- DivorceNegotiating an out-of-court settlement or using divorce mediation as a tool can help you avoid the emotional turmoil and financial expense of a trial. However, if a settlement agreement cannot be reached, our divorce attorneys will zealously litigate the matter in court and fight to ensure you receive a fair settlement.
- Child SupportParents have a legal obligation to financially support their children. At Perna & Abracht, LLC, we take that obligation very seriously. Our child support lawyers can assist you with reaching a fair support agreement, work to ensure that court-issued child support orders are appropriately enforced or modified (increased or decreased) when justified, and help you with any other child support or custody issues that may arise.
- Child Custody and VisitationOur team at Perna & Abracht, LLC handles all aspects of child custody. We believe that protecting children’s interests is of the utmost importance, and work to ensure that the safety and well-being of your children is a priority, regardless of the issues you may be facing. Our child custody lawyers in Delaware County, PA can assist you with negotiating an initial parenting plan, help you amend an existing custody agreement, and act as your staunch advocate. Our attorneys are some of the best divorce lawyers serving clients in Delaware County, PA and handle all types of family law matters. In addition to helping clients navigate custody issues, we can assist you with...
- Paternity
- Premarital Agreement
- Spousal SupportPennsylvania is an equitable distribution state, but this does not mean that assets are always split 50/50. A judge may decide to award a larger share of a marital estate to a spouse who has been a victim of domestic violence, especially if the abuser’s behavior had an impact on the couple’s finances. For example, if an abuser’s actions prevented their spouse from holding a job, the victim may be awarded a larger portion of marital assets. Domestic abuse may also be a factor when determining alimony amounts, particularly if an abused spouse was financially dependent on the other or the abuser caused them financial harm. A spousal support attorney can determine what you may be entitled to and work to ensure you receive a fair settlement and alimony, if applicable.
- Legal SeparationNo. There is no legal separation in Pennsylvania. However, the date of your separation is relevant to your divorce filing and the distribution of marital assets. Even if you are still living in the same home, you may claim you were separated from the time you discussed the dissolution of your marriage.
- Criminal DefenseEven minor criminal charges can leave you and your family stressed, overwhelmed, and anxious. Having a criminal defense attorney as your staunch advocate can take some of the weight off your shoulders. Attorney Ryan Borchik, who leads our criminal defense team, is a former prosecutor who utilizes his unique perspective and prosecutorial experience to advocate for clients facing criminal charges.
- DUI/DWIIf you’re facing DUI charges, you may feel overwhelmed and anxious about what comes next. Our experienced DUI attorneys understand the impact a DUI can have on your reputation, livelihood, and your family. We are dedicated to providing exceptional legal representation, helping you understand your rights, and handling your case with compassion.
- Wrongful DeathIf you’ve lost a loved one in a fatal motor vehicle accident, you may be able to bring a wrongful death claim against any responsible parties. Our auto accident attorneys can evaluate your case and determine whether this type of claim may be appropriate.
- Traffic ViolationsFor example, if you are involved in a car accident that was caused by someone who was not driving recklessly or being intentionally aggressive, you may be entitled to compensatory damages for your injuries and losses, but you would not be able to sue for punitive damages. However, if another motorist caused an accident while speeding excessively, driving drunk, or texting and driving, he/she may be liable for punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages.
- Sex CrimesWhen you are a victim of sexual assault, the experience can have a devastating impact on all aspects of your life. Having an experienced sex crimes attorney by your side is critical to achieving justice and protecting your rights. Our sexual assault lawyers at Perna & Abracht, LLC listen to your story, investigate the facts of your case and provide the compassionate support you need to get through challenging times.
