Family legal disputes can quickly affect where you live, how often you see your children, and how your finances are divided. A Dauphin County family law attorney at Mette Attorneys at Law can help you address these issues with a legal strategy built around your circumstances and the requirements of Pennsylvania law.
Family Law Services in Dauphin County
Family law matters can involve several connected issues that need to be addressed together. A divorce may involve property division and support, while a custody dispute may also require attention to child support or enforcement of an existing order. Attorney Maria Cognetti brings more than 40 years of legal experience to this area of practice, assisting clients with:
- Divorce and separation matters
- High-asset and business-owner divorce cases
- Child custody and parenting arrangements
- Child support
- Spousal support
- Property and financial issues related to divorce
- Guardianships
- Mediation and negotiated resolutions
- Enforcement and modification of existing orders
Our goal is to resolve your case as efficiently as possible, all while keeping your financial and mental well-being at the forefront of our strategy.
Divorce and Financial Issues
Divorce can involve much more than ending a marriage. Decisions about marital property, debts, support, retirement accounts, real estate, and other financial interests can affect your financial stability long after the divorce is finalized. Our attorneys can help you understand the legal and financial issues involved so important assets and obligations are properly addressed during the process.
Custody and Child Support
Custody decisions can affect a child’s entire life and well-being. In Dauphin County, custody complaints, requests to modify an existing custody order, contempt petitions, and emergency custody matters are filed with the Prothonotary’s Office.
Many Dauphin County custody cases begin with an in-person custody conference. The parents and their attorneys work with a Custody Conference Officer to try to reach an agreement that serves the child’s best interests. If they are able to reach an agreement, the officer prepares a custody order for the judge to sign. If they cannot reach an agreement, the case is assigned to a Family Court Judge for trial.
Guardianships
Some families need legal assistance beyond divorce and custody. Guardianship may become necessary when a child or adult family member needs another person to make important decisions on their behalf.
A court may appoint a guardian to oversee a person’s care, finances, or both. A guardian of the person may help with decisions about housing, medical care, daily needs, and overall well-being. A guardian of the estate may manage assets such as bank accounts, real estate, investments, and personal property. Our lawyers can work to explore alternatives or pursue guardianship if needed.
Mediation
Mediation can provide another path for resolving family disputes. Instead of leaving every issue for a judge to decide, mediation gives the parties an opportunity to work toward an agreement together.
In Dauphin County, civil cases are generally eligible for mediation, except for protection from abuse matters. The court encourages parties and their attorneys to consider mediation before filing a case and throughout the legal process when appropriate.
Choose an Experienced Family Lawyer in Dauphin County, PA
Family law disputes can shape your finances, living arrangements, and relationship with your children for years to come. Working with Mette Attorneys at Law gives you access to a team with extensive Pennsylvania family law experience.
If you need guidance with a family law matter, contact our team today online or by calling 717-232-5000. We’re proud to serve communities throughout Dauphin County, including Harrisburg, Hershey, and Hummelstown.