Select a city or county to find Pennsylvania Family Law lawyers near you
10475 Perry Highway, Suite 204, Wexford, PA 15090
133 West Front Street, Berwick, PA 18603
306 S. New Street, Bethlehem, PA 18015
206 N. Main St., Greensburg, PA 15601
62 East Wheeling St., Washington, PA 15301
5922 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg, PA 17112
1515 State Road, Duncannon, PA 17020
1800 East High Street, Suite 150, Pottstown, PA 19464
123 Old York Road, Suite 200, Jenkintown, PA 19046
220 Baltimore Street , Gettysburg, PA 17325
2437 Commercial Boulevard, Suite 220, State College, PA 16801
130 West Main Street, Somerset, PA 15501
401 Allegheny Street, P.O. Box 415, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648
4001 6th Avenue, Suite A, Altoona, PA 16602
1339 Chestnut Street, Suite 500, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Body Copy – Child abuse comprises a range of harmful and damaging actions against minors. These include physical and sexual abuse, mental harm, and neglect. States treat child abuse allegations seriously. Cases can result in termination of parental rights and/or incarceration. Child abuse laws, aspects of mandatory and permissive reporting laws, and how states work with social services vary.
A domestic partnership is a legally recognized form of a committed relationship. Not all states recognize domestic partnerships within a legal context. To receive some of the benefits married couples enjoy, some couples may choose to legally formalize their relationship. They may file for a domestic partnership or a civil union. A domestic partnership provides the two parties with some of the legal benefits of marriage. Just as recognition of domestic partnerships varies by state, so too do the benefits.
A guardianship is a legal relationship established by the courts to allow someone (a guardian) to make decisions on behalf of another (a ward). They do so because the ward is unable to make important decisions for themselves, either because they are underage or because they are not physically or cognitively competent. The type of guardianship a judge will order depends on the kinds of decisions a guardian needs to make on behalf of the ward. A guardian will need to be legally appointed to their role, usually by a probate court judge.
Paternity is the legal establishment of the identity of a child's father, often using DNA testing, which may be a factor in cases involving child support, custody, adoption, and inheritance. Establishing paternity can help a mother enforce child support orders or, in some cases, reunite estranged fathers with their children. Because paternity is not determined solely by a birth certificate or a blood test, a father who is not married to their child's mother needs to acknowledge their paternity voluntarily. Otherwise, the father may lose their rights to someone else who makes the effort to become the child's presumed father.
While representing yourself in court can sound like a good idea on the surface, particularly given the relative cost of retaining legal counsel, it is almost universally considered to be a poor idea. No amount of quick research can act as a substitute for the skills and experience that lawyers attain through working several years in the court system.
Some family law issues can be handled without an attorney, including simple court filings like name changes. However, when there are important issues at stake, it may be best to find an experienced lawyer for legal advice. A divorce may involve dividing up a lot of money, property, and assets. Lack of legal representation may expose you to losing out on what you deserve after a separation.
The most important issue for many separating couples is visitation and child custody issues. If there are disputes in child custody, a family lawyer can help make sure your child will be safe and properly provided for. This includes granting custody with the custodial parent, working out a visitation schedule that is in the best interests of your child, and getting the financial support necessary to care for your child.
Make informed decisions with useful legal information.
Learn About the Law articles clearly explain what you need to know about a wide variety of legal issues. You'll also find answers to common legal questions and case summaries to explore.
Read about choosing and retaining legal help with FindLaw's Guide to Hiring a Lawyer.
Our Guide to the U.S. Legal System explains legal basics including federal and state court systems.
Browse options in our legal directory of over 1M firms
Enter information in one or both fields. (Required)