Strategic.
Focused. We are one of the largest boutique divorce and family law practices in all of Montgomery, Bucks, Chester and Delaware counties with over 100 combined years of experience.
Dresher Family Lawyers
Supportive Guidance For Difficult Family Changes
If you are facing divorce, a custody dispute, or another family crisis in Dresher, it can be hard to know what to do first. Relationships, finances, and your children’s well being may all feel uncertain at the same time. You may be searching for clear information and a steady legal team that focuses on family law.
At Shemtob Draganosky Taylor Stein, PC, we dedicate our practice to divorce and family law matters. We work with clients across Montgomery County, including those living in the Dresher area, who need focused guidance through separation, custody, support, and related issues. Our goal is to provide calm, informed direction so you can make decisions with confidence.
Reach out for a confidential conversation about your family law concerns in Dresher. Call (215) 544-3974 to speak with our team.
How Our Firm Approaches Family Cases
When you come to us with a family law concern, we know that you are entrusting us with some of the most important parts of your life. Our entire practice is devoted to divorce and related family law issues. This focus allows our attorneys to stay current with Pennsylvania law and to understand how judges in Montgomery County commonly approach these cases.
Our team 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 honors reflect years of concentration on family law and significant courtroom experience. Our attorneys bring large firm backgrounds to the table, which helps us navigate complex financial questions, yet we maintain a boutique structure so clients receive personal attention throughout their case.
We often begin by exploring negotiation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution. Many families prefer to resolve matters through settlement or mediation to reduce conflict and preserve working relationships where possible. If settlement efforts do not fully protect your interests, we are prepared to present your case in court and advocate strongly for you. In every phase, we listen carefully to your goals and explain how the process works so you can participate in informed decisions.
Divorce & Separation in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, divorce involves legal steps that affect property, support, and sometimes the timing of your separation. We guide clients in Dresher and throughout Montgomery County through these steps from the first conversation, so they understand what to expect and how their choices today can affect the future.
Property division can be particularly stressful, especially if you have significant assets, a business, or complex retirement accounts. Pennsylvania follows an equitable distribution framework, which means that marital property is divided in a way the court finds fair, not always strictly equal. Our attorneys regularly handle high asset divorces and complex property division, and we work to identify, value, and address all relevant assets carefully.
Support is another central concern. Spousal support or alimony, when appropriate, depends on many factors, including incomes, earning capacities, and the length of the marriage. Child support is generally guided by Pennsylvania’s support guidelines, but the details can still be confusing. We explain how these rules apply to your situation and help you plan for the financial realities of maintaining two households.
If you are thinking about divorce, it can be useful to:
- Gather basic financial information, such as recent tax returns and account statements.
- Think about your primary goals, such as staying in the home or preserving a business.
- Consider how different outcomes might affect your children’s routines.
- Write down questions about the legal process so we can address them clearly.
We discuss these topics with you in detail, then work with you to decide whether a negotiated agreement, mediation, or litigation is the best next step. Throughout, we explain the likely stages in a Pennsylvania divorce case and how hearings in the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas may fit into your timeline.
Child Custody & Parenting Arrangements
Pennsylvania custody law distinguishes between legal custody, which involves decision making authority, and physical custody, which concerns where the child lives and when. Courts in the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas generally focus on the best interests of the child, looking at many factors that relate to safety, stability, and the child’s relationships with each parent. We help you understand these factors and how your daily life fits into them.
Our attorneys work with parents on a wide range of custody matters, from creating initial parenting schedules to modifying existing orders when life changes. We also represent grandparents and other relatives in third party custody cases when they have legal standing and are seeking a formal role in a child’s life. In each situation, we discuss practical options for parenting time, communication, and decision making that reflect your children’s needs and your family’s unique circumstances.
Whenever possible, we encourage parents to consider negotiated parenting plans that reduce conflict and support healthy co parenting. At the same time, we recognize that not every case can be resolved calmly, especially where there are concerns about safety, substance use, or historic patterns of control. In those matters, we prepare thoroughly for hearings and trials, working to present your position clearly and respectfully to the court.
Working With Our Dresher Clients
During an initial consultation, we listen carefully to your story and ask questions that help us understand your goals. We then outline potential paths forward, such as pursuing a negotiated agreement, considering mediation, or preparing for litigation in the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas. Our aim is to give you a realistic sense of what each path may involve, rather than pushing you in a particular direction.
Before you meet with our team, you may find it helpful to:
- Write a short timeline of key events in your relationship or custody situation.
- Collect any existing court orders, agreements, or prior legal documents.
- Note your top concerns and what a good outcome would look like for you.
- Bring basic financial information if your matter involves support or property.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need a family law attorney?
If your decisions about separation, divorce, or custody could have lasting legal or financial effects, it is usually wise to talk with a family law attorney. We can help you understand your rights, clarify your options, and avoid agreements that may be difficult or costly to change later.
How will you approach my custody concerns?
We start by learning about your children, their routines, and your primary concerns. Then we explain how Pennsylvania custody law and local court practices apply to your circumstances. From there, we work with you on a plan that may involve negotiation, mediation, or litigation if needed.
