Lermitte & Lubin LLC
Why hire a family law attorney
Family law decisions are permanent and deeply personal — custody arrangements, property division, and support obligations shape your life for years. Getting it right the first time matters.
Emotions run high in family cases. An attorney provides clear-headed legal strategy when you're not in a position to think objectively.
Courts have complex rules and deadlines that vary by state. Missing a filing deadline or failing to disclose assets properly can have serious consequences.
An attorney can identify hidden assets, evaluate the true value of marital property, and ensure you're not leaving money on the table during settlement
Frequently asked about family law
Do I have to go to court for a divorce?
Not always. Many divorces are settled by agreement and only require a court filing and final hearing. Contested issues (custody, support, property division) may require litigation. Mediation and collaborative divorce are alternatives many attorneys offer.
How is child custody decided?
Courts apply a "best interests of the child" standard, considering factors like each parent's relationship with the child, stability, the child's preferences (age-dependent), and each parent's willingness to support the other's relationship with the child.
How is property divided in a divorce?
Pennsylvania follows either community property or equitable distribution rules. Community property states generally split marital assets 50/50; equitable distribution states divide them fairly but not always equally, considering factors like length of marriage, contributions, and earning capacity.
Will I have to pay (or receive) alimony?
Alimony depends on factors like length of marriage, income disparity, standard of living, and whether one spouse sacrificed career for the family. Many divorces involve no alimony; others involve short-term rehabilitative support; long-term alimony is increasingly rare.