Separation Agreements in Montgomery County
Written Separation Terms Backed by More Than 100 Combined Years of Experience
Separating spouses often need clarity about finances, property, support, parenting, and living arrangements before deciding whether to divorce. Pennsylvania doesn’t recognize a formal legal separation status, but spouses can negotiate a written agreement that defines their rights and responsibilities while they remain married.
We help spouses evaluate proposed terms based on their income, assets, debts, children, and future plans. Our practice concentrates on divorce and family law, allowing us to approach each agreement in the context of the broader issues that may affect the family.
Speak with a separation agreement attorney serving Montgomery County before you sign or accept proposed terms. Call (215) 544-3974 to discuss your circumstances.
What Your Pennsylvania Separation Agreement Can Cover
A separation or property settlement agreement should reflect the couple’s actual circumstances rather than rely on a generic form. It can identify unresolved issues, assign obligations, and explain how specific terms may apply if the spouses later reconcile or divorce.
Depending on the parties’ needs, an agreement may address:
- Property and debts: Allocation of real estate, accounts, personal property, loans, credit cards, and other financial obligations.
- Spousal support: The amount, duration, conditions, and termination of privately negotiated support obligations.
- Children: Child custody, decision-making, child support, health insurance, and responsibility for other child-related expenses.
- Household expenses: Responsibility for mortgage or rent payments, utilities, insurance, taxes, and maintenance.
- Future events: Procedures for refinancing, property sales, reconciliation, divorce, or changes affecting the children.
Property classification and valuation require careful attention. Pennsylvania’s marital property rules may apply to assets acquired during the marriage and to certain increases in the value of nonmarital property. Those classifications can influence equitable distribution, the court-supervised division of marital property during divorce.
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
Boutique Family Law Counsel With Litigation Capacity
Our firm, Shemtob Draganosky Taylor Stein, PC, combines large-firm experience with the individual attention of a boutique divorce and family law practice. We pursue negotiated resolutions through alternative dispute resolution when appropriate and represent clients in contested proceedings when agreement isn’t possible.
Lori K. Shemtob is recognized as a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Under her leadership, our attorneys provide personalized counsel informed by each client’s priorities, family circumstances, and potential litigation needs.
Understand the Agreement Before You Sign
Before accepting proposed terms, bring us the draft agreement, a list of unresolved issues, and the financial information relevant to your separation. We can identify the rights and responsibilities at stake, assess how the language may operate, and prepare you to negotiate from an informed position.
Call (215) 544-3974 to speak with a separation agreement lawyer serving Montgomery County.
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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How long has same-sex marriage been legal in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has recognized same-sex marriages since May 2014 when a U.S. federal district court judge ruled that Pennsylvania’s 1996 statutory ban on the recognition of same-sex marriage was unconstitutional. Before then, Pennsylvania prohibited same-sex marriage and refused to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states. In June 2015 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Obergefell v. Hodges that all states must issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples and recognize same-sex marriages validly performed in other jurisdictions. This significant decision legalized same-sex marriage throughout the United States.
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What Should I Do Before Contacting Your Firm?It can help to gather key documents, such as basic financial records and any existing custody paperwork, and to think about your main concerns and goals. You do not need everything perfectly organized. Our role is to help you sort through information and identify next steps during the consultation.
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Are Same-Sex Divorces Treated Differently Under Pennsylvania Law?
Pennsylvania law applies the same divorce and custody standards to same-sex and different-sex spouses. That said, the history of your relationship and parentage can raise unique questions. We pay close attention to those details and advocate for fair treatment of your family within the existing legal framework.
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