Divorce can quickly become complicated when your future finances and well-being are at stake. Maria Cognetti brings over 40 years of experience in complex family law matters, where decisions made during divorce can have lasting implications for a family. Our divorce lawyers in Harrisburg, PA help clients throughout Dauphin County and Central Pennsylvania navigate these challenges with transparent legal guidance.
Contested and Uncontested Divorce
Attorney Cognetti’s career handling high-conflict divorces helps her anticipate potential challenges during cases of:
- Property division
- Spousal support
- Business valuation
- High-asset cases
- Child custody
- Child support
- Mediation
A couple’s ability to cooperate during their case can affect the length and cost of their divorce and how closely the court may need to be involved. When both spouses can agree on their divorce issues, they may be able to resolve their divorce quickly through a signed agreement.
However, if legal issues are contested, a divorce may need to be resolved through negotiation or in court. It is vital to identify disputed issues early with our team so we can work towards a practical resolution for your situation.
Property, Support and Tax Issues
Depending on your circumstances, there may be various stages of financial matters during divorce. Property division can include income, debt, real estate, business interests, investments, retirement accounts, and more. Assets acquired before marriage that haven’t mixed with marital property are typically not divided during divorce. Property gained during marriage is generally subject to division, with courts focusing on an equitable distribution.
Spousal support, called alimony, may be awarded to provide financial support to a spouse as they work towards financial independence. Whether alimony is awarded depends on various factors, including the length of the marriage, each party’s financial needs and resources, and the receiving spouse’s income and earning capacity.
When addressing these stages of divorce, Mette Attorneys at Law carefully considers the financial implications involved, such as tax consequences for property transfers, retirement-account divisions, business interests, changes in filing status, and responsibility for joint tax liabilities.
Divorce Involving Children
Our goal is to advocate for your parental rights while keeping your child’s best interests at the forefront. To promote a healthy co-parenting relationship, Mette Attorneys at Law helps couples address physical and legal custody, parenting time, and child support.
Mediation and Settlement
Not every divorce case needs to escalate to court. Mediation is an alternative legal option in which a neutral mediator guides discussions concerning your divorce-related issues. If you and your spouse can collaborate, you can control the decisions made in your case. However, if negotiations are unsuccessful, court involvement may be necessary.
Complex Divorce Matters
Mette Attorneys at Law has extensive experience helping clients with substantial assets, including business owners and executives. These cases often involve considerations that extend beyond the ordinary legal proceedings. Your business may need to be valued before marital property can be divided. A proposed settlement may affect your estate plan. We can identify whether additional planning or specialized services may be necessary to protect your interests.
Get Custom Legal Guidance From Our Divorce Attorneys in Harrisburg, PA
Understanding the various stages of divorce can be overwhelming, making it key to have an empathetic and skilled attorney on your side. Our divorce attorneys in Harrisburg, PA help residents of Dauphin County and surrounding Central Pennsylvania communities understand their options for a brighter future. If you are considering divorce, contact our team today online or by calling 717-232-5000.
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