UNION DIVORCE LAWYER PHILADELPHIA AND PENNSYLVANIA

DISCOUNTS FOR UNION WORKERS

DIVORCE-- The breakup of a marriage is often one of the most stressful times in a person's life. I have extensive experience in helping clients through this painful experience at their own pace. While I will attempt to reach an amicable resolution of your case, I will also be an aggressive advocate on your behalf.

PROPERTY DIVISION--Numerous factors are set forth in the Pennsylvania Divorce Law that are applied in each individual case to determine how property is divided. I will review these factors with you and discuss how they apply to your circumstances, and how they can be best interpreted in your favor.

ALIMONY--There is alimony in Pennsylvania,under certain circumstances. The specific factors of when alimony is awarded are set forth in the Pennsylvania Divorce Code. I review them with my clients to determine whether alimony could be an issue in their divorce.

CHILD SUPPORT--Child support is computed by the application of the Pennsylvania Support Guidelines. I go through each step of the Guidelines calculation with the client so that he or she understands how it is calculated. Many legal issues can come up in support litigation, including, but not limited to, a parent's income and/or earning capacity, the legitimacy of expenses, a multiple family calculation, and the amount of time each parent has physical custody of the child.

PATERNITY--In cases where a child has been born out of wedlock, either party has the right to request paternity testing. If either support or custody proceedings are brought through the court, the court will ask the father whether he will sign an "Acknowledgment of Paternity" document, confirming that he is the father of the child, and waiving his rights to paternity testing. There are often unrealized legal ramifications to signing this document, which I review with the client.

SPOUSAL SUPPORT--It is calculated by use of the Pennsylvania Guidelines. It is also effective the filing date of a complaint, and may last for the duration of a divorce. I explain the benefits of filing for it, as well as defenses that can be used to prevent an order being entered.

CUSTODY & VISITATION--see page for Philadelphia Custody Lawyer.

GRANDPARENT CUSTODY AND VISITATION--see page for Philadelphia Custody Lawyer.

PRE-NUPTIAL AGREEMENTS--If you have a significant amount of assets that you want to keep out of the marital estate, a prenuptial agreement is helpful to spell out what those assets are to avoid any confusion as a result of a divorce or death.

ADOPTION-- Many people with children get remarried. I have handled numerous step-parent adoptions.I can help you through the process to make it as uncomplicated as possible.

PROTECTION FROM ABUSE--If you or a family member are threatened, or are suffering from physical and/or mental abuse, an Order keeping the abuser away may be your best option to keep yourself and your family safe. I can help you acquire that Order. On the other hand, if you are the defendant in a protection from abuse matter, and the allegations are false, I also can assist in having the case dismissed and/or settled.

DEPENDENCY MATTERS: I am experienced in working within the dependency system. This involves the representation of parents or children in matters involving a local county agency responsible for investigating claims of abuse and/or neglect of children, such as the Department of Human Services in Philadelphia (DHS).