Can your firm handle a high asset divorce?
Our firm regularly works with clients who have significant assets, business interests, or complex retirement portfolios. We draw on our large firm background to address valuation and division issues, while maintaining close communication so you understand how different property division options may affect your financial future.
Talk With Our Family Law Team
Family law issues affect your home, your children, and your financial stability. You do not have to navigate these decisions on your own. When you contact Shemtob Draganosky Taylor Stein, PC, you connect with a team that focuses solely on divorce and family law and that understands the courts serving Dresher and Montgomery County.
If you are ready to talk about your Dresher family law case, reach out for a confidential conversation about your family law concerns. Call (215) 544-3974 to speak with our team.
Our Areas of Practice
Dedicated to the Success of Our Clients
- Abuse | Restraining Orders | PFAs
- ADR| Arbitration | Mediation | Collaborative Law
- Alimony
- Appeals
- Business Valuation In Divorce
- Child Custody And Visitation
- Child Support
- Divorce
- Equitable Distribution Property
- Grandparent Visitation Custody
- High Asset Divorce
- Post Divorce Issues
- Prenuptial Agreements
- Property Settlement Agreements
- Relocation
- Retirement Benefits In Divorce
- Same Sex Marriage
- Separation Agreements
Meet the Team
Reputable & Trusted Family Law Attorneys
Vigorously Representing Clients to Achieve Their Goals
Former Clients Say It Best
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"Highly experienced, client-focused and efficient service"
I appreciated David Draganosky’s informed guidance and willingness to move forward diligently, which set the stage for a favorable resolution. Your firm’s reputation for highly experienced, client-focused and efficient service is well-deserved.
- Former Client -
I was wary about my rights as a father with my children and concerned about having enough time with them during the week and for holidays and breaks from school. Your help in hammering out a very detailed and fair custody agreement was appreciated more tha- Former Client
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Lori Shemtob and her associates were the perfect choice. Lori has the perfect demeanor to defuse any volatile situation.- Former Client
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Cynthia’s practical knowledge of negotiation and the law helped me in a tense situation where my ex-husband did not want me to take the kids with me and then refused to pay any support.- Former Client
Our FAQ
Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 215-544-3974 today!
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Are Prenuptial Agreements Enforceable in Montgomery County?
Prenuptial agreements are legally binding in Montgomery County, provided they meet necessary legal standards and are executed voluntarily by both parties. These agreements can specify how assets will be divided and any alimony obligations, providing clarity and protection for both spouses in the event of a divorce. It is crucial to ensure that the prenuptial agreement is comprehensive and fair, without coercion or fraudulent actions, and accompanied by full financial disclosure from both parties. Our team at Shemtob Draganosky Taylor Stein, PC can provide thorough preparation and review of prenuptial agreements to safeguard your interests and uphold their efficacy in judicial proceedings.
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Why Choose Collaborative Divorce?
Collaborative divorce offers a respectful, non-adversarial alternative to traditional litigation in Montgomery County. This approach focuses on mutual respect and cooperation, allowing both parties to discuss their needs and work together toward a fair settlement. By involving professional financial advisers, child specialists, and communication coaches, collaborative divorce can address complex issues efficiently and preserve relationships, which is particularly important when children are involved. Our attorneys have experienced considerable success with collaborative divorce, supporting clients in achieving more personalized and amicable outcomes. If you seek a constructive legal process, collaborative divorce might be the optimal choice for your family.
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What Are the Implications of Property Division in Divorce?
During a divorce in Montgomery County, property division is governed by equitable distribution laws, which focus on fair rather than equal division. This involves assessing various factors, including the length of the marriage, each spouse's financial situation, and contributions—both economic and non-economic—to the marriage. Our attorneys at Shemtob Draganosky Taylor Stein, PC, work diligently to protect your interests and ensure you receive a fair division of marital assets. Understanding how these rules apply to your circumstances can significantly impact financial stability post-divorce, making it vital to have knowledgeable legal assistance to navigate this complex aspect effectively.
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How Does Montgomery County Handle Child Custody?
Child custody decisions in Montgomery County are centered around the best interests of the child, considering factors such as the child's physical, emotional, and mental well-being. The court evaluates the ability of each parent to provide a stable and nurturing environment, the child's preference, and the level of conflict between parents, among other elements. Joint custody is often favored, allowing both parents to participate actively in the child's life unless circumstances dictate otherwise. Legal counsel can assist in crafting a custody agreement that honors the court’s standards while addressing your family’s unique needs. Understanding these considerations ensures a smoother legal process and contributes to a more amicable co-parenting relationship.
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What Is the Difference Between Legal Separation & Divorce?
Legal separation and divorce are two distinct processes with different legal outcomes. In Montgomery County, a legal separation allows couples to live apart and make arrangements regarding child custody and financial responsibilities without formally ending the marriage. This option can be beneficial for couples who may still hold religious, financial, or personal reasons for maintaining their marriage status. Conversely, a divorce legally dissolves the marriage and resolves all related issues, including property division, alimony, and child custody. It is essential to understand which option aligns best with your circumstances, and consulting with a family law attorney in Montgomery County can help clarify the best path forward for you and your family.
