Every family matter, handled with care and strategy clear solutions for tough decisions

Philadelphia Family Law Attorney

Family Lawyer in Philadelphia, PA Providing Compassionate Counsel on Domestic Matters

Family law matters are often some of the most complicated and difficult due to the emotional circumstances surrounding them. While many family law matters concern divorce cases and child custody matters, family law also includes legal issues pertaining to domestic violence, adoption, and other questions that can affect the family. Whether you need assistance with a divorce and child custody case, or you need help with an LGBTQ adoption, an experienced Philadelphia family attorney at our firm can assist you. Do not hesitate to get in touch with the family law advocates at van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin to learn more about how we serve individuals and families in Pennsylvania.

Find Out What Your Case is Worth

We invite you to reach out to us today to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team. Call (215) 610-3440 or contact us online to learn more.

The Person Who Sees The Whole Picture Meet Michael T. van der Veen

From local business owners, to the President of the United States, we fight for everyone's best interest. As founder of the firm, Michael T. van der Veen effortlessly combines accessibility, experience, negotiation, collaboration, and compassion to achieve results. He is the rare trial attorney who excels in both civil litigation and criminal defense. Known for his unwavering commitment to serving as the voice of the victim and advocate for the accused, he has established his reputation by winning multimillion-dollar jury verdicts in State and Federal Courts, as well as winning major criminal trials across the country.

Types of Family Law Cases We Handle in Philadelphia

At van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin, we routinely represent individuals and families in a wide variety of legal issues affecting the family. Examples of some of the types of family law legal matters we handle include but are not limited to the following:

Divorce in Philadelphia, including issues like the division of marital property and alimony;
Prenuptial agreements, including the drafting and enforcement of these agreements;
Child custody, including legal custody, physical custody, relocation, and other matters;
Parentage, or determining paternity for purposes of custody and child support;
Child support, including determining child support obligations of both parents;
Modifications of existing court orders due to a change in circumstances;
Adoption, including LGBTQ adoption cases; and
Domestic violence matters affecting families.

If there is a specific family law issue that you are facing, one of the experienced family lawyers at our firm can speak with you today about your case.

No-Fault and Fault-Based Divorce in Philadelphia

Under Pennsylvania law, divorce can occur on fault-based grounds or the party filing for divorce can seek a no-fault divorce. Pennsylvania is one of a minority of states that still has fault-based grounds for divorce, which can include desertion, adultery, cruel treatment, bigamy, sentence of imprisonment for two years or longer, and other grounds.

However, there is also a no-fault option for divorce, which is known as divorce by “mutual consent,” or divorce due to “irretrievably breakdown.” Through mutual consent, the statute says that “the court may grant a divorce where it is alleged that the marriage is irretrievably broken and 90 days have elapsed” since the filing of the divorce. In addition, the statute says that the court “may grant a divorce where a complaint has been filed alleging that the marriage is irretrievably broken,” and where the parties have lived separate and apart for at least one year.

Philadelphia Child Custody Issues

Many family law issues pertain to child custody and legal matters involving minor children. Our firm can assist with child custody determinations and child custody modifications when necessary.

Children and Pennsylvania Family Law

Many different kinds of family law cases involve minor children. Sometimes child custody questions arise in a Philadelphia divorce, but they can also come up when unmarried parents decide to separate, or when one of the parents is seeking child custody or one of the parents is trying to obtain child support. In cases where parentage or paternity is in question, it may be necessary to determine paternity before moving forward with a child custody matter.

Matters in a Philadelphia Divorce

Pennsylvania divorce law governs many different types of family law issues, including the division of marital property, alimony, and enforcing a prenuptial agreement in the event of a divorce. As you may know, in a Pennsylvania divorce, all property will be classified as marital or non-marital property, and all marital property will be divided according to the theory of equitable distribution. Property division can be complicated for many different reasons, including but not limited to:

Complex property, including investments and business holdings;
Assets that are difficult to value, such as art collections; and
Commingled property, where marital property has been mixed with non-marital property in such a way that makes classification difficult or even impossible.

Frequently Asked Questions About Family Law in Philadelphia, PA

Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 215-610-3440 today!

Family law covers a wide range of legal matters affecting spouses, parents, children, and other family members. Our firm handles cases involving divorce, child custody, child support, domestic violence, adoption (including LGBTQ adoption), prenuptial agreements, parentage/paternity, and modifications of existing court orders. If your concern involves the family, a family law attorney can guide you through the legal process with clarity and compassion.
Pennsylvania allows both no-fault and fault-based divorce. Most couples pursue no-fault divorce under “mutual consent” or “irretrievable breakdown,” which requires a 90-day waiting period or one year of living separately. Fault-based divorce, while less common, may be filed on grounds such as adultery, cruel treatment, desertion, or a spouse’s imprisonment. Your choice may affect property division, alimony, and litigation strategy, so legal guidance is essential.
Child custody decisions in Pennsylvania are based on the best interests of the child. Courts evaluate factors such as parental involvement, stability, safety, each parent’s ability to care for the child, and the child’s needs. Custody can include both legal custody (decision-making) and physical custody (where the child lives). A family lawyer can help you pursue an arrangement that protects your rights and supports your child’s well-being.
Pennsylvania uses equitable distribution, meaning marital property is divided fairly—but not necessarily equally. Courts consider each spouse’s financial situation, contributions to the marriage, earning capacity, and the value and nature of the assets involved. Complex assets like businesses, investments, and commingled property can make the process more difficult. An experienced family lawyer can help ensure your assets are properly classified, valued, and divided.

Contact a Philadelphia Family Law Attorney

Family law cases can be complicated, and they can involve many different types of legal issues. Whether you need assistance with a divorce or a domestic violence case, one of the dedicated Philadelphia family law attorneys at our firm can begin working with you on your case today.

in their own words

Clients share their experiences and results firsthand

"this law firm has afforded low income people of Philadelphia a relationship with an attorney that they can come and meet. To have a the intuition to give a damn about the little people, and then give them that same kind of respect and consideration is unmatched." -Melvin
"He gives you the impression there’s a person you can count on, a person that you can rely on in terms of having some representation. He kept me informed, he kept me up to date with everything that was going on throughout the process. What doctor, what appointments, who I have to see…I was always very well informed." -Sam
"I love that I have Mike on my side, whenever I question what am I supposed to do? I used to call my dad and after my dad passed, even for things that aren’t always law related, I know I could still call Mike, and I love that about him. He’s just amazing, and I know that if I send somebody here that they’re going to be represented a hundred percent." -Jamie
"He represented me in multiple criminal cases, and I had a lengthy criminal record. He never judged me, and treated me like anybody else, he never looked at me different. He's a real good guy, professional, very honest. When I say I never went to another attorney...he's the best." -Tiffany

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