A family law firm in Bethlehem, PA may be asked to represent a person who wants a divorce from a spouse who is suffering Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. Professional legal counsel can provide insight into what to expect and how long it may take to finalize a divorce in this type of case. Meet Conrad Attorneys by starting with the website.
Support Payments
The main problem often arises in that the spouse initiating the divorce may be required by a judge to make support payments for the disabled spouse if that individual does not receive an adequate amount of government benefits. There may be little sympathy, if any, from a judge in this type of case.
No Consent
If the other spouse is no longer mentally adept enough to understand what a signature on a divorce paper means, this is another stumbling block. A divorce can be obtained without the other spouse’s consent, but it takes longer. A family law firm in Bethlehem, PA still can represent the person who wants to end the marriage and provide counsel on how to proceed.
Considering the Reasons
The individual will want to think very carefully about the reasons for this decision. Perhaps they have already met someone else to begin a new life with as a romantic partner. Maybe this spouse has wanted a divorce for many years but hesitated to file.
The two could have been stuck in a loveless relationship for a long time; or the spouse who now has dementia may have a history of verbal or physical abuse. At this point, the other spouse feels even more trapped being married to someone who may have to spend many years in assisted living or a nursing home. The possibility of getting on with life is compelling.
Potential Reactions from Family Members
Particular consideration should be how the adult children and other relatives, including in-laws, will react to such news. There could be considerable bitterness from certain family members, and that may not be worth divorcing an ill husband or wife. Although this is an intensely personal decision, creating substantial rifts with close family members could cause even worse emotional distress for the spouse.
