Best Family Lawyer in Philadelphia
Michael S. Henry
Family Lawyer
Michael S. Henry is a founding partner of Henry & Grogan. He is a 1983 graduate of St. John’s College in Annapolis, Maryland and a 1987 graduate of Temple University Law School. Mr. Henry is admitted to practice law in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, as well as the United States District Courts for Eastern and Middle Districts of Pennsylvania and the District of New Jersey. He is also admitted to practice before the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. Before forming Henry & Grogan, Mr. Henry was a founding partner at Henry & Grogan, PC and the sole member of Michael S. Henry, LLC for 14 years. He also worked as a trial lawyer for John J. Gallagher & Associates, P.C., for 16 years prior to forming his own firm.
Mr. Henry represents aliens in every aspect of immigration proceedings. Mr. Henry helps immigrants apply to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service to obtain legal status in the United States through family-based and employment-based visa petitions. He has been successful in resolving many difficult issues that arise in family-based immigration applications, especially cases that require hardship waivers or appeals to USCIS’s Administrative Appeals Office. Mr. Henry has also been successful in resolving naturalization and visa applications with lengthy processing delays by filing mandamus actions in federal court.
Mr. Henry represents hospitals to obtain employment-based visas, including H-1B visas for medical residents and labor certifications and alien worker visas for hospitalists and other hospital medical staff. Mr. Henry also represents E-1 and E-2 investors and L-1 intra-company transferees in helping them to obtain non-immigrant worker visas.
Mr. Henry also defends immigrants in removal proceedings before immigration courts nationwide, including aliens with criminal convictions or other immigration violations who have been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Mr. Henry can assist families in obtaining the release of detained aliens by applying for immigration bonds or by filing habeas corpus petitions in federal court.
Mr. Henry has been successful in obtaining cancellation of removal, hardship waivers, and suspension of deportation for aliens in removal and deportation proceedings. He has also obtained asylum from the USCIS Asylum Office and various immigration courts for immigrants who fear persecution if they return to their home countries. Mr. Henry has also represented aliens in appeals before the Board of Immigration Appeals and the Third Circuit Court of Appeals.
Kenneth M. Kitay
Family Lawyer
Throughout the community, Ken Kitay is known as “El Abogado Del Pueblo” (the lawyer of the town). Because Ken is so committed to his clients and is easily accessible by his personal cell phone and email, that makes him one of the area’s best lawyers. He prides himself on returning calls and responding to emails within 24 hours or less. Ken has been a Trial Lawyer since 1993 and has litigated thousands of civil and criminal cases by zealously advocating on behalf of his clients for all types of cases including car accidents, truck accidents, personal injuries, and more. Ken’s primary areas of practice include Workers’ Compensation , Personal Injury , and Criminal Defense .
In addition to his regular law practice, Ken represents promising young baseball players from the Dominican Republic, who dream of playing in the major leagues. Ken speaks Spanish and will gladly meet you at the office or in your home.
Ken is a dedicated husband to Mindy; his wife of over 20 years; as well as a father to his two children Adam and Alexa.
Education
- Widener University Law School , Chester, PA (1993)
- University of Maryland , College Park, MD – BA in Marketing (1989)
Patrick J. Cooper
Family Lawyer
Patrick J. Cooper, Esquire is the founding partner in the law firm of Cooper Family Law, a Philadelphia-based law firm handling all aspects of family law cases including divorce, child custody, child support, property division, protections from abuse, and adoption. Cooper Family Law represents clients throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Patrick heads the firm’s family law practice group handling matters involving all aspects of family law. Patrick handles divorce matters ranging from simple no-fault divorces to high net-worth divorce cases involving the division of multiple real estate holdings, business ownership interests, and investment account division.
Patrick has achieved highly favorable results for his clients on a regular basis throughout his career. For example, Patrick has successfully petitioned courts for permission for his clients to sell jointly owned real estate without their spouse’s cooperation, for seizure of their child’s passport in an international child custody proceeding, and obtained child custody rights for grandparents and great-grandparents. Patrick is experienced in LGBTQ family law issues and handles matters involving alternative means of reproduction.