- RobberySuccessfully prosecuted nearly every type of criminal case that can be brought by the Commonwealth, including First Degree murder, rape, robbery, burglary, aggravated assault, simple assault, child pornography, drug distribution, drug delivery resulting in death, large-scale theft, forgery, identity theft, and all DUI and traffic offenses
- Burglary
- White Collar Crimes
- Theft
- MisdemeanorsPenalties for domestic abuse charges can be severe. It is important to hire a seasoned DV defense lawyer who has experience negotiating with prosecutors and developing defenses that may help get charges reduced or dismissed. Although some charges associated with domestic violence are misdemeanors, felony charges can result in hefty fines and significant prison time.
- Drug CrimesConducted multiple grand jury investigations involving homicides, drug trafficking organizations, and complex and high-dollar-value thefts, and worked closely with victims, witnesses, and family members to guide them through a very difficult time and give them a voice
- AssaultMisdemeanor offenses are typically less serious than felonies. Pennsylvania law also classifies crimes by degree based on the nature of the crime and harm caused to others. First-degree crimes are the most serious. Some examples of first-degree misdemeanors include multiple DUIs, simple assault, and stalking. First-degree felonies include murder, kidnapping, rape, and other serious crimes. Summary offenses are the most minor types of crimes and include low-level retail theft, loitering, and disorderly conduct.
- MurderSelf-defense – This defense is usually employed when someone has been charged with assault, battery, manslaughter, or murder. Defendants may claim self-defense when they injured or killed someone to protect themselves against potential violence perpetrated by the victim.
- Juvenile Crimes
- Identity Theft
- HomicideIn Pennsylvania, charges like assault, domestic violence, and homicide can come with serious repercussions that affect you for the rest of your...
- Restraining OrderAn initial Protection from Abuse order is temporary. Where the petition is filed depends on the jurisdiction. To file for an emergency PFA after business hours, you should call your local police department to find out which District Justice is on call. If you need assistance with filing a petition for a PFA, our responsive restraining order attorneys can help to ensure you file with the proper court in a timely manner.
- ForgeryA Will also may be contested after it is admitted to probate. This type of challenge is litigated in the Orphans’ Court. You must show you have cause to contest a Will. Undue influence, lack of testamentary capacity, fraud, and forgery are common reasons someone may decide to challenge a Will. These cases are complex and winning can seem like an uphill battle. Our probate litigation lawyers can negotiate on your behalf and handle all aspects of your case to help you resolve any issues related to the validity of a Will.
- Kidnapping
- Manslaughter
- Prostitution
- Extortion
- Hit and RunIf the driver who caused an accident doesn’t have insurance, there may be other options for recovering compensation such as the uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage on your own auto insurance policy. UM/UIM coverage also applies if you are involved in an accident with a hit and run driver who can’t be identified. Our auto accident lawyers can assess your case and help you pursue all possible sources of compensation.
- Corporate LawOur attorneys can assist a business with every aspect of complying with Pennsylvania corporate and partnership law in order to conduct its business lawfully in Pennsylvania, and in order to insulate to the fullest extent possible the business owners and executives from personal liability relative to the conduct of the business. Our firm counsels individuals regarding which type of legal entity (corporation, limited liability company, limited liability partnership, etc.) best meets their business and personal needs, performs all corporate formation activities, and drafts and reviews all organizational documents including articles of incorporation, bylaws, shareholder agreements, operating agreements, partnership agreements, and stock restriction agreements.
- Business Disputes
- Workers Compensation
- Employment DiscriminationWe counsel and advise employers to ensure their compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local employment and labor laws such as Title VII (and the Pennsylvania equivalent), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA). Additionally, our attorneys help employers and employees negotiate the beginning of an employment relationship, a change of duties (promotion or demotion), a change in employment benefits, extended job leaves (voluntary and involuntary), and the end of the employment relationship whether by retirement, layoff, or termination for cause.
- Employment ContractIn assisting our clients with their ongoing business needs, our firm routinely negotiates, drafts and/or reviews a wide array of business documents, including commercial contracts, change orders, purchase orders, general and special warranties, partnership reorganization agreements, business loan instruments, commercial leases, and employment contracts. All of these documents are prepared by our firm with a view toward our clients’ particularized needs, risk tolerance, objectives and financial constraints.
