Navigating family law disputes is one of life’s most sensitive and challenging experiences. At The Law Offices of Greg Prosmushkin, P.C., we provide direct, experienced legal advocacy to protect your interests in Philadelphia family courts and across Pennsylvania. Our firm understands the complexities of divorce, child custody, support, and related family matters, offering guidance, negotiation, and trial representation tailored to your unique circumstances.
Whether you seek an amicable resolution or require assertive litigation, our team prioritizes your family’s well-being and future stability.
Our Family Law Services
1. Divorce — Pennsylvania’s Fault & No-Fault Grounds
- No-Fault Divorce: Pennsylvania allows divorce on the grounds of irretrievable breakdown, either via mutual consent after 90 days separation or unilateral after at least one year of living separate and apart.
- Fault-Based Divorce: Grounds include adultery, desertion, cruel and barbarous treatment, bigamy, imprisonment, and indignities. Fault can impact alimony and property division.
- Annulment: Legal declaration that the marriage is invalid due to fraud, incapacity, or other reasons.
- Legal Process: Filing petitions, serving the spouse, exchange of financial statements, settlement discussions, trial preparation, and obtaining final decrees.
2. Child Custody & Visitation — Focused on the Child’s Best Interests
- Legal Custody: Decision-making authority over education, medical care, and religious upbringing, which may be sole or shared.
- Physical Custody: Where the child lives and who provides day-to-day care. Can be sole, shared, or primary with supervised visits.
- Best Interests Factors: Courts weigh 16 statutorily mandated criteria including parental cooperation, child preference, safety, stability, and history of abuse.
- Modification: Custody orders can be modified upon substantial change in circumstances affecting the child’s welfare.
3. Child Support — Equitable Financial Responsibility
- Calculation: Determined through Pennsylvania Child Support Guidelines considering parents’ income, number of children, and custodial arrangements.
- Additional Expenses: Childcare, medical insurance, and extraordinary health or education costs may be added.
- Enforcement: Wage garnishment, contempt proceedings, license suspension, tax intercept, and credit reporting.
- Modification: Changes permitted upon significant changes in income or custody.
4. Spousal Support and Alimony — Financial Fairness after Divorce
- Types: Temporary support during separation, alimony pendent lite during divorce, and post-divorce alimony.
- Determining Factors: Length of marriage, earning capacity, age, health, contributions as homemaker, standard of living, and needs.
- Duration: Short marriages may see limited-duration support; long marriages may involve long-term payments.
- Tax Impact: Alimony payments are non-deductible and non-taxable for divorces after 2018.
5. Equitable Property Division — Fair Distribution of Assets and Debts
- Marital Property: Assets and debts acquired during the marriage are subject to distribution regardless of title.
- Separate Property: Property owned before marriage, inheritances, and gifts generally excluded.
- Valuation: Includes accounts, real estate, businesses, retirement plans requiring appraisals and financial expert consultation.
- Distribution: Courts divide assets fairly, which may not equate to equal shares.
- Debts: Credit and mortgage liabilities are divided equitably.
6. Protection From Abuse (PFA) Orders — Immediate Safety Measures
- Emergency PFAs: Emergency orders issued without the abuser present when immediate danger exists.
- Final PFAs: Issued after a hearing and may include protection from contact, removal from residence, and custody orders.
- Violations: Criminal penalties including jail time and fines.
- Extended Protections: Cover stalking, harassment, and domestic violence.
7. Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements — Protecting Your Assets and Rights
- Scope: Address division of property, spousal support, and financial rights.
- Limitations: Cannot predetermine child custody or support.
- Enforceability: Requires full disclosure, voluntary execution, and fairness.
- Benefits: Provide certainty and limit disputes in event of divorce.
8. Adoption and Guardianship — Legal Recognition of Parental Rights
- Facilitation of agency and private adoptions.
- Termination of parental rights where applicable.
- Guardianship arrangements for children or incapacitated family members.
Philadelphia and Pennsylvania Family Law Entities Referenced
- Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas – Family Division
- Pennsylvania Domestic Relations Section
- Pennsylvania Child Support Program
- Women Against Abuse (WAA)
- Philadelphia Legal Aid and Philadelphia VIP
Family Law FAQs
Q: How long does an uncontested divorce take in Pennsylvania?
A: Typically about 3 to 4 months after the statutory separation period.
Q: Can I get a divorce if my spouse doesn’t consent?
A: Yes, after one year of living separate and apart, you can file unilaterally for a no-fault divorce.
Q: How is child custody decided?
A: By applying the “best interests of the child” factors including parental cooperation and child’s stability.
Q: What factors affect spousal support?
A: Marital length, earning disparity, age, contributions, and financial needs govern alimony awards.
Q: Are PFAs easy to get?
A: Yes, emergency PFAs can be issued quickly to provide immediate protection pending a hearing.
Q: Can I modify custody or support orders?
A: Yes, if there has been a significant change in circumstances impacting the child or financial status.
Q: Do grandparents have custody or visitation rights in Pennsylvania?
A: Under limited circumstances, courts may grant visitation or custody in the child’s best interests.
Q: Are prenuptial agreements enforceable?
A: Yes, provided there is full disclosure and fairness at execution; but they cannot bind custody or child support.
Case Study Example (Anonymized)
A Philadelphia couple with complex assets and custody disputes worked closely with Greg Prosmushkin, P.C. to negotiate a shared custody arrangement and equitable property division, minimizing litigation time and emotional distress.
Client Resources
- Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System – Family Court:
- us
- Philadelphia Domestic Relations Section: (215) 686-6440
- Women Against Abuse: 24-Hour Hotline (866) 723-3014
- Pennsylvania Child Support Program:
- PCSP Website
Why Choose Greg Prosmushkin, P.C. for Your Family Law Case?
- Proven Philadelphia family law courtroom and negotiation experience.
- Strategic advice prioritizing client goals and children’s well-being.
- Compassionate guidance through emotionally difficult processes.
- Multilingual support and culturally sensitive approach.
Schedule Your Consultation
Call 215-799-9990 or use our online form today for skilled family law representation dedicated to protecting your rights and family’s future.