Pennsylvania Family Law

Ignoring Divorce Papers Could Cost You Everything Getting served with divorce papers is overwhelming. It is emotional, confusing, and often shocking. But the one thing you cannot afford to do is nothing. Ignoring a divorce filing can lead to serious legal consequences, including the loss of property, financial support, or even custody of your children. […]

When Infidelity Leads to Divorce, Emotions Run High Finding out your spouse has cheated can bring a mix of anger, grief, and confusion. When divorce is added into the equation, the emotional toll can make it difficult to think clearly. It is natural to want justice or compensation, but pursuing every detail of an affair […]

If You Missed the Deadline to Respond, You May Still Have Options It can happen in the middle of chaos. You receive divorce papers but feel overwhelmed, unsure, or emotionally unprepared. Maybe you miss a deadline. Maybe you think ignoring it will slow things down. But in Pennsylvania, failing to respond can lead to a […]

What Happens If Someone Doesn’t Respond to a Divorce Filing? In Pennsylvania, once a divorce petition is served, the receiving spouse has a limited time to respond. If they fail to file an answer within that timeframe, the court may enter a default judgment—a ruling that grants the filing spouse many or all of the […]

The First Steps You Take Can Shape the Rest of the Case Being served with divorce papers is stressful. Emotions run high, and the desire to either fight back or shut down is completely normal. But what you do next matters—a lot. Mistakes made in the early stages of a divorce case can have long-lasting […]

Parental Rights Lawyer in Pennsylvania The Supreme Court has consistently affirmed the fundamental rights of parents to direct their children’s upbringing, education, and overall well-being. The sanctity of the home provides a private space shielded from unnecessary government interference. However, these rights come with responsibilities and are subject to regulations that ensure the safety and […]

Divorce at any stage of life can be challenging, but when it happens later in life—what many call “gray divorce”—the stakes can feel even higher. Financial security is likely one of your biggest concerns if you’ve been a stay-at-home parent for most of your marriage. After years of depending on your spouse’s income, the thought […]

In Pennsylvania, parental rights are a fundamental part of family law. However, there are circumstances where a parent’s rights may be involuntarily terminated by the court. This is a serious step that the courts do not take lightly. At Petrelli Previtera, we have represented clients who found themselves on both sides of this issue, and […]

Sometimes, walking away from a union is the only viable option, and though it’s a decision that only the bravest of us can make, it’s anything but simple. A marriage is a legal, financial, and emotional union. By the time most people consider ending things, joint property, lovely dogs, and even lovelier kids are often […]

Marital Settlement Agreement Attorney Going through a divorce can be a stressful and emotional experience. A Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA) can provide clarity on important financial and parental issues. The family law attorneys at Petrelli Previtera, LLC understand the complexities of divorce in Pennsylvania. We can help you negotiate a MSA that considers your best […]