North East Family Lawyers

Kimberly A. Oakes is a partner in the law firm of MacDonald, Illig, Jones & Britton LLP, where she is the head of the firm’s Family Law Practice Group.

Ms. Oakes focuses her practice primarily in the area of family law. She has experience in handling divorces, adoption, alimony and spousal support, child support, child custody and visitation, domestic violence, paternity, prenuptial agreements and postnuptial agreements.

As a litigator, Ms. Oakes also has experience in Insurance Defense and Workers Compensation matters.

Attorney Kroto's law practice is concentrated in litigation, with emphasis in the areas of civil, construction, insurance and domestic litigation. His practice involves litigation in all courts under the purview of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, as well as the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. Mr. Kroto is AV Preeminent peer-review rated through Martindale-Hubbell.

After practicing law for 26 years, Pennsylvania uncontested divorce attorney James Cairns has proven his worth as an able and knowledgeable legal professional. Having earned his Juris Doctorate from the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law at Cleveland State University, Attorney Cairns has been helping individuals find peace about divorce and family law for many years. Attorney Cairns' credentials stem beyond the legal field. He currently serves as a professor of estate planning at Pennsylvania State University. He is also Registered Investment Advisor, acting as Director of Retirement Services at a local financial firm. Having a background in financial planning, divorce as...

Whether you’ve been charged with a DUI/DWI, are facing other criminal charges, dealing with a family law matter, or handling the estate of a loved one, you need a lawyer you can count on and trust. You need Attorney Damon C. Hopkins. Since 1995, Attorney Hopkins has assisted thousands of clients throughout the Erie, Pennsylvania area in resolving their legal issues. Having worked as a criminal prosecutor for eight years, he has the knowledge and litigation experience to provide spectacular representation to clients in need of legal assistance in criminal defense, DUI/DWI, juvenile delinquency, and traffic violations.

If you and your...

Zanita Zacks-Gabriel has lived in Harbor Creek, Pennsylvania her entire life and has practiced law in Erie for over 40 years. She graduated from Harbor Creek High School in 1968 as Valedictorian. Thereafter, she attended Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Political Science. Thereafter, she attended Temple University School of Law. She has been admitted to practice law in Pennsylvania since 1974 and looks forward to providing highest-quality legal services to you and your family.

At Pineo Law, everyone matters. Whether you need assistance with civil lawsuits, real estate transactions, family issues, or criminal defense, we're on your side to make sure you get the legal service you need. Based in Meadville, PA, we provide effective and affordable legal solutions for residents of Crawford County and surrounding areas. Attorney Isaac Pineo believes that everyone deserves a lawyer to serve as their voice in the legal justice system. A graduate of Temple University School of Law, he worked in a Phildelphia-area law firm before returning to his hometown of Meadville in 2010. Practice areas include civil litigation, criminal...

Attorney Jennifer J. Riley, Esquire focuses her practice on Family Law, including Divorce, Child Custody, Child Support, Alimony, Protection from Abuse, Prenuptial Agreements, Postnuptial Agreements, Spousal Support, Adoption, and Grandparents' Rights. ? Ms. Riley is an experienced negotiator and a tireless litigator who will work hard to secure stability for you and your family. She is a strong, zealous advocate for her clients inside and outside the courtroom. ? Ms. Riley is a graduate of Temple University Beasley School of Law, where she focused her studies on Trial Advocacy. She was a member of the...

Matthew C. Parson is a high-quality, veteran defense attorney based in Franklin, Pennsylvania. He practices criminal law, family law, contract law, and estate law. Matthew and his team can help you with divorce and custody problems, even if they are complex and emotionally charged. Our satisfaction comes from helping those in need of advocacy, information, or advice. We also serve clients in need of criminal defense, and/or probate law and estate settlement. Call us today – your first consultation is free! If you'd like more information, check out our website here! https://lawfirmfranklin.com

For 25 years, Mark has been serving the cause of justice in Clarion County. From his earliest days in the Public Defender’s office, to five terms as Clarion County’s elected District Attorney, Mark’s temperament and judgement have been tested and refined.

