Family Law FAQs

As a service to current and perspective clients, we offer basic answers to some frequently asked questions.

	How quickly can I schedule an appointment?
	What are the benefits to a paid consultation?
	What should I do if I can't afford an attorney?
	How can a spouse or minor child have their name changed?
	Will I be taxed for money or property I receive?
	What types of payment does your office accept?
	What should I do if served with a divorce complaint?
	What should I do if I am the victim of domestic violence?
	What should a party do prior to separating from their spouse or parent of their children?
	What is equitable distribution?
	What is a family law attorney?
	What are the costs for retaining a lawyer?
	Must fault be proven to obtain a Pennsylvania divorce decree?
	Is there a relationship between seeing the children and paying support?
	How do I obtain Pennsylvania child or spousal support?
	Do I need to hire a family law attorney?
	Can the person receiving support be compelled to produce receipts proving how the support was utilized?
	Can the other party be forced to pay my lawyers' fees?
	Can the court require counseling?
	Can both parties use the same lawyer in Pennsylvania family court matters?
	Can a spouse be prevented from entering the marital home before the divorce is final?
	Can a credit be given for purchases made by the person paying support?
	What is a legal separation?
	Can either spouse prevent the entry of a divorce decree?

The statements in this section are based on Pennsylvania law and have been issued to inform and not advise. The statements are general in nature and individual facts in a given case may alter their application or involve other laws not referred to here.

Lisa Marie Vari & Associates, P.C., is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and serves the following cities and counties: Pittsburgh, Monroeville, Sewickley, Bethel Park, Mt. Lebanon, Fox Chapel, Upper St. Clair, Squirrel Hill, Oakland, Cranberry Twp, Peters Twp, Canonsburg, New Kensington, Kittanning, Greensburg, Murrysville, Latrobe, Charleroi, New Castle, Uniontown, Allegheny County, Beaver County, Butler County, Washington County, Westmoreland County, Armstrong County, Fayette County, Greene County, Indiana County, Lawrence County and Somerset County.