An Overview of Greensburg Family Law
Family law in Greensburg, PA covers legal matters pertaining to family relationships. Typically, individuals engaging a family lawyer in Greensburg will do so for help with issues such as divorce, separation, annulment, child custody and guardianship, adoption and child support, alimony, property and debt division, and prenuptial or postnuptial agreements. Family law attorneys also provide services with regard to the preparation of wills, estates and probate matters, inheritance rights of adult children and stepchildren, and grandparent and non-parent custody and visitation rights .
Family law is often emotionally charged and your lawyer in Greensburg will be well-acquainted with the turmoil this can cause on all sides. Competition between spouses for children, property and money can lead to hurtful or selfish behavior. Even though these issues often drag on for years, the good news is that they will not last forever. Finding resolution with the help of a family lawyer in Greensburg requires compassionate yet aggressive handling of all matters and a willingness to work toward the best for the family, especially the children.
The Top Traits of a Family Lawyer
Finding the right family law attorney in Greensburg, PA is about more than just the "personality fit." Your family law attorney must bring extensive experience, a wealth of knowledge and excellent communication skills to every case. A strong family law attorney is your most valuable asset, who can protect your interests in the midst of a contentious divorce or other family law matter.
When trying to find the right family law attorney in Greensburg, it’s important to consider the following:
- Communication skills – It is paramount that your family law attorney has strong communication skills. Your attorney needs to communicate effectively with you as well as with opposing counsel and the court system on a regular basis.
- Empathy – Divorce and family law issues are hardly ever easy. It is critical that you find a family law attorney who is empathetic to your situation and will be by your side through the process.
- Organization – The ability to stay organized is the hallmark of a great family law attorney. Your attorney needs to be able to keep up with important dates, such as court filings, depositions, mediations and motions, as well as maintain files and records for you. Excellent organization will also allow your attorney to readily provide you with the information you seek.
- Strong research skills – Your family lawyer must have the research skills to stay abreast of changes in the law and to present the strongest possible case on your behalf.
- Experience in the field of family law – Your family law attorney should have strong academic credentials with a focus on family law and years of experience with various types of divorce cases. Moreover, they should possess a comprehensive grasp of Pennsylvania family law so they can guide you through the process with confidence.
- Proven results – Your attorney’s track record matters. You will want to see the cases that they have won, as well as how much their services cost both in fees and emotional terms.
- Proven methodology – You want to work with an attorney who understands the importance of being prepared for any hearing or court appearance. A good attorney will believe in fully preparing themselves, as well as their clients, for any eventuality.
- Trial-worthy – While many family law cases do not go to trial, if they do you want a lawyer who has considerable experience trying similar cases. Your lawyer must have the extensive litigation background to know when to negotiate an agreement and when to go to trial to ensure the best possible outcome for you.
Other Services Greensburg Family Law Attorneys Offer
Family law attorneys in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, offer a variety of legal services to their clients. Let’s take a look at some of the areas of the law that they can assist you with. Divorce. Most people think of divorce when they think of family law attorneys. If you’re going through a divorce, you’ll get guidance and support with legal matters such as child support and custody arrangements, alimony and spousal support, as well as a division of assets and liabilities. Custody Agreements. If you have minor children, there is a lot to consider even when the divorce is amicable. You’ll need a custody agreement spelling out parenting responsibilities and visitation arrangements, as well as child support. Deed Changes. When you are divorcing, separating or filing for annulment, you may need to transfer equity in real estate. There are rules about which spouse is entitled to receive proceeds from the sale of or mortgage payment from a marital home or real estate property. Adoption. Adoption is another area of family law that attorneys can help with. You may need the services of a family law attorney if you’re adopting a step-child or have another relative to adopt. You will need an attorney to develop the adoption petition, file it and follow-up to ensure everything is proceeding as planned. The attorney can assist in the event that a biological parent challenges the adoption. Prenuptial Agreements. A prenuptial agreement can be an effective way to go into a new marriage with a plan. It can minimize bitterness and stress in the event of a divorce. An attorney can help you and your fiancé determine what to include in the agreement, as well as draft the legal document as needed.
Choosing an Attorney in Greensburg
Finding the right family law attorney in Greensburg can be a challenging task, given the sensitive nature of family legal issues. However, taking the time to research and compare your options can help ensure you select an attorney who best meets your needs.
When choosing the right attorney in Greensburg that focuses on family law matters, you should begin by creating a list of potential candidates. The best way to discover good attorneys is through word-of-mouth referrals from friends or family members who have gone through similar situations as yours. Furthermore, online directories that allow users to leave feedback can provide valuable insight into the qualities and professional standards of prospective lawyers.