Mark has earned his reputation as a tough litigator. Your case will be handled with your best interests constantly in mind. Whether that means negotiating an appropriate settlement or, when justice requires, to try the case before a jury, Mark has the expertise to ensure that you receive the best possible result.

• Tried 119 jury trials in Clarion...

Dave Wenger was born in Lorain, Ohio. He was raised in Uniontown, Pennsylvania. He received his bachelor’s degree from California University of Pennsylvania in 2002. He obtained his Juris Doctorate degree from Widener University School of Law and was admitted to practice law in 2011. While at Widener University School of Law, he was a member of the Widener Law Review, Moot Court Honor Society, the Moe Levine Trial Advocacy Honor Society, and was a law clerk for the Honorable John F. Wagner Jr. After doing a variety of legal work upon graduation, Attorney Wenger...

My practice is primarily focused family law, helping clients to navigate through the turmoil of divorce and custody. I also have experience in estate planning and administration, and elder law. In May 2024, I was appointed as Chair of the Family Law Committee of the Mercer County Bar Association. I have extensive experience in all types of family law matters and litigation, including: Complex Divorce and simple divorce Collaborative Practice, which provides an alternative to litigation Pre- and post-nuptial agreements, and separation agreements Property Division/Equitable Distribution and Alimony ...

Attorney with an office located in Butler, PA. Serves clients in all surrounding counties. Specializes in Criminal Law, Family Law, and Estate Planning. Graduated with a bachelor's degree in Political Science from Westminster College. Attended law school at Duquesne University. Helped to co-found the Sole Practitioner's Society, aimed at preparing recent law graduates for life in a small or solo practice. Married to MaryBeth Bauer, a special education teacher in the Greenville School District in Mercer County.

Kerith Strano Taylor, Esquire, has been practicing family law in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania since 2001 and has served as Guardian ad Litem for Jefferson County since 2004. Kerith has been an active member of the Statewide Children's Roundtable Initiative, since it was created by Supreme Court Justice Max Baer in 2006. She currently sits on the Jefferson County Children’s Roundtable, the regional Leadership Roundtable 7, and the Statewide Children’s Roundtable. In addition, Kerith served on the Children’s Roundtable Summit Planning Committee in 2009 and 2010. Kerith was appointed by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to the Juvenile Court...

The great-grandson of Eastern European immigrants, Michael takes great pride in being the first attorney in both his mother and his father's sides of his family. Born and raised in Mercer County, Michael T. Muha came home after years of schooling to make a difference to the area he loves, Western Pennsylvania. Attorney Muha was born in Greenville, raised in Hermitage, and was educated in the schools of the Hermitage School District, where he became the first Academic Games Leagues of America National Champion in Hickory High School history, winning a National Title in the game World Events in his sophomore...

Attorney Merwin grew up in New Bethlehem Pennsylvania. He received his high school diploma from Redbank Valley High School, his Bachelor's degree in Political Science from Clarion University of Pennsylvania, and his Doctorate of Juris Prudence from the Massachusetts School of Law. Attorney Merwin's areas of practice include, but are not limited to, Divorce, Bankruptcy, Estates/Probate, Criminal Defense, DUI, Family Law, Landlord/Tenant and Civil Litigation. Attorney Merwin is admitted to the bar of: Pennsylvania Massachusetts Federal District of Massachusetts Federal Western District of Pennsylvania

For over 25 years, I have helped many clients with a variety of legal matters. I understand the stress and anxiety that a client goes through in the midst of these life changing events. My practice focuses on Divorce, Custody, Support, Bankruptcy and Estate Planning as well as Estate Administration. I have extensive trial experience, but I am committed to helping each client resolve their matters out of court whenever possible. Focusing on each client's particular needs and desires, in addition to a deep commitment to client service, is the foundation of my practice. Listening and working together with the client...

