Can A Prison Sentence Be Grounds for Divorce?

Being sentenced to at least two years in prison is one of the most serious outcomes someone can face in Pennsylvania. It can have a lasting impact on many aspects of life, including the ability to maintain a marriage and other relationships.

Let’s explore how imprisonment can impact divorce proceedings.

The Consequences of a Felony Sentence in Pennsylvania

A felony sentence carries severe penalties that can include incarceration, fines, probation, restitution payments, and more. In addition to legal repercussions, those convicted may also face some social stigma as well as difficulty finding employment or housing. This makes it difficult to move forward with life after serving time and can create turmoil within existing relationships, especially marriages.

How Can A Felony Affect Marriage?

When one partner is sentenced to prison for a lengthy period of time, the marriage is put under enormous strain. The partner who remains outside of prison may feel abandoned or betrayed by their spouse's actions and be resentful that they are left to shoulder all of the responsibilities involved in raising children and maintaining financial stability. This resentment can lead to divorce even before the partner has been released from prison, which can be an emotionally devastating experience for both parties involved.

Legal Considerations During Divorce After Sentencing

In some cases, the incarcerated partner may not want to pursue divorce proceedings if they feel it would cause further hardship for their spouse, who is already struggling with single parenthood or financial issues while they are away.

But if both partners are amenable to ending their marriage, there are several things they should consider when filing for divorce after a prison sentence, such as the division of assets and liabilities, child custody and support arrangements, the division of retirement accounts, and more.

Your Family Comes First

Understanding the implications of a felony sentence in Pennsylvania is essential for anyone facing such a situation or considering divorce after a prison sentence has been served. It’s important that both spouses understand what this means for their future and how it will affect their relationship going forward so that they can make informed decisions about how best to proceed with their lives together or apart.

If you are considering filing for divorce, call our team at (610) 365-4733 and schedule a consultation today! We are waiting for your call.