Allegheny County residents dealing with divorce, custody, or support matters are subject to Pennsylvania’s family law statutes, but how cases are processed through the Allegheny County court system adds specific procedural details that affect how a case is prepared and presented. At Schaffranek & Foster, our family law attorneys represent clients throughout Allegheny County, including Pittsburgh and the surrounding communities, in divorce, custody, support, protection from abuse, and adoption proceedings.
How Allegheny County Processes Family Law Cases
Family law matters in Allegheny County are handled through the Court of Common Pleas, Family Division, in Pittsburgh. Allegheny County has one of the largest family court dockets in Pennsylvania. Custody and support cases typically begin with a conciliation conference before a conference officer, who attempts to help parties reach a resolution before the matter proceeds to a judge. Our attorneys are familiar with how the Family Division structures these proceedings and what is expected at each stage.
We represent clients from across the county, including Bethel Park, Mt. Lebanon, Monroeville, Ross Township, Shaler, Penn Hills, and the boroughs and townships throughout the Pittsburgh metropolitan area.
Divorce Involving Complex or High-Value Marital Estates
Under 23 Pa.C.S. Section 3502, Pennsylvania courts divide marital property using an equitable distribution standard based on the circumstances of both parties. In Allegheny County, divorce proceedings frequently involve financial situations that require careful analysis: defined benefit pension plans from Pittsburgh-area employers, ownership interests in closely held businesses, deferred compensation, and real estate across Pittsburgh’s varied neighborhoods and surrounding municipalities.
Courts consider factors including each spouse’s income and earning capacity, the age and health of both parties, the tax implications of proposed distributions, and the economic circumstances of each spouse at the time of the divorce. Our attorneys work to accurately identify and document marital property and to present the applicable statutory factors in a way that reflects each client’s specific financial picture.
Spousal Support, Alimony Pendente Lite, and Alimony: How They Differ
Pennsylvania provides for three distinct forms of spousal support, each governed by different rules and calculated differently. Spousal support is available to a spouse who is separated and not at fault for the separation. Alimony pendente lite (APL) is available during the pendency of divorce proceedings to allow the lower-earning spouse to participate equally in the litigation.
Alimony is a post-divorce award available in limited circumstances based on factors in 23 Pa.C.S. Section 3701, including the duration of the marriage, the relative earning capacities of both spouses, and the standard of living established during the marriage. Our attorneys help clients determine which type of support applies and how it is calculated under current guidelines.
Custody Proceedings in Allegheny County’s Family Division
Pennsylvania’s custody statute requires courts to weigh 16 specific best-interest factors before entering a custody order. In Allegheny County, most contested custody matters begin at the conciliation level before proceeding to a hearing. Pennsylvania distinguishes between legal custody, which governs decision-making over education, healthcare, and religious upbringing, and physical custody, which determines where the child lives. Both can be ordered on a shared or primary basis.
Child Support and the Allegheny County Domestic Relations Section
Child support is calculated using Pennsylvania’s income shares model. The calculation uses both parents’ combined net monthly income, the number of children, and adjustments for childcare, health insurance, and the custody arrangement in place. When income is disputed, courts may impute earning capacity.
Support matters in Allegheny County are processed through the Allegheny County Domestic Relations Section. Our attorneys handle initial support petitions and formal modification requests when a material change in circumstances has occurred.
Adoption Proceedings in Allegheny County
Pennsylvania’s Adoption Act governs stepparent, agency, and independent adoptions. Requirements vary based on the type of adoption and whether the biological parent’s rights are being terminated voluntarily or by court order. Our attorneys assist Allegheny County families in meeting the legal requirements at each stage of the adoption process.
Contact Schaffranek & Foster About a Family Law Matter in Allegheny County
To speak with a member of our team about a family law matter in Allegheny County, contact Schaffranek & Foster to schedule a consultation. You can also reach us at 412-643-3848.