Kathryn L. Sullivan never backs down, even with the most difficult of cases. President Theodore Roosevelt’s famous quote — Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far — resonates with her in practice. She works as hard as possible to resolve her client’s cases efficiently and cost-effectively, bringing a willingness to work with the other party’s attorney amicably and collaboratively. However, if litigation is unavoidable, Kathryn loves nothing more than to be in the courtroom. She works relentlessly and without intimidation to protect her client’s best interests. Always the first attorney to arrive at the courthouse, Kathryn...

Your family is unique. When you need a family law attorney, you want someone who appreciates the differences that make your family special. You want a family lawyer who will help your family through all life’s changes and guide you towards the best possible outcome. Melinda represents families from a variety of backgrounds. Her family law experience includes all aspects of divorce, child custody, child support, and domestic violence law.

Ms. Previtera is a member of the bar in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Petrelli Previtera, LLC is one of the top divorce and family law firms in the North East. From complex litigation to negotiated agreements, we work tirelessly to get the best results for our clients. While we are known for representing high net worth individuals and their spouses, we also represent everyday people from all walks of life. We are committed to providing the same high-quality service to each of our valued clients.
That is why our firm is constantly in contact with our clients to make sure that every question and concern is addressed from the very beginning to the...

Karen Ulmer is the founder of Karen Ann Ulmer P.C., a law firm handling family law, estates and probate,. Ms. Ulmer is a family law attorney, author, and speaker who handles complex custody litigation including relocation cases, custody with a narcissist, grandparent visitation and custody and stepparent custody. In addition, she represents high net worth divorce matters involving businesses, investments, commercial real estate, pensions, military cases, and other litigated divorce issues. In addition to her trial experience, Ms. Ulmer has significant training in mediation and has settled many cases out of court and served...

Attorney Rick is the managing partner of Rick Law, a 7 attorney law firm in Montgomery County Pennsylvania. He is a member of the State Bar of Pennsylvania and is admitted to practice in the United States District Courts for the Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of Pennsylvania. Attorney Rick has tried cases in state court, before administrative agencies, and before arbitration panels. He regularly appears before the local magisterial district courts as well as the Montgomery, Berks, and Chester County Courts of Common Pleas. Attorney Rick is also admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United...

Dawn Padanyi is a graduate of Mount Holyoke College and Syracuse University College of Law where she was the Co-Director of the Grant Opportunity Program and a member of the Community Development Law Clinic While at Syracuse, Ms. Padanyi was chosen to receive two grants to perform legal work at the local and state level. Ms. Padanyi is a Pennsylvania and Massachusetts licensed attorney. She is a member of the Bucks County Bar Association as well as the Pennsylvania Bar Association. She is also proud to be selected to serve on the Board of Directors for the Bucks...

Within his family law practice, William Kirby values his client relationships above all else. That’s why he does everything in his power to find optimal solutions for their legal matters involving divorce, separation, custody, support, and more. Clients quickly see that William sincerely cares about them and that they can be confident in his advice. William serves a wide range of clients including celebrities facing high-asset divorces. Bill is a passionate, appreciative, and motivated person who is dedicated to empowering individuals and families with the right information. “When my clients come to see me, they are often experiencing a life-defining moment. How...

John P. Attiani has over 20 years of experience representing individual and business clients. His areas of practice include family law (divorce, custody, alimony and spousal support, child support, equitable distribution and protection from abuse), business formation, contract disputes, bankruptcy and wills.

Admitted to practice in Pennsylvania, Mr. Attiani is a member of the Pennsylvania and Montgomery Bar Associations. He is active in the Family Law Section of both the Montgomery and Pennsylvania Bar Associations. He is a trained mediator and a Collaborative Family Law Affiliate. He also serves as an arbitration panelist and custody mediator for the Montgomery County Court...

