matters. |
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CustodyFamily/Marital Law MattersOnce parents separate, they must consider an appropriate custody arrangement for their children. There is no legal requirement that they immediately proceed to Court. However, if the parties can arrive at a mutually agreeable arrangement, that agreement can be entered as a custody court order without the need for a hearing. If the parties together cannot decide what is the best for their children, then the Court can hold a hearing and enter a custody order. |
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Common Law MarriageFamily/Marital Law MattersAs of January 2, 2005, individuals were no longer able to enter into Common Law Marriages in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. However, those Common Law Marriages entered into before this date remain valid. The following information pertains to such marriages. |
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Child SupportFamily/Marital Law MattersBoth fathers and mothers have the responsibility to support their children. In determining the financial obligation of the parents to pay child support, the Court will review the earnings, earning capacity and the needs of each parent along with the needs of the child. The Court may also consider factors such as parent's physical disability, or if one parent is caring for young children at home, or has multiple families to support. |
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AnnulmentsFamily/Marital Law MattersThere are two types of annulments - legal civil and religious. If you desire information regarding religious annulments, you should check with your churches' local representative. |
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Resolving Disputes Without LitigationLitigation is a method for resolving disputes through the use of a court system. Generally, in litigation, a judge or jury decides after a hearing or trial who wins or loses (or who is right or wrong). However, there are other options or choices available for resolving disputes without litigation. |
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