Philadelphia Family Law Attorney
At Petrelli Previtera, we know that it is difficult to navigate legal issues among family members. We spend our lives helping Philadelphia couples through complex family law issues including the divorce process, negotiating child custody disputes, drafting child support agreements and resolving premarital agreement issues.
But marriage separation problems are just the tip of the iceberg. Family law situations can arise from a number of circumstances. But more than that, they can cause anxiety, frustration and hardship for everyone involved.
That’s why the dedicated Philadelphia family law attorneys at Petrelli Previtera also handle a variety of family law cases. We fight to ensure that your rights, property and children will be protected.
Family Law Issues in Philadelphia
Many family law troubles surround families dealing with divorce, child custody, and support issues. Unfortunately, many families are unable to resolve these points of contention without legal intervention.
But the best way to obtain the outcome you’re hoping for is to try to work with your soon-to-be ex or child’s other parent. With that in mind, here are some of the most important details you need to know about these two types of family disputes.
Philadelphia Divorce Details You Need to Know
The state of Pennsylvania recognizes both fault and no-fault divorces. In a no-fault divorce, one spouse is simply stating that there has been an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. In a fault divorce, one spouse is accusing the other of having done something to cause the marriage to end. Some example of fault grounds for divorces in Philadelphia include:
- Bigamy
- Adultery
- Abandonment
- Humiliation
- Criminal convictions of two or more years
- Cruelty
Even if your spouse did do something to ruin your marriage, that doesn’t necessarily mean that filing for divorce on fault grounds is in your best interests. Your Philadelphia family lawyers can help you figure out what the right option is for you.
Once the divorce petition has been filed, spouses will need to work out the terms of their divorce settlement. This includes the way their marital property, assets, and debts will be divided. Pennsylvania is an equitable distribution state, so instead of dividing property and assets equally, they’ll be divided fairly. You need a family law attorney who can ensure your estate is fairly distributed in your divorce.
Spousal Support for Divorces in Philadelphia
Contrary to popular belief, alimony is not a guarantee in any Pennsylvania divorce. And it isn’t always permanently awarded either. In fact, under PA law, there are specific factors that will be taken into consideration when determining whether alimony should be awarded. Some include:
- How long you were married
- Both spouses income and expenses
- Your child custody and support plans
- Both spouses marital contributions
- Both spouses living arrangements
- Both spouses mental and physical health
These same factors, and more, will also determine how long alimony should be awarded for. In PA, there are three types of alimony:
- Spousal support – alimony paid after separation but before the divorce petition has been filed
- Alimony pendente lite – spousal support paid before your divorce is finalized
- Alimony – spousal support paid after the divorce is finalized
Your Philadelphia family lawyers will work tirelessly to ensure you are awarded the financial support you’re entitled to. We are also prepared to protect higher-earning spouses who expect their spouses to seek support. Don’t let yourself get taken advantage of during this difficult time in your life.
Philadelphia Child Custody Agreements
Child custody issues are one of the biggest troubles families struggle to cope with. Child custody refers to two types of custody:
- Legal custody – Major decision-making regarding children such as their religious upbringing, education, values, extracurricular activities, and more
- Physical custody – Where the children reside
PA recognizes the best interests of the children when making decisions regarding child custody. Parents may seek several different types of parenting plans, such as:
- Shared custody – parents share physical and legal custody
- Partial custody – parents share legal custody but children may primarily reside with one parent
- Sole custody – only one parent has the right to legal and physical custody
If you’re unable to work out a child custody plan with your child’s other parent for whatever reason, get reputable Philadelphia family lawyers to fight for your children’s best interests in court.
Child Support in Philadelphia
Another reason you may find yourself in PA family courts is to deal with a child support issue. Whether you need to seek child support from your child’s other parent or are going to be ordered to pay child support, you need legal representation.
Calculating child support in PA is a complicated process. There are several factors that are taken into account when determining how much a child support order should be. Some of these factors include:
- Your child custody plan
- Both parents income
- Both parents expenses
- Whether either parent has remarried
- The number of children you share
- Whether you have other children and how many
- Your child’s health insurance expenses and other medical costs
- Costs of extracurricular activities or private education
Make sure your child support order works out in your favor. Get a family lawyer in Philadelphia on your side.
Other Family Law Issues A Family Law Attorney Can Help With
Family law comprises more than divorce and child custody issues. There are a number of different family law issues with which Petrelli Previtera, LLC can advise you, including:
- Adoption
- Grandparent rights
- Legal guardianship
- Domestic partnership agreements
- Shared property rights
- Pre and postnuptial agreements
We know that it’s hard to choose the right Philadelphia family law attorney when you have so much at stake. That is why we offer a comprehensive, one-on-one consultation with a lawyer to discuss your case. During this meeting, you can explain your situation, your goals and your concerns. From there, our family lawyers can advise you of your legal options so you can take the next steps.
Philadelphia Family Law FAQ
Family law issues can be complex and confusing. It’s easy to see why you’d have many unanswered questions regarding your case. We’ve answered some of the most commonly asked Philadelphia family law questions for you below. If your question hasn’t been answered on this page, don’t hesitate to contact our office to discuss your concerns.
Can a family law attorney work with me to modify my child custody or support order in PA?
- Increased income of either parent
- Decreased income of either parent
- Modifications to child custody plans
- Marriage or getting remarried
- Having another child
- Other relevant factors
Am I allowed to move out of state with my children when I get divorced?
How do I get a protection order for domestic violence?
Contact Our Top-Rated Philadelphia Family Law Attorneys Today
No matter your legal issue, our respected Philadelphia family law attorneys can find the solution that works best for you. Our highly-qualified legal team has successfully handled a wide range of family law matters for more than a decade. We have the experience you need to resolve your situation. To get started, contact Petrelli Previtera, LLC. Fill out our online contact form or call our office at (866) 465-5395.