Wendy J. Ashby, Esquire prides herself on the responsiveness she provides to each and every client. Her philosophy of service is to pursue the most efficient resolution of each matter. Ms. Ashby is recognized for the creativity she brings to her legal strategies and negotiations. She is also revered for the aggressiveness in which she will fight for her clients' entitlements. Ms. Ashby has devotedly pursued the practice of law in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey since 1992 in the areas of Wills/Estates, Elder Law, Mediation, Family Law and Adoptions. Ms. Ashby is the owner of the...

April M. Townsend is an attorney licensed to practice in Pennsylvania and New Jersey for over a decade. She handles all aspects of family law, including divorce, equitable distribution, support, custody and adoption. She also assists clients with estate planning and estate administration. April received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Maryland in College Park, MD where she double-majored in Government & Politics and Criminal Justice and graduated with honors. She received her Juris Doctor from the James E. Beasley School of Law at Temple University, admitted as a Conwell Law Scholar. While in law school, April began...

Lee Ciccarelli is the founder of Ciccarelli Law Offices: a Litigation Law Firm focusing in Personal Injury, Criminal Defense and Family Law matters. Ciccarelli Law firm takes on tough cases and fights for clients when they need it the most. ...

Joseph D'Annunzio's diverse work background makes him stand out as an extraordinary Attorney. With over 44 years of legal experience, he instills the confidence needed to provide successful outcomes for each client. His career path began upon receiving his license to practice law in October of 1976. He landed his first legal occupation as an Assistant Public Defender for the Montgomery County Public Defenders Office in 1976, where he represented indigent clients charged with crimes. During his years as a Public Defender, he pursued his dreams of having his private Firm. He succeeded in opening his office in his hometown of...

I have had an interest in helping families and individuals navigate the difficult issues of separation, divorce, support and custody since long before I began practicing family law. I have found in the more than a decade I have been practicing family law, that litigation, and the adversarial process, is not for everyone. In an effort to meet the needs of my clients, I completed a mediation training approved by the Association for Conflict Resolution, focused specifically on Family Conflict mediation. In family law mediation, instead of going to Court and relying upon the rulings...

Lori A. Frio-Walker, Esquire, devotes her practice primarily to all aspects of family and matrimonial law matters. Lori gained family law litigation experience in divorce, custody and support matters at Petrelli Law, P.C. Prior to working at Petrelli Law, P.C., Lori worked in the area of collaborative and amicable divorce. Lori received her J.D. degree from Villanova University School of Law and was the Editor-in-Chief of its Women’s Law Forum and Associate Editor of its Journal of Catholic Social Thought. Lori began her professional career as an associate attorney at a large regional firm in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania....

I became a lawyer because I like helping people resolve their differences. Although I practiced family law with a large Center City firm early in my career, I went out on my own in 1988 and never looked back. I founded our firm on the principle of providing superior service at reasonable rates for our clients while providing a flexible and supportive work environment for our employees. For twenty years and counting, we are proud to have maintained this model. While handling many custody, divorce, protection from abuse and support trials throughout my career, my practice now focuses on...

I love our practice because I care so deeply about my clients and their families. I handle all types of family law matters, and my approach to each case varies greatly, depending on my client’s needs and preferences. The range goes from playing a supportive role for those clients who wish to negotiate their own agreements to serving as a zealous advocate in the courtroom for those who need to submit their disputes to a judge for resolution. In addition to practicing law, I speak and write about family law issues. My first book, KEEPING IT CIVIL: The...

I am passionate about family law issues and write about them routinely for The Legal Intelligencer’s online family law column. If you need help with adoption, custody, divorce, name change, protection from abuse or support issues in either Philadelphia or surrounding Pennsylvania counties – or Burlington, Camden and Gloucester counties in New Jersey – I’m here for you, either as an advocate or mediation coach. I co-chair the Philadelphia Bar Association’s Equitable Distribution Committee, and have been named as a Super Lawyer in Pennsylvania and listed on the First Judicial District’s Pro Bono Roll of Honor for exemplary pro bono...