Need a Family Lawyer in Montgomery or Bucks County?
Our law offices are conveniently located in Doylestown and Norristown, PA. So, we're experts in Pennsylvania family law. More importantly, our family lawyers bring broad expertise to the table to help you with any family-related matter.
Our experienced family law attorneys know that every case is different. We're also aware that the people involved in these cases may feel vulnerable and overwhelmed. So, each family lawyer at our firm has focused on that practice area. As a result, they know what you're going through.
They each, for their reasons, felt the need to pay attention to the law's more personal and human side. In addition, each has a track record for resolving legal issues from domestic violence and legal separation to child support and custody.
A Women-Led Family Law Practice
We are the only Pennsylvania firm with:
- 2 Family Lawyers on the Top 50 Women Super Lawyers® List
- 2 (of only 5) Family Lawyers on the Top 100 Philadelphia Super Lawyers® List
- 4 Family Law Attorneys recognized in the Best Lawyers in America 2022 Edition
- 2 (of only 7) Family Lawyers on the Top 100 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers® List
- 4 Family Lawyers on the Pennsylvania Super Lawyers® or Rising Stars List
- 5 Family Law Attorneys named Main Line Today's Top Lawyers
Our Family Lawyers Support You in Many Ways
As the name suggests, we deal with family-related issues and domestic relations. It's a broad legal practice area, covering a great many concerns:
- Agreements
- Alternative Dispute Resolution
- Custody
- Child Support
- Divorce
- Domestic Violence / Protection from Abuse
- Spousal Support & Alimony / APL
- Juvenile Delinquency
- Gestational Surrogacy
- Adoption
- Guardianship
- Child Abuse
- Neglect
- Restraining Orders
Our family lawyers represent you in court proceedings or related negotiations. Plus, they can help draft legal documents like court petitions, property agreements, or restraining orders on your behalf. But, equally important, they are versed in Pennsylvania laws. Family laws differ from state to state, so it's essential to work with family law attorneys familiar with your state. You can learn more about PA laws here.
Our Family Lawyers Take a Team Approach to Your Case
Often, a client will come to us based on a recommendation from our family law attorneys. We'll certainly ensure that they oversee your case and all significant development. However, to provide effective service, we've found it's often necessary to involve more than one legal professional.
Including more than one professional on a case gives you access to other lawyers or paralegals if your primary attorney is unavailable. In addition to being more efficient, this approach saves money. For example, the hourly rates of paralegals and associates may be lower than that of the primary family lawyer.
Litigation, Arbitration, or Settlement
Marital litigation, for example, can be extensive. Frequently, cases involve different court proceedings. So, it's not uncommon for several proceedings to coincide. For example, you may simultaneously be in a support proceeding and custody litigation with different preliminary conference officers, masters, and conciliators.
Litigation can be costly, time-consuming, and emotionally traumatic for both parties. Therefore, whenever possible, you should seek to avoid it. A settlement is often better than litigation, especially considering the expense of litigation and its unpredictability.
Our family lawyers have the experience to know when to settle and when to litigate. At times, a mediator supports some settlement negotiations. So, if you and your spouse choose mediation, you must consult your family law attorney before sessions to prepare.
All mediation proposals should include a consultation with your lawyers. As a result, our candid judgment on the propriety of a proposed settlement is always available to you. If you can't settle, you may select a private arbitrator.
Common Issues Requiring a Family Lawyer
Family Law covers a gamut of concerns. Everything from PFA orders to juvenile law. But the most common issues requiring legal support include:
Divorce
In Pennsylvania, you must reside here for at least six months before filing for divorce. With that requirement met, you can file within the county where you or your spouse resides.
Needless to say, divorce presents challenges and may take months or even years to complete. Those challenges become more complex with larger estates, not to mention custody and support concerns. A family law attorney or divorce lawyer can support you through the process. They may even recommend alternative dispute resolution involving mediation or arbitration to avoid a lengthy and costly legal battle.
Here are some tips we've compiled from our PA Divorce lawyers.
Custody
It can involve third-party custody, relocation, adoption, gestational surrogacy, etc. So, a family law attorney is essential in helping you wade through the complexities. For example, battles can ensue between parents over custody rights. Moreover, the state can decide to take your child if it suspects abuse, negligence, or inability to support the child.
Here are some tips for helping your custody case in PA.
Child Support
The parent receiving support depends on each party's income and the custody schedule of their children. For instance, support is always open for changes based on circumstances relating to revenues and parent schedules.
Here are some commonly asked questions involving child support in Pennsylvania.
Agreements
Family law attorneys can guide and support you on various marital agreements involving cohabitation, premarital agreements, postnuptial agreements, separation agreements, and more.
For example, a premarital agreement serves you well if there's a steep imbalance of assets between spouses. It's also a plus if you have dependents from a previous marriage. A family lawyer can draft an agreement to protect your assets.
Domestic Partnerships
A domestic partnership recognizes two people living together who are not married. The legalities of these civil unions vary from those of married couples state to state.
Domestic partnerships present legal compliance, requirements, and jurisdiction concerns like marriage. But, a family lawyer can help guide you through those complexities.
Adoption
Adoption is a complex process that differs according to the type of adoption. Factors include where the child is from, variances in state laws, and more. So, it's essential to consult with a family law attorney. Foster parents sometimes adopt their foster children, but the foster process does not necessarily require legal representation.
It's important to note that family law cases often intersect with other legal services like estate planning, litigation, real estate, and even immigration law. And that's where it pays to have a full-service law firm like High Swartz. We have attorneys with varied practice experience to help you with any legal services.
Your Family Lawyer May Use an Investigator
It's sometimes necessary to engage a private investigator. As a result, we use investigators in some instances. For example, an investigator can uncover financial information, determine marital misconduct, or investigate abuse issues. But, not every case requires a private investigation.
Investigators can be costly and effective results can't always be guaranteed. So before conducting any investigation, we would be happy to sit down with you and let you know if it's worthwhile. But, first, you need to confirm what estimated costs would be with the investigator.
Talk to a Family Lawyer
Whether you need a family law attorney depends on several factors specific to your case. Consequently, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. For example, few couples need a lawyer to get married, but a family lawyer may be necessary if a pre or postnuptial agreement is involved. For other matters like divorce, custody, and support, it's best to consult a family lawyer.
Call our law firm when you need experienced family lawyers in Bucks County or Montgomery County. They understand they're working with people facing an emotional situation. So, their first focus is on you. Call today.
