Family Law Attorneys in Allison Park, Wexford, and Cranberry, Pennsylvania

Dealing with family law issues can be sensitive and overwhelming at times, touching the most personal aspects of our lives. From the joyful moments of marriage and adoption to the difficult transitions of divorce and child custody disputes, having an empathetic and experienced family law attorney by your side can make all the difference.  

At Iwanyshyn & Associates, we're committed to being there for you during these challenging times. We listen, we understand, and we work tirelessly to tailor a plan that suits your unique circumstances. Our aim is to help you achieve a favorable outcome and move forward positively. Serving clients in Allison Park, Cranberry, and throughout Pittsburgh, Wexford, and Gibsonia, our reach extends across the counties of Allegheny, Butler, Beaver, Washington, Fayette, Westmoreland, and Armstrong. Don't face your legal challenges alone — reach out to us today.  

The Importance of Consulting a Family Law Attorney

Dealing with family law issues requires not just legal knowledge but also a deep understanding of the emotional intricacies involved. By consulting a family law attorney, you're taking an important step in protecting your rights and interests. An attorney brings to the table a wealth of experience regarding statutory laws, case precedents, and the nuances of legal procedures that might be overwhelming for individuals to handle alone. They serve as both a guide and an advocate, offering clarity and peace of mind during what can be a tumultuous time. Furthermore, with their negotiated skills, family law attorneys work to ensure fair and equitable solutions that respect the needs of all parties involved, especially where children's welfare is a priority. Securing legal guidance early can significantly impact the resolution of your case and your future well-being. 

Pre- and Postnuptial Agreements

Pre- and postnuptial agreements, often seen as tools for the wealthy, are practical measures for couples seeking to manage their financial matters with clear expectations. A prenuptial agreement is a contract entered into before marriage, detailing the division and ownership of assets should the marriage end in divorce or death. Similarly, a postnuptial agreement serves the same purpose but is established after a couple is already married.  

Both types of agreements provide a level of certainty and protection, allowing couples to outline their financial rights and responsibilities, minimize potential conflicts, and ensure that assets are distributed according to their wishes, not just state laws. By creating these agreements, couples can fortify their relationship with honesty and transparency, safeguarding their future together or individually. 

Divorce in Pennsylvania

Divorce is tough, emotionally and legally. But we're here to help. In Pennsylvania, divorce falls into two categories: contested and uncontested. A contested divorce arises when spouses can't agree on issues like property division, alimony, and child custody. Our attorneys have vast experience handling contested divorces, fighting relentlessly for your rights and interests. On the other hand, in an uncontested divorce, spouses agree on all issues without court intervention. Here, we help ensure your agreement is fair and legally binding. 

Alimony

Alimony or spousal support is a payment one spouse makes to the other during or post-divorce. It's designed to help the financially disadvantaged spouse. Our attorneys have a wealth of experience negotiating and litigating alimony cases. We work diligently to ensure your financial needs are met and any alimony payments are fair and just. 

Asset Division

Asset division during a divorce in Pennsylvania is governed by the principles of "equitable distribution." Unlike community property states, where assets are divided 50/50, equitable distribution aims to divide marital property fairly, though not always equally. This process factors in various aspects including the length of the marriage, each spouse's income, their financial needs, and contributions to marital assets.  

Marital property encompasses all assets and debts acquired during the marriage, with some exceptions such as inheritances or gifts to one spouse. It's important to note that equitable doesn't always mean equal; the court strives to allocate assets in a manner deemed fair to both parties, which may result in a disproportionate but equitable division.  

Children and Divorce

Divorces involving children necessitate careful consideration of child support and custody arrangements. Child support is the ongoing financial support paid by one parent to the other to contribute to the costs of raising a child. In Pennsylvania, the amount of child support one may be required to pay is determined by state guidelines, taking into account the income of both parents and the needs of the child. 

Child custody, on the other hand, relates to the legal responsibilities and rights concerning the upbringing of a child. Custody can be categorized into physical custody—which refers to where and with whom the child lives, and legal custody—which grants a parent the authority to make important decisions on behalf of the child, such as those related to education, healthcare, and religion. Determining custody often involves negotiations to reach an agreement that serves the best interest of the child, but if parents are unable to agree, the court may intercede to establish custody arrangements. 

In all matters of child support and custody, our primary goal is to achieve an outcome that promotes the well-being of the child, while also protecting the rights of our clients. We understand these issues are highly sensitive, and we approach each case with compassion.