Skip to main content
(866) 465-5395 Schedule a Consultation (866) 465-5395 Schedule a Consultation

Top Family Law Myths Busted!

| |

People often have a lot of misconceptions about the family law process. They have never been through anything like it before so they turn to experienced friends or the internet for answers before going to an attorney. This usually leads to a lot of confusion and questions. Here are three common myths that I get asked all the time by clients and the truth behind them:

  • MYTH: The Mother of the children is always given primary physical custody.
  • TRUTH: The courts are gender neutral. PA and NJ are both states that adhere to the “best interest of the child” standard where a variety of factors are examined to determine what custody arrangement is best suited for the child or children.
  • MYTH: I can sign away my parental rights to avoid paying child support.
  • TRUTH: Not so much. A party cannot simply relinquish parental rights in an attempt to avoid paying child support. The courts most often will only accept termination of parental rights when it involves an adoption matter and another party is stepping in to fulfill that parental role. Legally, a parent remains obligated to financially support the child.
  • MYTH: The Father of my child doesn’t pay child support so I don’t have to let him see the child.
  • TRUTH: While this may sound unfair, you unfortunately cannot deny your child’s other parent time with the child just because he or she does not pay support. While certainly related, whether or not someone pays support is not the determining factor in how often that person can see the child. There are multiple factors that come into play and ultimately it is the court who weighs them to decide what is fair.

Also read, the Three Prenuptial Agreement Myths (And the Truths Behind Them)

Client Testimonials

They are amazing! I highly recommend anyone that is in need of assistance with child support hearings to seek out the expertise and experience of this law firm and staff! They handled my case quickly and I feel that my money was put to good use. Much appreciated! Nothing less than five stars!

Alana Deverson

I just want to say GREAT JOB! She is a no nonsense professional with years of experience that qualifies her as a skilled Family Law attorney. She is seasoned, sensitive, and most of all she cares. She made things easy for me. Definitely recommend!

Kimberly Colby

Overall I was pleased with the results of my divorce case. The entire Petrelli Previtera team truly cares about their clients. Luckily for me, I was paired up with an amazing team helping all the way. If you happen to work with this firm and with the lawyers you’ll be in great hands. It was such an excellent service and it was beyond I expected.

A Family Law Client Chevy Chase , MD

Serving Clients at the Following Locations

Bethesda4800 Hampden Lane, Suite 200 Bethesda MD 20814(301) 234-7409view details
Maryland5425 Wisconsin Ave Chevy Chase, MD 20815(301) 889-8085view details
ChicagoTwo Prudential Plaza 180 North Stetson Suite 3500 Chicago, IL 60601(312) 252-2085view details
Schaumburg1750 E. Golf Rd, Suite 382 Schaumburg, IL 60173(630) 491-9670view details
Texas500 W 2nd St Suite 1900 Austin, TX 78701(512) 883-1684view details
Washington DC1717 K Street NW, Suite 900 Washington DC 20006(202) 519-0366view details
Denver7900 E. Union Ave. Suite 1100, Denver, CO 80237(720) 821-6440view details
Princeton475 Wall St, Suite 214, Princeton, NJ 08540(609) 917 9560view details
Linwood210 New Road #15 Linwood, NJ 08221(609) 375-0351view details
Parsippany8 Campus Dr, Parsippany, NJ 07054(973) 310-5320view details
Philadelphia1845 Walnut Street 19th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19103(215) 523-6900view details
Montgomery County516 DeKalb Street Suite C Norristown, PA 19401(610) 924-2870view details
Doylestown123 N Broad Street, Doylestown, PA 18901(267) 938-4480view details
Abington1147 Easton Road, Abington PA 19001(610) 890-4833view details
West Chester203 W. Chestnut St., Suite 204
West Chester, PA. 19380
(610) 431-4012view details
schedule a consultation Today
Contact Us Fill out the form or call us today (866) 465-5395