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Child custody decisions in Pennsylvania follow one guiding principle: what is in the best interest of the child. Courts do not rely on assumptions or stereotypes when determining parenting time,they evaluate each family’s unique circumstances using 16 specific factors. These factors help judges assess stability, safety, parental involvement, cooperation, and each parent’s ability to meet the child’s emotional, educational, and physical needs.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Petrelli Previtera Opens New Wayne, PA Office to Serve the Main Line Community Wayne, PA — Petrelli Previtera, LLC is proud to announce the opening of its newest office, located at 353 W Lancaster Ave, Suite 110, Wayne, PA 19087. This expansion strengthens the firm’s presence along the Main Line and enhances […]

One of the hardest parts of divorce is deciding who stays in the family home. Parents want their children to feel secure, yet emotions and finances make that choice complicated. Many people worry that they will be forced to sell the house as soon as the divorce is final, but Maryland law takes a different approach. In fact, one of the biggest mistakes a parent can make is moving out too quickly before understanding how family-use property works.

Understanding Exclusive Use and Possession When couples in Maryland begin the divorce process, one of the most emotional questions they face is whether they should leave the family home. Many people, eager to escape conflict or stress, move out before fully understanding how doing so can affect their rights. In the midst of a painful […]

How Maryland’s Best Interest Standard Protects Children’s Stability Key ideas Stability is a core value in Maryland custody and property orders that affect children. Parenting plans, family-use property, and support orders work together to reduce disruption. Specific written terms prevent conflict and protect routines. The best interest standard Judges consider many factors to decide what […]

Benefits, Custody & Deployment Explained Divorcing when one spouse is in the military is different from a civilian divorce. Jurisdiction, pensions, and custody issues can become more complex. This is especially true when one spouse lives out of state or is deployed. Military divorces involve both federal law and Maryland law, and understanding how the […]

Separated but Still Living Together? Here is How Maryland Courts Define Separation Maryland’s updated divorce law recognizes that some couples cannot immediately move into separate homes. Attorney Melinda Previtera explains that it is now possible to meet the six-month separation requirement even while sharing the same address, as long as both spouses have truly begun […]

Thinking About Divorce Mediation Many people assume that choosing mediation means they do not need a lawyer. It is a common misunderstanding and one that can be costly. Mediation is designed to help you and your spouse reach an agreement with a neutral third party. Less conflict. Less time in court. Often less expense. That […]

Can I Make My Spouse Pay My Attorney Fees in a Pennsylvania Divorce Divorce can be expensive, especially when one spouse refuses to cooperate or drags out the process. When that happens, it’s not only frustrating—it’s unfair. Fortunately, Pennsylvania law allows judges to require one spouse to pay some or all of the other’s attorney’s […]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Greenwood Village, CO — Petrelli Previtera, LLC is proud to announce the opening of its newest office in Greenwood Village, Colorado, marking the firm’s second location in the state since beginning its work in Colorado in 2021. This expansion reflects the firm’s mission to support clients through life’s most challenging transitions and […]