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A complete map of pghdivorce.com — organized by topic and grouped to mirror how Pittsburgh family law matters unfold in practice. Use this directory to find a specific page, browse practice areas, or jump to the free Pennsylvania family law tools.
This page is maintained as a complete reference for visitors and search engines. Older posts in the firm blog remain available but are not the focus of current site emphasis.
Free Pennsylvania Family Law Tools
Ten Interactive Tools, Built In-House
Pennsylvania-specific calculators, worksheets, and decision guides. No email, no sign-up. Everything runs in your browser; no data is transmitted.
- All Free Tools & Worksheets — The full tools hub — every calculator, worksheet, and guide in one place.
- Divorce Cost Calculator — Estimate the realistic range based on case complexity, hourly rate, and required experts.
- Date of Separation Calculator — Find your earliest filing date for a no-fault divorce under 23 Pa.C.S. §3301(d).
- Divorce Preparation Checklist — Eighty-five items across six phases. Progress saves to your device.
- Separation vs. Divorce Decision Guide — Twelve weighted questions to clarify the better path right now.
- Equitable Distribution Worksheet — Inventory marital assets and debts in plain language.
- Spousal Support & APL Estimator — Run Pennsylvania’s support formula on your numbers.
- Child Support Calculator — Pennsylvania income-shares guidelines, applied to your numbers.
- Custody Schedule Visualizer — See 50/50, 2-2-3, 2-2-5-5, and other schedules on a real calendar.
- Custody Planning Worksheet — Walk through Pennsylvania’s best-interest factors with attorney-built guidance.
- Parenting Plan Template — Build a plan that holds up as a stipulated order. Eleven sections, live preview.
The Firm
About the Practice
- About Attorney Scott L. Levine — Eighteen years of Allegheny County family law, exclusively.
- Why Clients Choose Us — What makes the practice different.
- Our Practice Differences — Posture, preparation, and approach.
- Substantive Writing — Published work and writing on Pennsylvania family law.
- Recognitions & Awards — Confirmed honors and ratings.
- Client Reviews — Verbatim client testimonials.
- Office: Bakery Square / East End — Location and access.
- Contact Us — Free initial phone consultation.
- Strategy Session — One-hour paid consultation for matters requiring deeper attorney time.
Divorce
Divorce in Pennsylvania & Allegheny County
- Divorce Overview — How divorce works in Pennsylvania.
- Divorce Process Guide — Step-by-step walk-through from filing through decree.
- Divorce Cost Guide — What divorce actually costs in Allegheny County.
- Uncontested Divorce — When consent and an MSA carry the case to decree.
- Uncontested Divorce, No Children — The simplest path under 23 Pa.C.S. §3301(c).
- High-Asset Divorce — Complex marital estates and business interests.
- Divorce for Pittsburgh Professionals — Doctors, attorneys, executives, and equity holders.
- Divorce Hearing Officers (DHO) — Conciliation and how DHO recommendations work.
- Separation — What separation means under Pennsylvania law.
- Date of Separation in Pennsylvania — The triggering date and why it matters.
- What Affects Divorce Outcomes — Factors that shape settlements and rulings.
- Same-Sex Divorce — Post-Obergefell considerations in PA.
- International Divorce — Cross-jurisdictional issues.
- Divorce & Immigration Status — Intersection with visas and residency.
- Bankruptcy & Divorce — Sequencing and creditor implications.
- Name Change — Restoring a prior name as part of divorce.
- Post-Divorce Planning — What to take care of after the decree.
- Divorce with Children — The marital estate, custody, and support resolved together.
- Allegheny County Divorce Procedures — Local filing and hearing mechanics.
- What to Expect in Court — What a day in Family Division looks like.
- Prenuptial Agreements — Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements.
Property, Assets & Settlement
Equitable Distribution and Marital Settlement
- Equitable Distribution — How Pennsylvania divides the marital estate under 23 Pa.C.S. §3501.
- Equitable Distribution Hearing — What happens at the ED hearing.
- Marital Settlement Agreements — The MSA as the controlling instrument of resolution.
- MSA Review Before Signing — Reviewing an opposing-party draft before you commit.
- Prenuptial Agreements — Drafting, reviewing, and challenging prenups.