Patrick represents parents and grandparents in child custody cases, working tirelessly to help his clients achieve their desired results with the best interests of their children in mind. Patrick knows that family law matters require a delicate, sensitive approach at times and a tough approach at other times and he advises and advocates for his clients accordingly. In his limited free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife, children, and their dog, Fitz. Patrick and his family have made the Philadelphia area their home, but he remains an avid Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates fan. He asks that his clients please not hold this against him.
Thomas Petrelli, Jr.
Family Lawyer
To Thomas Petrelli, a successful divorce resolution comes from having complete background knowledge, the right strategy, and a strong attorney-client relationship. “As every case is unique, my approach is fully custom,” Tom noted. “My job as a divorce lawyer is to understand each client’s needs and goals early on. Then, I take a strategic approach to get them to the finish line with as little stress as possible.” His exceptional lawyering and engaging client approach set the standard for representation in the field of family law.
As a founding and managing partner of Petrelli Previtera, LLC, Tom leads the firm in resolving divorce cases. While he represents individuals and families in all types of financial situations, he has built a particularly strong reputation handling high asset divorces and those involving businesses as marital property. In this regard, he focuses on the protection, valuation, and distribution of significant assets or business interests.
Tom’s vast experience extends to other matters, including international family law, child and spousal support, child custody, adoption, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, and more. Positioning his clients for success, Tom aptly leverages the law while helping them cope with and solve their obstacles.
The groundwork for Tom’s laser-sharp legal mind started with his outstanding education. In addition to his Juris Doctor from Vermont Law School, he holds an LL.M. in Trial Advocacy from Temple University’s James E. Beasley School of Law. The performance-based curriculum integrates theory, persuasion, speech, and effective use of courtroom technology. His LL.M. degree is yet another layer of experience that allows Tom to successfully represent clients in contested divorce and custody cases that go to trial.
Erik B. Jensen
Family Lawyer
Erik Jensen, Esquire is the Founder and Owner of Jensen Bagnato, P.C. Erik graduated from the Temple University School of Law in 1983. For the past 33 years Erik has been helping tens of thousands of clients, including families and businesses, in the Greater Philadelphia Area and New Jersey in the fields of Criminal Law, Bankruptcy Law, Family Law, Business Law, Commercial Law, Social Security Disability, Tax Law and Contracts, and all areas of litigation. A guest lecturer at various law schools, universities, and continuing educational courses, Erik deeply cares about providing quality services and at reasonable prices.
Established in 1984, Jensen Bagnato, P.C. serves chiefly the 10 county area of Southeastern Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey with highly motivated and skilled attorneys. Our interdisciplinary approach utilizes attorneys with years of experience in diverse fields including Criminal & Real Estate law (commercial and residential). We have served thousands of satisfied clients and offer services similar to larger firms but without sacrificing comfort and a personal approach.
LINDA A. KERNS
Family Lawyer
Linda, a civil litigator with over twenty years of experience, handles cases and controversies in the following practice areas: family law, business litigation, taxation, and election law. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree from Drexel University, her Juris Doctorate from Loyola University Chicago School of Law and a Master of Law in Taxation with a Graduate Certificate in Estate Planning from Temple University Beasley School of Law. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Public Administration at West Chester University.
Linda is licensed in Pennsylvania and New Jersey and admitted to U.S. Tax Court, U.S. Court in the Western, Middle and Eastern Districts of Pennsylvania, U.S. Court for the District of New Jersey, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, and the Supreme Court of the United States.
Linda practices in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Federal and State Courts, including Philadelphia, Montgomery, Chester, Bucks, and Delaware Counties in Pennsylvania, and Camden, Burlington, and Gloucester in New Jersey.
