Family Law Attorneys Who Care About You – Not Just Your Case
Of all the legal issues the average person might encounter, perhaps nothing feels as personal as a family law matter. You are being asked to make major decisions about your future while also grieving the end of a marriage or worrying about your children. The family law attorney you hire should be able to empathize with your difficult circumstances while also helping you find practical solutions that will protect your short-term and long-term interests.
When you contact Sinatra & Istik Law Office, PLLC, that’s exactly what you can expect. Our two attorneys have more than 35 years of combined legal experience, and they offer personalized attention and advocacy to each client. You’ll never be just a number at our law office. Instead, you’ll work directly with an experienced lawyer who cares about what you’re going through and wants to help you choose the best path forward.
Offering A Wide Range Of Family Law Services
Our attorneys are ready to provide support and guidance as they help you address any family law issues you may be facing, including:
- Divorce and high-asset divorce
- Division of assets, property and debts
- Custody of children
- Ongoing financial support (spousal and child support)
- Adoption
- Issues related to domestic violence
- Prenuptial agreements (drafting, review and litigation)
We understand that each family is different, and each client has their own unique needs. That’s why we tailor our services to you, whether that is help with a single legal matter, comprehensive representation or something in between.
Addressing Domestic Violence Accusations In Your Family Law Case
Allegations of domestic violence are necessarily going to play a significant role in divorce and custody proceedings. Because our attorneys represent clients in both family law and criminal defense matters, they understand how these areas of law intersect and how developments in one area could impact the other.
Whether you are a survivor of domestic violence or feel you’ve been wrongfully accused, you can trust our family law attorneys to listen to your concerns and protect your rights as they help you exercise all available legal options.
Common Questions About Family Law Matters
When you choose Sinatra & Istik Law Office, PLLC, you are choosing a firm that has your best interests in mind. With a combined legal experience of over 35 years, we have helped many families get the answers they need to complex legal issues. Here are some basics.
What is the legal process for a Pennsylvania divorce?
There are typically two ways to go about getting a divorce in Pennsylvania. If both spouses agree to all divorce issues and terms, then the divorce is uncontested. This is often the fastest, cheapest and most ideal form of divorce because both spouses can get what they want without many difficulties. A divorce like this can potentially be accomplished in 90 days.
If, at any time, a spouse is unwilling to agree to the terms of a divorce, such as property division, alimony or child custody and support, then the divorce is considered contested. The process for getting a contested divorce in Pennsylvania involves filing a complaint against the other spouse. After a trial where each spouse presents their case, a judge will determine how to settle divorce matters.
Is Pennsylvania a no-fault divorce state?
In Pennsylvania, it is possible to get a “no-fault” divorce, which means that both spouses are amicable about the terms of the divorce or there are grounds for irretrievable breakdown after a separation of at least one year. If a divorce is contested, a spouse may need to prove “fault.” Fault means that a spouse’s actions led to a divorce, including desertion, adultery, endangerment, imprisonment, bigamy or cruel treatment.
What’s the difference between a divorce and separation?
When couples are divorced, they have no further ties and are free to remarry. Separated couples are still legally married to each other. Spouses may separate but not divorce for many reasons, such as obtaining medical benefits, tax advantages or religious reasons. While Pennsylvania does not have a formal “legal separation” process, the couple can create a private separation agreement to address issues such as the division of property and debts, alimony, child support and custody.
How long does it take to get a divorce in Pennsylvania?
Whether a Pennsylvania divorce is contested or uncontested, it will take a minimum of 90 days to settle divorce matters. In complex divorces, such as if the divorce is contested or includes a large estate, a divorce can take more than a year.
Learn More During An Initial Consultation
From our office in Cranberry Township, Sinatra & Istik serves clients throughout the surrounding areas of Pennsylvania. We invite you to schedule an initial consultation to discuss your needs and learn how our attorneys can help you. To get started, call 412-557-7647 or submit an online contact form.