Overview
Family matters are the ones clients most want handled quickly, privately and without theatre. The firm represents clients in divorce, custody, support and related proceedings in Indiana County and the counties around it.
Family law is Katie Haberl-Thomas's practice area at HBRB.
What this covers
- Divorce, including grounds, equitable distribution and marital settlement agreements
- Child custody — legal and physical custody, relocation, and modification
- Child support, spousal support and alimony
- Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
- Protection From Abuse (PFA) matters
- Enforcement and modification of existing orders
Worth knowing in Pennsylvania
There are two roads to a no-fault divorce.
By mutual consent, after a 90-day waiting period from service of the complaint; or unilaterally, after one year of separation. Both are set out at 23 Pa.C.S. § 3301.
Custody turns on sixteen statutory factors.
Pennsylvania courts weigh the best-interest factors listed at 23 Pa.C.S. § 5328. There is no presumption in favor of a mother or a father, and no automatic answer.
Custody and support are connected.
Support is calculated from statewide guidelines built on both parties' net incomes and the number of overnights each parent has. Changing the custody schedule changes the support number.
General information about Pennsylvania law, current as of publication. It is not legal advice, and every matter turns on its own facts — call the firm to talk about yours.
Have a family law matter? We'd be glad to help.
Call the firm to talk it through, or see the full range of what Haberl, Buell, Rice & Bell handles.