Chester County Family Lawyer
When your family is facing a legal dispute in Chester County, the attorney you choose will shape the outcome. At Petrelli Previtera, LLC, we represent clients in West Chester, Downingtown, Exton, Kennett Square, and throughout Chester County in divorce, child custody, equitable distribution, alimony, child support, and related family law matters.
Chester County family law cases are heard at the Chester County Court of Common Pleas on North High Street in West Chester. Our West Chester office at 203 W. Chestnut Street is just blocks from the courthouse, making it one of the most convenient locations in the county for clients and court appearances alike.
How We Help Families in Chester County
Divorce. Filing for divorce in Chester County starts with understanding your options under Pennsylvania law. A no-fault divorce can proceed through mutual consent after a 90-day waiting period, or one spouse can file unilaterally after a one-year separation. Fault-based grounds, including adultery, desertion, and cruel treatment, remain available in cases where they apply. Chester County is one of the wealthiest counties in Pennsylvania, and divorces here often involve significant assets, including real estate, investment portfolios, business interests, and retirement plans accumulated over a long career. Our attorneys prepare every case with the financial detail these situations require. Learn more about divorce in Pennsylvania.
Child Custody. Custody decisions in Chester County are based on the best interests of the child, with the court weighing 16 statutory factors. These factors include each parent’s willingness to encourage a relationship with the other parent, the stability of each home, and which parent is more likely to maintain consistent daily routines. We help parents build detailed custody proposals that address physical and legal custody, school arrangements, extracurricular activities, holiday schedules, and communication expectations. Our attorneys prepare clients for custody conferences and hearings with the specificity that produces strong results. Learn more about child custody.
Equitable Distribution. Pennsylvania divides marital property through equitable distribution, and in Chester County, the marital estate often includes substantial assets. Equestrian properties, vacation homes, professional practices, stock options, and deferred compensation plans all require careful identification and valuation before the court can determine a fair division. The court weighs 11 statutory factors, including the length of the marriage, each party’s income and earning capacity, and contributions to the other spouse’s education or career. We build detailed financial analyses that protect our clients’ interests. Learn more about property division.
Alimony and Spousal Support. Pennsylvania distinguishes between spousal support during the marriage, alimony pendente lite during the divorce, and alimony after the divorce is final. The court considers 17 factors when determining alimony, including the duration of the marriage, each party’s earning capacity, the marital standard of living, and the relative needs and resources of each spouse. In Chester County, where dual-income households are common and earning capacities can vary significantly, these cases require careful financial analysis. Learn more about spousal support.
Child Support. Child support in Pennsylvania follows statewide guidelines based on both parents’ net monthly incomes and the custody arrangement. Deviations from the guidelines may apply when a parent’s income exceeds the schedule maximum, when a child has special needs, or when certain expenses such as private school tuition or extraordinary medical costs are involved. We help Chester County parents with establishing, modifying, and enforcing child support obligations.
Why Families in Chester County Choose Petrelli Previtera
Petrelli Previtera is an Inc. 5000-recognized firm and one of the largest in the country that focuses exclusively on family law. Our West Chester office has served Chester County families since 2006, and our proximity to the courthouse means we are in these courtrooms regularly. We know the local rules, the judges, and the procedures that affect how cases move through the system.
Our firm handles every type of family law matter, from straightforward consent divorces to high-conflict custody disputes and complex property division cases involving business valuations and forensic accounting. We also maintain offices in Norristown, Doylestown, Abington, Wayne, Allentown, and Philadelphia, giving our clients flexibility when circumstances require it.
Communities We Serve in Chester County
West Chester | Downingtown | Exton | Coatesville | Kennett Square | Malvern | Phoenixville | Paoli | Lionville | Oxford | Avondale | Atglen | Cochranville | Parkesburg | Thorndale | Devon | Berwyn
Schedule a consultation to discuss your Chester County family law matter.
