My husband and I have joint legal custody and joint physical custody of our three children. We both live in Montgomery County. The children go to private school. Can I move without getting a court order?
Answer:
Same-Sex Divorce
Same Sex Divorce Attorney in Montgomery County
Supportive Counsel For Same-Sex Spouses
Ending a marriage is difficult for anyone, and for same-sex spouses in Montgomery County it can carry added layers of stress, uncertainty, and concern about being treated fairly. You may be worried about your children, your home, and how years of shared life will be untangled in a respectful way. You might also be wondering whether the court system will fully understand your family.
At Shemtob Draganosky Taylor Stein, PC, we focus exclusively on divorce and family law, and we work with clients across this area who are part of the LGBTQ+ community. Our attorneys provide a supportive environment where you can talk openly about your relationship, your goals, and your worries without judgment. We listen first, then explain practical legal options so you can make informed decisions about your future.
If you are searching for a same sex divorce attorney Montgomery County who will take your story seriously and guide you carefully through each step, we are here to help. You can reach our team at (215) 544-3974 to schedule a confidential consultation.
Meet the Team
Reputable & Trusted Family Law Attorneys
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!
-
I have to pay my ex-wife alimony for four more years. She is living with her boyfriend. Can I stop the alimony?It depends on what your property settlement says. If you have a property settlement agreement that is silent on whether or not alimony terminates upon remarriage or cohabitation, then it may not. Usually, the property settlement agreement will address that and say if it’s modifiable or if it terminates upon remarriage or cohabitation. If you did not reach a property settlement agreement, but instead went to court, and a court issued an order requiring you to pay alimony, then it is modifiable and you can petition to end the alimony as a result of the cohabitation.
-
Can I move without a court order if we have joint custody and both live in Montgomery County?
Scenario:
The question really is if it will interfere with his ability to have his custody. In other words, if the children are continuing in their same private school and the drive back and forth to school and to his house doesn’t change his ability to have custody, then you likely do not need court permission. However, if the distance between your new house and your old house would significantly impact his ability to spend his time with the children, then it may be considered a relocation. This is unlikely but is certainly something to consider.
-
My ex keeps taking me to court over minor parenting issues. Is there a way to stop the legal costs from adding up?
Scenario:
The father of my children and I can’t agree on anything. We can’t agree on the color of the sky. He has brought me back to court at least five times on minor issues, such as whether or not our daughter's “Blankey“ should go back-and-forth between households and whether or not I need to send diapers to his house. Is there anything I can do to stop the financial bleeding in this case?
Answer:
Pennsylvania has just recently reinstated parenting coordination. It became effective on March 1, 2019. You can request that the court assign a parenting coordinator to address these kinds of issues. They will make decisions quickly, and it is much more cost-effective. A parenting coordinator has to be an attorney who has practiced family law for at least five years or a psychologist with a minimum of a master’s degree. In addition, either the psychologist or the attorney has to have significant training in parenting coordination.
Vigorously Representing Clients to Achieve Their Goals
Former Clients Say It Best
-
"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
-
Lori Shemtob and her associates were the perfect choice. Lori has the perfect demeanor to defuse any volatile situation.- Former Client
-
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
How We Guide You Through The Process
When you first contact our firm, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure where to begin. Part of our role is to bring structure to a situation that can feel chaotic. We start by learning about your relationship, your children, your finances, and what you hope life will look like after the divorce. Then we walk you through a clear path forward.
During an initial consultation, we ask questions about how long you have been together, how property is titled, how you have handled parenting so far, and whether there are urgent issues that need immediate attention. We also invite you to share your concerns, such as worries about housing, schedules for the children, or temporary support. Based on that conversation, we discuss the legal options available in Pennsylvania and how they might apply to your situation.
In many cases, the next step involves filing for divorce in the appropriate court, then exchanging information about income, assets, debts, and daily expenses. We help you assemble needed documents and prepare financial disclosures, while also identifying questions that may require further investigation. Throughout this stage, we are available to explain what each document means and why it matters.
Our attorneys work to resolve most issues through negotiation, whether in written proposals, settlement conferences, or mediation. This approach can help reduce conflict and allow you and your spouse to retain more control over the outcome. We work with you to prioritize what matters most, such as maintaining stability for your children or preserving key assets, and we use that framework to evaluate possible settlement terms.
If negotiations do not lead to a fair agreement, we are prepared to present your case to a judge. Court proceedings in family law often unfold through a series of conferences and hearings rather than a single trial. We explain each step ahead of time, prepare you for what to expect, and advocate for your interests regarding custody schedules, child support, spousal support, and property division.
As you consider contacting us, these steps can be helpful:
- Gather recent financial statements, tax returns, and records of major assets or debts
- Think about your preferred parenting schedule and important routines for your children
- Make a list of questions you want to ask during a consultation
- Consider your short-term needs for housing, income, and health insurance
- Reflect on your long-term goals so we can align legal strategy with your priorities
Throughout the process, our focus is on clear communication and respectful representation. We aim to keep you informed, answer your questions in plain language, and adjust our approach as your needs and circumstances evolve.
Same Sex Divorce In Montgomery County Courts
Most divorces for residents of this area are handled in the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas. Knowing that your attorney regularly appears in this court can give you added confidence that they understand local procedures and expectations. At Shemtob Draganosky Taylor Stein, PC, we routinely represent clients in divorce and custody matters in this courthouse.
When a case is filed here, the court generally schedules a series of steps that may include conferences aimed at settlement and, if necessary, hearings on disputed issues. The precise path varies based on the complexity of the case, the level of agreement between spouses, and the court’s schedule. We explain the likely sequence for your matter so that you are not surprised by notices or deadlines.
Our familiarity with practice in the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas helps us prepare you for what will happen at each stage. We talk with you about what to wear, how long you might be there, and what topics are typically addressed in different types of conferences. Our goal is to reduce the anxiety that often comes with walking into a courthouse by yourself.
At the same time, many important discussions take place outside of formal hearings. We often work with opposing counsel to explore settlement options before or between court dates. This can give you more flexibility to shape outcomes that fit your family’s needs rather than leaving every decision in the hands of a judge. When you choose a same sex divorce attorney Montgomery County who knows the local system, you benefit from that practical experience at each step of the process.
Talk With Our Team About Your Next Steps
Facing the possibility of divorce can feel isolating, especially when you are concerned about how your identity, your history, and your children will be understood. You do not have to navigate these questions alone. Our attorneys are here to listen carefully, explain your options, and work with you to build a plan that makes sense for your life.
When you contact Shemtob Draganosky Taylor Stein, PC, you reach a firm that focuses on divorce and family law and that is committed to providing thoughtful, respectful representation for same-sex spouses in this area. We bring large firm experience, strong courtroom skills, and a collaborative mindset to every case. Our goal is to help you move through this process with clarity and dignity.
To discuss your situation confidentially with a same sex divorce lawyer Montgomery County and learn how we can assist you, please call us today at (215) 544-3974.