Once you’ve compiled a short-list, the next steps in how to choose the right attorney in Greensburg are to evaluate each one according to your personal needs. For example, when selecting an attorney it is important to determine whether or not they share your outlook on how a case should be handled. Every attorney has a different approach towards family law matters , so finding an attorney with whom you agree will make communication easier.
Paying attention to an attorney’s record of success with similar family law cases is another great way to help narrow down your list. You can do this by asking each attorney for case studies, statistics, or testimonials concerning cases like yours.
You should also take into account each attorney’s location and availability, as this will determine how easy it will be to meet with them for interviews and how often you’re able to communicate. A quick commute and flexible hours may be less stressful later in an already challenging time.
Finally, of course, is the cost. While most expenses can be discussed during your initial meeting, you should ask about general fee structures and deposit amounts at your first appointment. Costs can add up quickly, so it is always a good idea to make sure you have a basic understanding of how you’ll be charged for legal services.
By taking your time to properly examine your options for attorneys, you’ll be better equipped to make an informed decision on the right choice for your family law issues in Greensburg.
Resources in Greensburg for Family Law
Even when you find the best family law attorney in Greensburg, you may still need some local resources as you navigate the ups and downs of a family law case. While your attorney is there to be an objective legal advocate, these resources are there to offer support for the emotional ups and downs of divorce, separation, custody issues, child support, and more. Some of the local resources that you can rely on include:
Westmoreland Bar Association Family Law Section
The Westmoreland Bar Association is the largest legal group in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. The association has a family law section that provides periodic seminars on current issues in family law, including things like dividing property, custody issues, support of children and spousal support, and more. Even if you have an attorney, these seminars can help you compile a list of questions that you may want to ask your attorney before or during your case.
Westmoreland County Domestic Relations Services
Domestic Relations Services is a tool to help people with active cases involving juvenile and family law issues. The court has a staff of professionals who can help with monitoring all ongoing cases, including child support, spousal support, and custody when these issues do not require the court to make decisions. Services include filing support payments, calculating adjustments to support, collecting and disbursing payments, and maintaining the case record.
Westmoreland Domestic Violence Services
The Westmoreland Domestic Violence Services organization offers a wealth of resources for obtaining protection from abuse orders or other support for victims of domestic violence in Westmoreland County. The organization provides a 24-hour crisis hotline, counseling for victims of domestic violence, domestic violence shelters, and more to help families deal with the effects of domestic violence.
Domestic Relations Associations (DRA)
The Domestic Relations Association of Pennsylvania (DRA) is a statewide association of attorneys, judges, magisterial district judges, family law masters, caseworkers, educators, and others who have an interest in the justice system relating to families and children. DRA is concerned with handling matters pertaining to children and families, including domestic relations law, children’s rights, child welfare issues, family law, child support, custody, and paternity. Although the group was founded as a training group for professionals who work in these areas, it also has a wealth of resources for reference regarding practical issues related to family law matters in Pennsylvania.
Each of these groups provides a network of resources that can help you better understand Pennsylvania family law issues and advocate for your rights, whether you are involved in a divorce, separation, contested custody case or other family law matter.
Frequently Asked Questions on Family Law Attorneys
What exactly does a family law attorney do?
Family law attorneys handle legal matters related to family matters. This includes divorce, child custody and support, and a host of other topics. This specialization gives them the experience and knowledge of the most expeditious ways to get favorable results.
Which family law attorneys in Greensburg, PA offer free consultations?
Although most family law attorneys in Greensburg, PA won’t charge you for your initial meeting, some charge a nominal fee. Additionally, some attorneys will waive this fee if you’re a new client or if the case is non-controversial. As you search for the family law attorney that’s best for you, don’t assume that who charges less money is the better option to help you win your case.
How long do these cases typically take?
The family law attorney you select can shorten (or extend) the time it takes or it could also have little to no affect. For example , a financially troubled couple will likely have a more contentious divorce than one with a well-off spouse able to pay for the divorce attorney fees. Also, the type of relationship the spouses have can illustrate how long the family law case may take.
It could take anywhere from a couple of months to five years. You never know for sure, but your family law attorney should give you an estimate of when your case will be resolved.
What if we can write up our own divorce petition and file it with the courts?
While this is an option, it’s not recommended. An experienced family law attorney can ensure that you don’t miss out on any potential benefits that come from a divorce, such as alimony, assets, child custody, and child support. Your attorney will ensure that your rights are fully protected—and be your advocate in court if necessary.