Family Law

  • Contemplating a separation or divorce? Already in the process and need help? Have questions regarding separation and/or divorce processes?

    Frequently heard questions include:

    • “When am I considered “legally” separated?” “Is there such a thing?”

    • “What should I do with my finances?”

    • “How should I protect my assets?”

    • “How do I know if a settlement is “fair”?”

    • “How quickly can my divorce be finalized?”

    There are many options to consider when deciding the best way to proceed with your divorce. Have you thought about trying mediation rather than litigation? Or, are you familiar with the Collaborative process?

    A half-hour consultation is available to go over your questions, discuss the divorce process, costs and any other relevant information arising from your particular needs.

  • If you have assets and/or debts and are currently working through the divorce process, it is always suggested to enter into a formal post-nuptial agreement before the finalization of your divorce. This agreement typically outlines the division of assets and/or debts as agreed upon between you and your spouse. This Agreement may then be used as a checklist once you are divorced, to remove your ex-spouse from any assets and/or debts remaining in your possession.

  • Child Support: Each side often wonders; “How much child support is “right” or “fair”?” Do you know the appropriate amount of child support? Will your physical custody schedule affect the amount of child support? Will your health insurance costs be considered? If you are either receiving child support or have learned that you will be obligated to pay child support, schedule a half-hour consultation to review the Pennsylvania child support guidelines and learn how child support is calculated.

    Spousal Support: Did you know that there are three types of support for a spouse? Which type is applicable to your particular case? Are there reasons a spouse would not receive support? What is considered when calculating a support order for a spouse? What expenses are reviewed? We are able to answer questions like these, and many others, you may have in relation to your particular matter during a half-hour consultation.

    Modifications: Are you currently unemployed? Will your new employment status affect the support obligation? A change of circumstances is always a perfect time to recalculate the support order to know whether a petition for modification is appropriate. During your half-hour consultation, we may re-calculate the support amounts based on the information you have to determine whether a modification is necessary and/or desired in your particular case.

  • Are you and your co-parent unable to agree on an appropriate parenting schedule?

    If so, the court is left with the responsibility to determine the “best interests” of your child. Are you wondering what factors the court reviews to determine your child’s best interests?

    It is important to be represented by an attorney who is familiar with the custody process and the local conciliators and judges.  Attorney Loper has been representing clients with complex custody matters since she began practicing several years ago.  The experience she possesses is essential in assisting clients faced with addressing custody issues.

    Do you want your parenting schedule entered as a court order even if you and your co-parent agree with the arrangement?

    Do you want your parenting custody schedule entered as a court order even if you and your co-parent agree with the schedule you follow? We can prepare an agreement (also referred to as a custody stipulation) to include not only your regular physical custody schedule, but also a holiday schedule and many other standard provisions required by the court.  It is suggested that the custody stipulation then be submitted and approved as a Court Order for enforcement purposes.

    During your half-hour consultation, we can discuss your specific questions about the custody process or drafting a custody agreement.

    Are you a grandparent who hasn’t been able to see your grandchild?

    Pennsylvania has passed a law allowing grandparents to pursue their rights to see their grandchildren so long as they meet the requirements of the statute.

    If you wish to pursue your rights and determine if you meet the statutory requirements, please schedule a consultation where we can go over the custody process to determine the best way to pursue your rights.

  • Are you planning to get married? It is suggested that you consider protecting your assets in the event of divorce.  Although no one wants to think about divorce when excited about planning a wedding, having an agreement in place that addresses what will happen to your assets in case of divorce may save you the expense of emotional and financial turmoil if a divorce becomes inevitable.  Preparing a pre-nuptial agreement is an easy solution to make sure that your assets, whether owned at the time of marriage or acquired during the marriage, are protected should your marriage dissolve.

    Schedule a half-hour consultation to discuss your pre-nuptial agreement needs.

  • Do you want to change your and/or your child’s name? The courts permit you to proceed with a hearing to request a name change so long as you meet the necessary requirements.

    Schedule a half-hour consultation to learn about the name change process.

  • The adoption process involves multiple steps.  First, a biological parent’s rights must be terminated, by consent or involuntarily. It is important to ensure the statutory requirements are met before filing the necessary petitions.  Once the biological parent’s rights are terminated, the adoption proceedings may then occur.  The adoptive parent will assume all of the parental rights, responsibilities and obligations, as a biological parent has.

    If you are considering a step-parent adoption, feel free to contact us for a consultation to discuss the process.