Family Law

  • Child Custody 

    Litigation of child custody rights is often difficult and emotionally trying. Child custody litigation can arise during divorce or in some instances on its own.  In most custody cases, the parties must either come to an agreement that is reasonable for both their children and the parties, or an arrangement will be ordered by the Court.  My objective is to negotiate the best possible arrangement while remaining fully prepared to present the most effective arguments and testimony should litigation become necessary.

    Decisions made during child custody cases and often those made prior to the commencement of legal action will have significant impact on your family. In Pennsylvania, courts look at the best interests of the child when making child custody determinations. Brandon’s priority is protecting the interest of our client in this difficult process while ensuring the best interests of the children are brought to the forefront of the litigation.  

    Custody litigation can also impact the emotional well-being of the children involved. Brandon makes every effort to assure that his client’s children are not unnecessarily exposed to the legal process while also ensuring our clients are awarded the time with their children they deserve. We recognize our clients and their families’ needs and advocate for both.

    Brandon represents clients in their child custody proceedings in Philadelphia County, Montgomery County, Delaware County, Bucks County, Chester County and Southern New Jersey. If you are in need of an experienced, knowledgeable and intelligent child custody lawyer, do not hesitate to contact Brandon.  He understands that family law issues require a level of compassion and personal attention that goes beyond that expected in other areas of law. Brandon is prepared to offer you the level of care in your child custody case that you deserve and will be the family lawyer you can trust. 

    Child Support

    As part of a divorce or separation of the parties, controversy will often arise over the amount of child support payable by one party to the other. This is a heavy burden on any parent going through divorce and can also greatly impact the future of the children involved. Brandon is dedicated to working with our clients to determine what is both in the interest of the children and cognizant of the parties’ financial position.

    In Pennsylvania, child support is based on a guideline calculation that takes into account the parties’ income, number of children, time spent with the children, and a variety of other factors if deviation is requested and/or warranted.  If an agreement cannot be reached, a Master or Judge will decide whether one parent will receive financial support from the other parent for the care of the parties’ children. The party with primary custody (more overnights in a given year than the other parent) will generally be awarded child support.  If the parties share physical custody on a 50/50 basis, contrary to popular belief, the higher earning party may still be responsible for the payment of child support.

    Whether his client is paying child support or receiving child support, Brandon is experienced in ensuring that child support obligations are fair and appropriately calculated pursuant to the Pennsylvania Child Support Guidelines. In addition, if you believe modification of your child support order is necessary, he will perform a calculation prior to filing to ensure that your filing does not cause the order to increase and/or decrease to your own detriment.  

    Brandon represents clients in their child support proceedings in Philadelphia County, Montgomery County, Delaware County, Bucks County, and Chester County. If you are in need of an experienced, knowledgeable and intelligent child support lawyer, do not hesitate to contact me. He understands that family legal issues require a level of compassion and personal attention that goes beyond that expected in other areas of law. Brandon is prepared to offer you the level of care you deserve in your child support case and will be the family law counselor you can trust.

    Divorce

    The dissolution of one’s marriage can often be stressful and traumatic. Brandon personally understands the decision to divorce is a difficult one to make. Brandon personalized and attentive representation will assist you during these emotionally difficult times.

    As a divorce attorney, Brandon assists his clients through this difficult and often emotional time, reducing conflict and helping his clients make the best legal decisions available to them during the process. Brandon’s priority is to educate his clients to ensure they know exactly what to expect in this difficult process. Understanding the law and being informed on the divorce process in general can reduce the stress associated with divorce and provide clarity when critical decisions must be made. He will explain the different options specific to each case and provide recommendations appropriate for each unique set of circumstances. Brandon is thoughtful in protecting marital and parental rights, ensuring each matter is given appropriate consideration and attention. 

    Brandon handles a full range of matters related to divorce with the stated commitment to obtaining fair resolutions for his clients. In cases of divorce, a range of simple and complex issues often surface.  These issues can include: child custody, child support, spousal support, distribution of marital property, post-divorce disputes, modification of orders, and appeals. When such issues arise, it is important to have fully prepared and competent legal representation. 

    In developing legal strategy for representation, Brandon is mindful of cost and constantly seeks to minimize expensive legal processes, but never to the detriment of his clients’ cases. Brandon constantly maintains close communication concerning legal expenses throughout our representation. 

    Brandon represents clients in their divorce proceedings in Philadelphia County, Montgomery County, Delaware County, Bucks County, Chester County and Southern New Jersey. If you are in need of an experienced, knowledgeable and intelligent divorce lawyer, do not hesitate to contact me.  Brandon understands that family law issues require a level of compassion and personal attention that goes beyond that expected in other areas of law. Brandon is prepared to offer you the level of care in your divorce that you deserve and will be the matrimonial attorney you can trust. 

