Pennsylvania: Family Law lawyers

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.

There are a variety of reasons you might need to find a lawyer in Pennsylvania, from facing criminal charges to filing a lawsuit or even just buying a house.

If you are facing criminal charges, it is extremely important to be represented by skilled legal counsel. Not only can retaining an experienced criminal defense attorney increase your chances of a favorable outcome if your case does go to trial (improving your odds of attaining an acquittal), but also if you opt to negotiate a plea deal or to plead guilty, a lawyer can ensure you are treated fairly within the boundaries of the law.

On the other hand, if you are looking to file a legal claim of any sort, it is equally advisable to find a Pennsylvania lawyer familiar with your type of legal matter. Attorneys have spent years (if not decades) of their lives in pursuit of the knowledge and skills necessary to best represent their clients in court proceedings. Legal jargon, obscure precedent, existing and newly passed statutes and other elements of the legal process demand that a professional lawyer is always capable of seeking the best possible outcome.

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.