Family Lawyers in Pittsburgh, PA: How to Choose One
Updated 2026-10-06
Family legal problems are personal and often stressful. A divorce, a custody dispute, or a child support case can affect your home, your money, and your time with your children. Choosing a lawyer is an important step, and it helps to know how the local court works first. This guide explains the basics for Pittsburgh, how custody and support cases move in Allegheny County, and how to choose and check a family lawyer.
Where Pittsburgh family cases are heard
Pittsburgh is in Allegheny County. In Pennsylvania, the Courts of Common Pleas are the general trial courts, where major civil and criminal cases are heard. In Allegheny County, family matters go to the Family Division of the Fifth Judicial District.
The Family Division's website lists separate departments for divorce, child custody, and support, along with juvenile matters and an access and resources area. It also has a page for self-represented litigant motions. Reading the page for your type of case is a good first step, even if you plan to hire a lawyer.
How custody cases start in Allegheny County
If you file a custody complaint or petition in Allegheny County, the court's Generations Program is part of the process. The court describes Generations as a two-part alternative dispute resolution process, and says participation is required each time a custody complaint or petition is filed.
According to the court:
- Education seminar. Parents complete an online co-parenting education program. The court says it gives parents tools to reduce conflict, improve communication, and understand how separation or divorce affects children.
- Mediation session. The mediation is held remotely. The court explains that mediation is a confidential conversation with an impartial third party, with the main goal of giving the parties a chance to reach an agreement outside the court process.
The court notes that if the parties do not reach an agreement and there is no current custody order, the case is scheduled for an interim relief hearing before a custody hearing officer. Always read your scheduling order carefully. The court says its website does not replace the instructions in that order.
What a court looks at in custody decisions
Pennsylvania lists factors that courts consider when awarding custody. The Family Division posts a summary of these custody factors, citing 23 Pa. C.S. section 5328. They include, among others:
- Which party is more likely to ensure the safety of the child
- Present and past abuse by a party or a member of the party's household
- Which party is more likely to encourage frequent and continuing contact with the other party, when consistent with the child's safety
- The need for stability and continuity in the child's education, family life, and community life
- The well-reasoned preference of the child, based on the child's maturity and judgment
- Each party's work schedule and ability to care for the child or arrange child care
A family lawyer can explain how these factors may apply to your facts. No lawyer can promise how a judge will weigh them.
Divorce and support in Allegheny County
The Family Division's divorce page explains that economic claims in a divorce may first be handled by the judge assigned to the case, and that divorce hearing officers may be assigned to hear a case. For child and spousal support, the court describes an intake process and notes that support conferences are scheduled by phone.
These steps involve forms, deadlines, and signatures. The support department warns that applications missing required signatures will be rejected. A lawyer can help make sure your paperwork is complete.
When a family lawyer may help
Some people handle simple, agreed matters on their own. People often look for a family lawyer when:
- Parents disagree about custody or a parenting schedule
- There are safety concerns or a history of abuse
- One spouse owns a business, a home, or retirement accounts
- Income is irregular or hard to document for support
- A parent plans to move with the children
- An existing order needs to be changed or enforced
- The other party already has a lawyer
How to choose a family lawyer in Pittsburgh
Experience in your type of case. Ask how much of the lawyer's work is family law, and how often they appear in the Allegheny County Family Division. Custody, divorce, and support each have their own procedures.
Who handles your file. Ask who will prepare documents, attend conferences, and answer your calls.
Fees. Ask whether the lawyer bills by the hour, asks for a retainer up front, or uses another arrangement. Ask how billing works, what you will be charged for, and how you will receive invoices. Get the terms in writing.
Approach. Some cases settle, and some go to hearings. Ask how the lawyer usually approaches cases like yours, and whether they support mediation when it is safe and appropriate.
How to check a Pennsylvania lawyer's license
The Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania says it collects and maintains information on all attorneys admitted to practice in Pennsylvania. Its "Look Up an Attorney" tool lets you search by name, ID number, city, or county and view an attorney's contact information and disciplinary history. The board notes that disciplinary history may not be available electronically for discipline before 2003, and explains how to ask about earlier records.
Ask the lawyer for their attorney ID number and check the record yourself before you sign a fee agreement.
Questions to ask at a first meeting
- How many custody, divorce, or support cases have you handled in Allegheny County?
- What happens next in my case, step by step?
- How does the Generations Program fit into my timeline?
- Who will work on my file?
- How do you bill, and how much of a retainer do you require?
- How will you keep me updated?
Finding a family lawyer in Pittsburgh
You can browse family lawyers in Pittsburgh or the wider list of lawyers in Pittsburgh. For an overview, see the family law practice area.
Free and low-cost help
The Allegheny County Bar Association says its Pro Bono Center connects members and organizations that provide direct legal services to low-income people. The USAGov legal aid page lists more ways to find free legal advice, pro bono lawyers, and low-cost attorneys.
Frequently asked questions
Which court handles family cases in Pittsburgh?
The Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, which is part of Pennsylvania's Fifth Judicial District.
Is mediation required in Allegheny County custody cases?
The court says the Generations Program, which includes an education seminar and a mediation session, is required each time a custody complaint or petition is filed.
What factors do Pennsylvania courts consider for custody?
The Family Division summarizes factors from 23 Pa. C.S. section 5328, including the child's safety, any abuse, stability, and the child's well-reasoned preference.
How do I check a Pittsburgh lawyer's record?
Use the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania's attorney lookup to view contact details and disciplinary history.
General information, not legal advice. Laws change and every case is different — talk to a licensed Pennsylvania attorney about your situation.