Domestic Relations

Going through a divorce can be one of most trying and emotional times in a person’s life. However, it is important to not make rash decisions that will turn a bad situation into something worse. Pennsylvania is a no fault divorce state, but getting divorced is still a complicated process.  It’s often said that in divorce, the lawyers are the only ones who win.  Attorney David Secouler's goal is to break down this outdated assumption – David will guide you through divorce quickly and affordably, while ensuring that your rights are being protected. Unlike other attorneys’, who want to simply accumulate billable hours and litigate every little issue, David has personally been through this process – he knows the costs, financially and emotionally, it  takes on everyone involved.  David knows when to negotiate, when to strike a deal, and when to take your matter to a judge. Having gone toe-to-toe with partners from “big law”, David has the experience necessary to take your case from start to finish without you getting billed for every tenth (.1) of an hour he spends on your matter.   Don’t wait for your divorce to get out of hand, contact David today. 

There are also times when divorce is simply a matter of paper work for the parties involved – no assets to be divided, no children to be cared for. When you just need a marriage dissolved, without the hassle, David can provide an affordable and quick option. Sure, there are “DIY” divorce packets online, but unfortunately getting a divorce done right isn’t as easy as saying “I do”.  Very specific documents need to be filed with the court in a very specific order and time. Let David deal with the details! Contact David today! 

 Divorce/separations can be incredibly difficult on kids. At the end of the day, the child’s best interest is the standard for custody matters in Pennsylvania and a list of factors is what the court will consider when making custody determinations. While custody can be contentious, we can all set examples for our children, they are watching and absorbing more than we think. Custody is split in Pennsylvania law between legal custody (making big decisions regarding the child’s religion, education, healthcare) and physical custody, who the child is spending his/her time with. It is almost universally held that a child should spend as much time as possible with each parent, and both parents working amicably to co-parent will have lasting beneficial impacts. However, there are times where co-parenting is made impossible by the behavior or actions of one parent. While David will work with you towards obtaining an agreed upon parenting/custody plan with the child’s other parent, he is ready to achieve your custody goals through court intervention when necessary. 

Contact David today! 

Support obligations are a major factor in any divorce or custody action. Child support is also a legal obligation of parents even if the child was born out of wedlock and divorce/custody is not an issue.  Support is determined by a complex formula in Pennsylvania which takes into account the parties earnings or earning capacity, other sources of income, and number of children.  Child support also takes custodial time into consideration, or the amount of time each parent spends with the child(ren).  There is also a common misconception that if the parents share 50/50 custody, than no child support is necessary.  David will be able to guide you through the support process and will make sure that you understand what to expect with court involvement.  David can also provide the advise/counsel that you may need if a support action is filed against you or if you are facing a support enforcement action. 

Support obligations can also be modified if your situation has substantially changed.  The process requires court intervention, but with a skilled attorney by your side, support modifications are possible. 

Contact David with your Child or Spousal Support Questions! 

Prenuptial agreements are a great method for avoiding the litigation and unknown results that can come with divorce.  Of course, no one wants to talk about divorce before you even get married, but having a valid prenuptial agreement can protect both spouses in the event things don't go as planned. Prenuptial agreements can cover property, assets, and even spousal support / alimony.  Contact David today and find out how a prenuptial agreement may help you.