Pennsylvania Divorce Costs in 2026: Filing Fees, Retainers, and Ways to Manage Expenses

A plain-language guide to Pennsylvania divorce costs in 2026: court filing fees, retainers, hourly billing, what raises or lowers the total, and practical ways to manage expenses.
Back-to-School Custody Updates in Southwestern Pennsylvania

How back-to-school changes in Southwestern Pennsylvania can affect your custody schedule and child support, what to gather before you ask for a change, and where county procedures differ in Allegheny, Butler, Washington, and Westmoreland Counties.
Choosing the Right Family Law Attorney in Pittsburgh: What to Look For

How to choose the right Pittsburgh family lawyer: when to hire one, what services family law firms offer, how billing works, and the qualities that signal a good fit.
Mid-Summer Custody Check-In in Allegheny County

This guide explains how Allegheny County parents can use a mid-summer custody check-in to steady schedules, address camp and travel conflicts, and document temporary changes. It covers when informal fixes are enough, when to consider a formal modification, how child support fits in, and key back-to-school planning steps so families can prepare before court calendars tighten.
Five Star Review of Jessie

A five star review for Jessie D. Rawlings.
Summer Custody Tune-Up in Allegheny County: Update Your Parenting Plan Before School’s Out

Summer changes everything about a family’s week. Camps, trips, shifting work hours, sometimes a move. If your parenting plan was not built for any of that, the time to fix it is now, not in July when everyone is already scrambling. In Allegheny County, a custody date can take weeks, sometimes longer. If you want […]
Five Star Review of Jessie

I had a great experience working with Jessie and her team. They were knowledgeable, responsive, and always took the time to answer my questions and explain things clearly. Throughout a stressful process, I felt supported and confident that my case was in good hands. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a professional, compassionate, […]
Do You Need A Lawyer for Mediation or Court? A Family Law Guide

Deciding between mediation and litigation? We explain the costs, the role of a lawyer in both, and how to decide what is right for your Pittsburgh custody case.
Using IVF or a Donor? How the “Intent-Based Parentage” Rule Protects Your Rights

Finally, the law catches up to love. If you are building a family through IVF or ART, you no longer have to worry if your ‘intent’ counts in court. See how the new Glover ruling protects your role as a parent from day one.
The Child’s Voice in Court: How a Guardian ad Litem Impacts Your Custody Case

Is a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) involved in your custody dispute? Learn what they can investigate, how to handle the home visit, and what Pennsylvania law says about challenging their report. Read our guide to protecting your family’s future.