Family legal matters can become even more difficult when spouses disagree about property or parents cannot agree on custody and support. Our Cumberland County family law attorneys are here to help you understand your options and feel more prepared for the decisions ahead.
Family Law Services in Cumberland County
No two family law cases follow the same path. Some matters can be resolved through negotiation. Others require litigation and detailed preparation for court. The issues can also change as a family’s circumstances develop. Our family law attorneys assist with matters such as:
- Divorce and separation
- High-asset and complex divorce
- Property and debt division
- Business valuation and financial interests
- Child custody and parenting time
- Child support = Spousal support and related financial claims
- Custody modifications and enforcement
- Guardianships
- Mediation and negotiated agreements
Attorney Maria Cognetti brings over four decades of experience in complex family law and domestic relations matters. Her experience with high-asset divorce, property division, business valuation, custody, and mediation helps clients navigate difficult family disputes with a clear understanding of the legal and financial issues involved.
Divorce and Property Matters
Divorce in Cumberland County begins with the filing of a divorce complaint through the Prothonotary’s Office of the Cumberland County Court of Common Pleas. After discovery is complete, either spouse can ask the court to appoint a Divorce Hearing Officer to address claims involving:
- Marital assets and debts
- Real estate
- Retirement accounts
- Business interests
- Alimony
If the court approves the appointment, the Hearing Officer schedules a preliminary conference to address outstanding pretrial issues. If the dispute remains unresolved, the Hearing Officer can conduct hearings and issue a Final Report and Recommendation addressing the outstanding economic claims. A judge then reviews the recommendation and enters an order.
Spousal Support and Alimony
Spousal support and alimony can involve different stages of a divorce and serve different purposes. Spousal support may be available while spouses are separated but before the divorce is finalized. Alimony may be awarded as part of the divorce and can provide financial support after the marriage ends.
The amount and duration of support depend on the circumstances of the case. Support cases may involve a conference where financial information is reviewed and Pennsylvania’s support guidelines are considered.
Custody and Support
In Cumberland County, a custody case can begin when a parent files a custody complaint, asks to modify an existing custody order, or files a petition claiming that the other parent has violated a custody order.
The Court Administrator’s Office then schedules a custody conciliation. The purpose of this meeting is to give parents an opportunity to reach an agreement before the case goes before a judge. During the conciliation, a custody conciliator helps the parents work through the issues affecting their child, including:
- The regular parenting schedule
- School-year arrangements
- Summer vacation
- Holidays
- Transportation
- Responsibility for important decisions
If the parents reach an agreement, the conciliator sends the agreement to the court along with a proposed order. If the parents cannot agree, the case continues toward a hearing before a judge.
Serving Pennsylvania Communities During Challenging Family Law Cases
Family law matters can bring significant uncertainty to your life. It can be difficult to know what steps to take when emotions are high and important decisions need to be made. A family lawyer in Cumberland County, PA from Mette Attorneys at Law helps clients throughout Cumberland County and surrounding Pennsylvania areas understand their rights and legal options. Contact our firm today online or by calling 717-232-5000 to learn how we can help you.