Areas of Practice:

Divorce, by definition, is the legal dissolution of a marriage. It is very rare that divorces are as simple as people would like them to be. Most divorces involve multiple issues, i.e., will there be any support involved during the pendency of the action, who will reside in the marital residence, who will have custody of the children, etc… There are many other matters that can be affected by divorce including family businesses, social security, retirement benefits and health insurance. In addition to material issues, the emotional aspect of a divorce are very sensitive. Ideally, a divorce settlement will be reached without the need for trial. If, however, agreements cannot be reached, we offer aggressive legal representation to ensure that your needs are protected.

After the parties separate, who maintains custody of the children is one of the most difficult decisions a couple can agree upon. First, the couple must learn what custody and visitation options are available in addition to the details and implications of each. Physical custody is who will have physical custody of the child on a daily basis. Legal custody is the set of rights and responsibilities regarding the child’s upbringing, such as where they will attend school and whether they will have religious instruction. Ideally, the decision will be made without a court order, because in the end, the parents usually know what is best for their children.

Child support is a payment by a non-custodial parent to the custodial parent to contribute to the cost of raising children. In the majority of cases, this will be based upon the Pennsylvania Child Support Guidelines and is dependent upon the net incomes of the parents. Whether you are seeking child support for your child or are required by law to pay child support, we will fight to secure a final disposition that is sufficient and fair.

Spousal support is payment of money that one person in a marriage must pay to the other during separation depending on the difference in their net income. This payment is considered alimony pendente lite (alimony pending litigation) after a divorce complaint has been filed. Spousal support, or alimony, is payment that one person in a marriage must pay to the other when the couple separates or divorces. The purpose of alimony is to avoid any unfair economic consequences of a divorce, even after property is divided.

A prenuptial agreement is a contract entered into by two people prior to marriage. The purpose of this agreement is to establish the respective property and support rights should the couple divorce. It is important that these documents are drafted properly so that they are enforceable.

A postnuptial agreement is a contract entered into after two people marry. It is similar to a prenuptial agreement except it is signed during marriage. The purpose of this agreement is to establish the respective property and support rights should the couple divorce. A postnup is entered into in contemplation of an ongoing, viable marriage. An example of when someone may want to enter into a postnup is if they just received or are about to receive a large inheritance.