When a marriage is ending, it can feel as if every part of your life is in motion at once. If you live or work in Bala Cynwyd, you may be worried about your children, your home on the Main Line, and your financial future, all at the same time. You may not even be sure yet whether you are ready to file.

At Shemtob Draganosky Taylor Stein, PC, we focus on divorce and family law, and we help clients from Bala Cynwyd and across Montgomery County navigate these difficult decisions. Our attorneys work to bring structure to a confusing process, explain your options in plain language, and stand beside you from the first conversation through the final order. You do not have to sort through this alone.

Call us at (215) 544-3974 to schedule a consultation with our Bala Cynwyd divorce lawyers. 

Why Work With Our Divorce Team?

Shemtob Draganosky Taylor Stein, PC is led by Lori K. Shemtob, who has been recognized as a Super Lawyer and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. These are significant distinctions in the field of matrimonial law, and they reflect the depth of our work with complex divorce and custody issues. Our attorneys concentrate on divorce and family law, which helps us stay current with developments in Pennsylvania law that can affect your case.

We take a balanced approach to resolving family disputes. When possible, we work through negotiation or other forms of alternative dispute resolution to help clients reach agreements without unnecessary conflict. When litigation is required, we are prepared to present your case in court and advocate firmly for your rights and long term interests. Throughout the process, we make it a priority to explain what is happening and why, so you can make informed decisions.

Every family is different, so we do not rely on a one size fits all model. Instead, we listen carefully, ask questions, and seek to understand what you want life to look like after the divorce is complete. That understanding guides how we address issues such as support, parenting arrangements, and property division.

How Divorce Works in Pennsylvania

If you live in Bala Cynwyd, your divorce case usually proceeds through the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas in Norristown. Our attorneys handle family law matters in that court, which means we are familiar with local procedures and general expectations. While every judge has discretion, understanding how the court typically manages scheduling, conferences, and hearings allows us to prepare you for what is ahead.

Most divorce cases involve several key topics. These may include the division of marital property and debts, questions about spousal support or alimony, and issues involving child custody and child support if there are minor children. Pennsylvania follows a system called equitable distribution, which means marital property is divided in a way the court considers fair, although not necessarily equal. Factors such as the length of the marriage, each spouse’s income and earning capacity, and contributions to the household may be considered.

Our role is to guide you through each step, from the initial filing to negotiations and, if necessary, hearings before a judge. We discuss the possible paths your case may take, help you weigh risks and benefits, and work to ensure that your rights are protected at every stage. For many clients, simply understanding the process brings a measure of calm during an otherwise stressful time.

Property Division & Financial Security

In Pennsylvania, marital property is generally subject to equitable distribution. This can include real estate, bank accounts, retirement plans, stock options, business interests, and other assets that were acquired during the marriage. The court considers a variety of factors when determining how to divide this property, such as each spouse’s economic circumstances, contributions to the marriage, and future needs. Our attorneys work to gather and organize the financial information needed to present a clear picture of the marital estate.

Our firm handles high asset divorce and complex property division matters. We are accustomed to dealing with issues such as valuing closely held businesses, addressing restricted stock or deferred compensation, and untangling marital and non marital components of retirement accounts. We use that experience to help clients in Bala Cynwyd and surrounding communities pursue outcomes that support their long term financial stability, whether through negotiated settlements or, when needed, litigation.

Some helpful financial preparation steps include:

• Gather recent bank statements, tax returns, retirement account statements, and mortgage documents.
• Make a list of major assets and debts, including any property or accounts held jointly or individually.
• Consider your short term needs, such as housing and insurance, as well as your longer term financial priorities.

Child Custody & Parenting Concerns

Pennsylvania courts focus on the best interests of the child when making custody decisions. This can involve looking at many factors, such as the child’s relationship with each parent, the ability of each parent to provide stability, and any history of conflict or concerns about safety. Custody typically has two parts, legal custody, which involves decision making, and physical custody, which relates to where the child lives and the parenting schedule.

Our attorneys handle a wide range of child custody matters, including cases involving detailed parenting plans and situations where third parties, such as grandparents or other relatives, seek custody rights. We work with clients to identify what is most important to them regarding their children, then develop a plan that reflects those priorities while remaining realistic about what a court may do. Whenever possible, we help parents craft parenting arrangements that reduce conflict and provide consistency for children.

First Steps if You Are Considering Divorce

Taking the first step toward divorce can feel daunting, even if you are certain the marriage should end. It is common to worry about making a mistake or acting too quickly. Reaching out for information, before you commit to a particular path, is often the most sensible way to begin.

Before filing, it can help to think carefully about your priorities. These might include your children’s routines, your housing situation in Bala Cynwyd or nearby, and your ability to meet expenses during and after the process. You do not need to have every detail figured out, but having a general sense of what you hope to preserve can guide early decisions.

Meeting with our team for an initial consultation is an opportunity to discuss your situation in a confidential setting. During that meeting, we typically ask about your family structure, your financial picture, and any immediate concerns, such as safety or access to funds. We explain the general steps of a Pennsylvania divorce, how cases from this area move through the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas, and what options may be available in your specific circumstances.

Before and after your first consultation, it can be helpful to:

• Write down your main questions about divorce, custody, or financial issues so you remember to ask them.
• Collect any court papers you have already received, as well as key financial documents, to bring with you.
• Think about your most important goals for life after divorce, such as staying in your community or maintaining a particular parenting routine.