- Protecting Assets — Lawful steps to preserve what's separate.
- Retirement Accounts — QDROs, 401(k)s, pensions, and IRAs in divorce.
- Dividing a Business — Valuation and buy-out structures.
- Debt in Divorce — Marital vs. non-marital debt allocation.
- The Marital Home & Support — Possession, payment, and disposition.
- Do I Have to Leave the Marital Home? — A common early question, answered.
- Bankruptcy & Divorce — When bankruptcy and divorce overlap.
Child Custody
Custody in Allegheny County
- Custody Overview — Pennsylvania custody framework and types of custody.
- Custody Process Guide — How a custody case proceeds from filing through trial.
- PA Custody Laws 2026 — 12-factor (Act 11 of 2025) and 16-factor (prior law) frameworks.
- Custody Conciliation — What to expect at the conciliation.
- Custody Modification Standards — The substantial-change standard.
- Emergency Custody — Special relief and immediate intervention.
- Relocation — The 23 Pa.C.S. §5337 notice-and-objection process.
- Grandparent Custody — Standing and best-interest standards.
- Paternity — Acknowledgment, contest, and parentage actions.
- Moving Out & Custody — How leaving the home affects a custody posture.
- Strategic Filing in Custody — Filing-order considerations.
- Kayden’s Law in Allegheny County — The risk-assessment factors.
- Allegheny County Custody Procedures — Local custody procedure.
- Generations Program — The Generations program.
Support & Alimony
Spousal Support, Alimony, and Child Support
- Spousal Support & Alimony — APL, spousal support, and post-divorce alimony.
- Child Support — Pennsylvania's income-shares model.
- Complex & High-Income Support — Cases above the guidelines.
- Support Modifications — When and how orders can be changed.
- Support Modification Procedure — The procedural mechanics.
- Support Enforcement — Arrears, contempt, and collection.
- Support Conference — The Domestic Relations Section conference.
- How Long Alimony Lasts — Duration considerations.
- Is Alimony Taxable? — Post-TCJA federal and PA treatment.
- Child Support Guidelines 2026 — The 2026 guideline figures.
- Support Calculator — The free calculator.
- Support Financial Strategy — Support and financial planning.
Protection from Abuse
PFA Defense, PFA Plaintiffs, and Safety
- Protection from Abuse in Allegheny County — Defense and plaintiff representation, final hearing within ten days.
- PFA Defense — Defending against a Protection from Abuse petition.
- PFA for Plaintiffs — Pursuing a PFA where it's needed.
- PFA Hearing Process — How the final hearing works.
- Temporary PFA Orders — The ex parte phase and what follows.
- Leaving an Abusive Marriage — Practical and legal considerations.
Mediation & Collaborative
Out-of-Court Resolution
- Out-of-Court Divorce Settlement — The negotiated alternative to mediation and collaborative divorce.
- Divorce Mediation — Mediated resolution as an alternative to litigation.
- Collaborative Law — The structured collaborative process.
Allegheny County Procedure
Local Court Practice
- Allegheny County Divorce Procedures — Local rules, filing, and the Family Law Center.
- Allegheny County Custody Procedures — From conciliation through trial.
- Generations Program — The court-mandated parent-education program.
- What to Expect in Court — Practical orientation for first-time litigants.
Information Center & FAQ
Resources and Frequently Asked Questions
- Information Center — Complete reference: tools, guides, statutes, court resources, and external organizations.
- Family Law FAQs — Common questions answered.
- Do I Need a Lawyer? — When self-representation is realistic and when it is not.
- Does Cheating Affect Divorce? — Fault grounds and equitable distribution.
- What Does Child Support Cover? — The scope of child support.
- Ex Will not Follow the Order? — Contempt and enforcement options.
- Can My Spouse Take the Kids? — What custody rights look like before an order.
Pittsburgh Family Law Blog
Articles & Commentary
Current articles on Pennsylvania family law and Allegheny County practice. Older posts (court updates, COVID-era procedures, prior fee schedules, and historic award announcements) remain accessible in the blog index but are not the focus of current site emphasis.
→ Visit the full blog index (95+ articles)
Divorce
- Does the Length of the Marriage Matter in a Pennsylvania Divorce?