    Pre-Nutpial Agreements 

    Many couples may be apprehensive to discuss a pre-nuptial agreement.  After all, discussing the potential of dissolution of a marriage prior to the start of one can often be met with resistance.  However, a pre-nuptial agreement is designed to save litigation time and costs in the event of a divorce. Pre-nuptial agreements, if drafted correctly, can offer peace of mind, clarity, and security. The primary purpose of a pre-nuptial agreement is to control how certain financial matters will be dealt with during marriage, upon death, and in the event of a divorce.  

    Pennsylvania law regarding prenuptial agreements is complex, and navigating the law requires experience and attention to detail. Pre-nuptial agreements must meet many requirements to be valid and we use precision, experience and care to ensure these requirements are met.  

    A pre-nuptial agreement will be specifically tailored to your unique set of circumstances. The document will generally aim to identify property brought into the marriage; control how income acquired during the marriage will be treated; and manage separate properties such as property acquired by each spouse prior to the marriage. Pre-nuptial agreements may also include provisions for the division of debt, division of real property, medical coverage, life insurance, and the payment of alimony upon dissolution. 

    Brandon regularly drafts pre-nuptial agreements while utilizing his vast experience and knowledge.  Furthermore, he understands the sensitive nature of these negotiations and is skilled at protecting his clients’ interests while still protecting the relationship.  In addition to drafting pre-nuptial agreements, Brandon regularly reviews and discusses proposed pre-nuptial agreements provided by your fiancé and his or her representative.    

    Brandon represents clients in their pre-nuptial agreements in Philadelphia County, Montgomery County, Delaware County, Bucks County, Chester County and Southern New Jersey. If you are in need of an experienced, knowledgeable and intelligent lawyer to draft and/or review a pre-nuptial agreement, do not hesitate to contact Brandon. He understands that family law issues require a level of compassion and personal attention that goes beyond that expected in other areas of law. Brandon is prepared to offer you the level of care that you deserve and will be the matrimonial attorney you can trust.

    Protection from Abuse (“PFA”)

    In Pennsylvania, a protection from abuse order (commonly referred to as a “PFA”), may be entered if there has been actual or threatened physical abuse, including the placing of another in reasonable fear of bodily injury, by one party against any family or household member and/or current or former sexual or intimate partner, including spouses.  A PFA order may require that there be no contact whatsoever between the parties and may even result in defendant’s eviction from the parties’ residence.  A PFA order may be imposed for up to three years.  In addition, if a defendant violates the PFA he or she may subject themselves to criminal penalties including but not limited to incarceration.

    A PFA may also encompass other areas of family law on a temporary basis such as interim child custody and/or support orders. Given the breadth of impact a PFA can have on one’s family, whether you are prosecuting or defending a PFA, you are best served by having an experienced litigator on your side. Brandon will provide the experience, knowledge, and guidance to ensure that your PFA hearing is handled in a professional manner and that justice is served.  

    Brandon represents clients in their PFA proceedings in Philadelphia County, Montgomery County, Delaware County, Bucks County, Chester County and Southern New Jersey. If you are in need of an experienced, knowledgeable and intelligent protection from abuse lawyer, do not hesitate to contact Brandon. He understands that family legal issues require a level of compassion and personal attention that goes beyond that expected in other areas of law. Brandon is prepared to offer you the level of care in your protection from abuse case that you deserve.

    Spousal Support/APL/Alimony 

    In Pennsylvania, financial support for a spouse can be obtained in three separate and distinct forms: spousal support, alimony pendent lite (alimony during the pending litigation) and alimony.  Depending on your given circumstances, you may be entitled to a form of spousal maintenance as part of a divorce or even during a period of separation. The law governing the area is very complex and the amount paid depends on the facts of each case. In fact, several counties throughout the region calculate alimony differently.

    In addition, the law regarding spousal support is subjective, whether you are seeking financial support or your spouse has requested that you pay support. For these reasons you are best served by having experienced and competent counsel to represent you in your pursuit of spousal support, alimony pendent lite and/or alimony. Brandon provides the experience, knowledge, and guidance to ensure that support obligations are fair and appropriate.

    Brandon represents clients in their spousal support proceedings in Philadelphia County, Montgomery County, Delaware County, Bucks County, Chester County and Southern New Jersey. If you are in need of an experienced, knowledgeable and intelligent spousal support lawyer, do not hesitate to contact Brandon. He understands that family legal issues require a level of compassion and personal attention that goes beyond that expected in other areas of law. Brandon is prepared to offer you the level of care in your spousal support case that you deserve and will be the family lawyer you can trust.