- Severance Agreement
- Real Estate LitigationOur firm has handled almost every type of litigation relative to real property, including but not limited to...
- Premises LiabilityPersonal injury law – At Perna & Abracht, LLC, we handle all types of personal injury cases, including those involving medical malpractice, motor vehicle collisions, premises liability claims and workplace accidents.
- Landlord-Tenant DisputesWe represent both landlords and tenants (not in the same case) in commercial and residential leases of varying degrees of complexity, ranging from simple apartment leases to complex commercial office/retail leases. If requested, we assist with the negotiation and drafting of such documents so as to minimize the potential for later disputes, and in leases where disputes have already arisen, we attempt to negotiate a satisfactory resolution prior to proceeding to litigation. Whether drafting a lease or litigating a landlord-tenant dispute, our firm remains cognizant of our client’s rights and responsibilities under all applicable landlord-tenant laws.
- Property DamageThere are two general types of damages—economic and non-economic damages. Determining a dollar amount for economic damages is fairly straightforward—economic damages typically include past and future medical expenses, past and future loss of income, and property damage.
- Personal InjuryWhether you’re hurt in a car crash or slip and fall accident, being injured due to no fault of your own can turn your life upside down. At Perna & Abracht, LLC our personal injury attorneys can help you understand your rights and advise you of the best course of action to recover the compensation you need and deserve. Our attorneys have successfully handled hundreds of personal injury cases. We are here to guide every step of the way and make things right for you and your family.
- Medical MalpracticeOur lawyers are highly experienced in handling medical malpractice cases. Healthcare providers and facilities have an obligation to look out for the health and well-being of the patients in their care. When they fail to do this, the results can be devastating. Our attorneys are some of the best medical malpractice lawyers in Pennsylvania. We care about our clients and their families and fight aggressively to protect their rights and interests.
- Auto Accidents
- Dog BitesThese types of accidents fall under the legal umbrella of premises liability. Property owners and businesses have a legal obligation to keep their premises safe and may be liable for any injuries that occur due to their negligence. Dangerous conditions such as snow and ice, wet floors, loose rugs and carpets, and inadequate maintenance can all contribute to someone falling and being injured. Dog bites, swimming pool accidents, and poor security leading to assault or injury are also considered premises liability cases. Our slip-and-fall lawyers are well versed in handling such cases and achieving the best possible outcome for you.
- Slip and Fall Injury
- Estate PlanningProbate is the legal process used to administer and settle an estate in Pennsylvania. Knowing how the probate process works is vital if you are the executor of a will or a relative of someone who has passed away without a will. If you are creating an estate plan, an estate planning attorney can help you understand the basics of probate and help you craft a plan that meets your needs and protects your loved ones’ interests.
- WillsProbate is the legal process that is used to ensure that a deceased person’s debts and taxes are paid, and that assets are distributed according to their Last Will and Testament. At Perna & Abracht, LLC, our experienced probate lawyers guide you through the probate administration process every step of the way, which can make a difficult time easier for you and your family.
- TrustsRevocable and Irrevocable Trusts allow some assets to be transferred outside of probate and remain private, which can save time, money and potential conflict between family members. Different types of trusts serve different purposes. Our family estate planning attorneys advise you on the best way to use trusts to reduce tax debt, maximize and protect your assets, and ensure that they are passed-on in accordance with your wishes.
- Power of AttorneyA Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care, commonly referred to as a Health Care Directive, lets you name an agent who will make decisions about your medical care if you can no longer speak for yourself. This document also gives you the opportunity to set guidelines that will guide your agent’s decision-making.
- ProbateOur probate law firm is committed to making the probate process as easy and stress-free as possible for you and your family. Contact us here or call us at 610-708-1970 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Chester County estate planning attorneys at Perna & Abracht, LLC.
- Bankruptcy