- What Is a Divorce Hearing Officer in Allegheny County?
Property & Settlement
- The Negotiated Divorce: A Settlement Built to Last, Without a Mediator or a Participation Agreement
- Should You Sign That MSA? What to Check Before You Do
- How a Business Is Valued in a Pennsylvania Divorce, and Why It Is Done Before Anyone Files
- Equity Compensation in Divorce: RSUs, Stock Options, and Deferred Comp
- Dividing a Business or Professional Practice in a Pennsylvania Divorce
- Postnuptial Agreements in Pennsylvania: Are They Enforceable?
- How Equitable Distribution Works in Pennsylvania
Custody
- Who Can File for Custody in Pennsylvania?
- Grandparent Custody and Visitation Rights in Pennsylvania
- How to File for Custody in Allegheny County: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Kayden's Law: What Pittsburgh Parents Need to Know
- The 120-Day Deadline in Allegheny County Custody Cases
- What to Expect at Your First Custody Conciliation in Allegheny County
- Custody Modifications in Pittsburgh: When Can You Change an Order?
Support
- How Much Is Child Support in Pennsylvania?
- How Spousal Support, APL, and Alimony Work in Pennsylvania
- Why the Higher-Earning Parent Should Not Automatically Claim the Children Every Year
Protection from Abuse
- How Long a PFA Lasts in Pennsylvania, and the Five Ways It Ends
- Do I Need a Lawyer for a PFA Hearing?
- Can a PFA Be Negotiated?
- How to Find the Best PFA Lawyer in Pittsburgh
- What to Do If You Are Served With a Temporary PFA in Allegheny County
- PFA Defense Strategy: How to Prepare for Your Final Hearing in Pittsburgh
Allegheny County Practice
Choosing & Hiring an Attorney
- How to Choose the Best Divorce Lawyer in Pittsburgh
- What Questions Should I Ask Before Hiring a Pittsburgh Divorce Attorney?
- How to Find the Best Custody Lawyer in Pittsburgh
Recognition
- National Association of Distinguished Counsel: Top 1%, 2026
- The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 Pennsylvania, 2026
Archive: Court Notices and Older Posts
- new-2026-pennsylvania-child-support-guidelines-updates-to-rule-1910-16-3.html
- pennsylvania-child-support-guidelines-comparison-new-2026-guideline.html
- 2026-new-fees-on-all-initial-custody-filings-in-allegheny-county-pa.html
- pennsylvania-enacts-new-protections-for-military-parents-in-custody-cases.html
- pennsylvania-streamlines-child-custody-factors-what-you-need-to-know-for-2026-custody.html
- pittsburgh-seeking-a-family-law-attorney-near-me.html
- pa-child-support-rules-major-updates-for-2026.html
- new-2025-changes-to-pa-child-custody-factors.html
- cost-of-divorce-in-pittsburgh-complete-financial-guide-2025.html
- pittsburgh-divorce-process-complete-guide.html
- pennsylvania-child-custody-laws-2025-complete-guide-for-pittsburgh-parents.html
- kaydens-law-update-and-practice-tips.html
- glover-v-junior-intent-based-parentage.html
- spring-clean-up-refreshing-family-law-cases.html
- the-national-association-of-distinguished-counsel-scott-l-levine-esquire.html
- afsp-out-of-the-darkness-university-of-pittsburgh-campus-walk.html
- our-pittsburgh-pa-family-law-difference-chat-for-free-before-theres-a-fee.html
- allegheny-county-family-division-latest-motions-calendars-and-updated-judges-operating-procedures-october-2022.html
- new-pa-child-support-guidelines-for-2022.html
- new-judges-assigned-to-family-division.html
- allegheny-county-court-update-dated-may-25-2021.html
- court-update-allegheny-county-april-26-2021.html
- allegheny-county-court-update-february-24-2021.html
- accessible-family-law-services-during-uncertain-times.html
- pfa-defense-intention-to-defend-pittsburgh-pa.html
- allegheny-county-judicial-emergency-extended-through-august-31-2020.html
- pennsylvania-supreme-court-issues-order-ending-statewide-judicial-emergency-as-of-june-1-2020.html
- allegheny-county-court-update-may-6-2020.html
- emergency-order-extended-through-june-1-2020.html
- allegheny-county-family-court-pro-se-custody-motion-faqs.html
- coronavirus-relief-act-how-it-can-help-pittsburgh-families.html
- allegheny-county-family-law-updates-march-25-2020-divorce-child-support-custody.html
- covid-19-child-support-issues-in-pa-on-line-support-filings-and-modification.html
- updated-emergency-order-for-allegheny-county-court-of-common-pleas-effective-march-24-2020-april-14-2020.html
- covid-19-resources-for-parents-and-divorcing-couples.html
- updated-covid-19-allegheny-county-family-division-court-procedures.html
- pa-coronavirus-questions.html
- pennsylvania-supreme-court-closes-courts-to-the-public-statewide.html
- allegheny-county-family-court-covid-19-emergency-order.html
- new-normal-same-options-free-info-and-phone-meetings.html
- protection-from-abuse-changes-to-pa-law.html
- pa-supreme-court-major-changes-for-pennsylvania-child-support-spousal-support-and-apl-effective-january-1-2019.html
- parent-coordinators-in-pa-returning-march-2019.html
- high-income-child-support.html
- pa-collaborative-law-act-signed-by-governor.html
- pa-supreme-court-new-decision-about-high-income-child-support.html
- stop-the-stigma-lets-talk-about-suicide.html
- pa-governor-wolf-signs-sb-844-on-may-4-2018-new-changes-coming-soon-to-pennsylvania-custody-law.html
- big-news-for-custody-in-pa-re-standing-for-custody-and-grandparent-custody.html
- attorney-levine-recognized-by-noticed-co-formerly-expert-network.html
- pennsylvania-child-support-changes-may-2017.html
- scott-l-levine-has-been-nominated-and-accepted-as-three-years-aioflas-10-best-in-pennsylvania-for-client-satisfaction.html
- waiting-period-for-contested-divorces-in-pa-reduced-to-one-year-effective-december-4-2016.html
- pa-divorce-law-update-waiting-period-for-contested-divorces.html
- pa-supreme-court-issues-decision-on-grandparent-custody-case.html
- pennsylvania-divorce-waiting-period-on-track-to-be-reduced-to-one-year.html
- collaborative-law-mediation-practice-more-options-for-pittsburgh-divorce-and-family-law.html
- latest-honors-for-attorney-levine-for-first-quarter-of-2016.html
- the-american-society-of-legal-advocates-names-scott-l-levine-as-a-top-40-under-40-for-2016.html
- scott-l-levine-has-been-nominated-and-accepted-as-2015-aioflas-10-best-in-pennsylvania-for-client-satisfaction.html
- recent-recognition.html
- the-national-trial-lawyers-top-40-under-40-2015.html
- the-american-society-of-legal-advocates-names-scott-l-levine-as-a-top-40-under-40-for-2015.html
- allegheny-county-custody-update-generations-education.html
- allegheny-county-family-law-filing-fee-increase-august-2014.html
- national-academy-of-family-law-attorneys-names-scott-l-levine-top-10-attorney-under-the-age-of-40.html
- free-summer-camp-for-children-whove-lost-a-parent-circle-of-ekc.html
- conscious-uncoupling-gimmick-or-good-idea.html
- allegheny-county-family-law-march-2014-custody-filing-fee-increases.html
- family-division-self-help-center-now-open-in-pittsburgh.html
- allegheny-county-support-new-satellite-office-penn-hills.html
- allegheny-county-family-division-fee-increases-effective-january-2-2014.html
- the-american-society-of-legal-advocates-names-scott-l-levine-as-a-top-40-under-40-for-2014.html
- allegheny-county-new-custody-forms.html
- 2013-pa-child-support-guidelines-update.html
- domestic-violence-can-be-deadly-serious-protection-from-abuse-orders-can-help-keep-you-safe.html
- choosing-the-best-family-law-attorney-for-you.html
- facebook-and-social-media-in-family-law-cases.html
- allegheny-county-family-division-fee-increase.html
- pittsburgh-divorce-family-law-blog.html
Archive
Older posts on COVID-era court procedures, prior fee schedules, statutory updates from 2013–2022, and historic award announcements remain accessible from the blog index. They are kept for archival reference and are not promoted in current site navigation.
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