Maribeth Blessing
Family Lawyer
Ms. Blessing’s law practice is concentrated in Family Law, but her firm also handles, Wills, and all Alternative Dispute Resolution Out of Court Processes (Arbitration, Mediation and Collaborative Law, Parental Coordination) with offices located at 310 Huntingdon Pike, Rockledge. She is a member of the Fellows of the American Bar Association, former President and current practitioner with Collaborative Family Law Affiliates and member of International Academy of Collaborative Practitioners and the Collaborative Family Law committee of the PA Bar Association. Additionally, Ms. Blessing is member of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts where she trained as a Parent Coordinator, and a member of the Parent Coordination subcommittee of the Family Law Section. She is a member of Strathmore’s Who’s Who, receiving the 2007 Professional of the Year Award in Alternative Dispute Resolution. Ms. Blessing is a life member of the National Registry of Who’s Who, and Honored member of Continental Who’s Who. She was awarded an Outstanding Service Award by Widener School of Law in 2003 and 2012 Woman of the Year Award by the National Association of Professional Women. Ms. Blessing has received appointments from the Montgomery Bench as Arbitrator, Special Master and Guardian Ad Litem. She is an active Child Advocate for MCAP. As a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association Family Law Section, Ms. Blessing is a former Council member and has served as the Liaison between the PBA Family Law Committee and the PBA Children’s Rights Committee for over five years. She is a member of the PBA Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee and on the Legislative Sub-committees of the PA Bar Children’s Rights Committee and Family Law Section. Ms. Blessing is a past President of the Doris Jonas Freed American Inn of Court and now serves as Counselor. Additionally, she was a member of the MBA Judiciary Committee, a Director for the Montgomery Bar Association, is a member of the Bench Bar and Women in Law committees, and the Montgomery County Bar Trial Lawyers Section as well as former Chair of the Family Law Section and continuing active member.
Ms. Blessing also offers diversified mediation (concentrating in family and elder mediation) and arbitration services through Maribeth Blessing, Mediation & Arbitration, L.L.C. Ms. Blessing is an Advanced Practitioner with the Association of Conflict Resolution with training completed at the National Center for Mediation Education. She was also a member of the board of directors of ACR-Delaware Valley Chapter, a member of Pennsylvania Council of Mediators,, as well as a court approved member of the Mediation Advisory Panel for Montgomery County since 1999 and one of four approved Supervisory Mediators in Montgomery County. She was affiliated with Divorce Done Right and was featured on the Channel 6, ABC nightly news and in the March 2007 issue of Philadelphia Magazine, in the article, “The Divorce Posse.” She is former Chair and continuing member of the Montgomery Bar Mediation Committee of the Family Law Section. Ms. Blessing received arbitration training from the American Bar Association Section of Family Law.
Lydia Terrill
Family Lawyer
Lydia Terrill has been practicing family law exclusively for eight years. After receiving her Juris Doctor from Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law in 2014, Lydia spent over five years working as an associate at a family law firm in Montgomery County. In 2020, Lydia founded her own successful solo family law practice, which she ran from 2020 until 2023, when she joined the Law Office of Christina M. DeMatteo LLC.
Lydia has been recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers Magazine for the years 2020-2023, a highly selective given to just 2.5 percent of lawyers in Pennsylvania.
Lydia has chosen to limit her practice to family law, including the areas of divorce, equitable distribution, spousal support/alimony, child custody, child support, protection from abuse, and prenuptial agreements. She has experience handling all aspects of family law matters, from the beginning of the case to the end. She prides herself on her ability to help clients find creative, efficient, amicable solutions to their family law matters, but she is prepared to go to court when necessary.
The Advantages of Divorce Arbitration
Divorce arbitration offers several advantages compared to traditional litigation, making it an attractive option for couples seeking a more efficient and less adversarial process. Here are some of the key benefits:
1. Faster Resolution
- Efficiency: Arbitration generally moves much faster than court proceedings. Since the process is less formal and doesn’t rely on the court’s schedule, couples can resolve their divorce more quickly.
- Flexible Scheduling: Arbitrators and the involved parties can often set their own schedules, leading to a more expedient resolution.
2. Cost-Effective
- Lower Legal Fees: The streamlined nature of arbitration typically results in lower legal costs compared to prolonged court battles.
- Reduced Court Costs: Since arbitration avoids many of the formalities of court, couples can save on court-related expenses.
3. Privacy
- Confidential Process: Unlike court proceedings, which are typically public, arbitration is private. This allows couples to keep their divorce proceedings and details confidential.
- Discreet Outcomes: The arbitration process and final decisions are not part of the public record, which can be important for those who value their privacy.
4. Control Over the Process
- Choice of Arbitrator: Couples can select an arbitrator who has specific expertise in family law or who they believe will be fair and impartial, giving them more control over the process.
- Customized Process: Arbitration allows for more flexibility in how the process is conducted, enabling couples to tailor it to their specific needs and preferences.
5. Less Adversarial
- Collaborative Atmosphere: Arbitration is generally less adversarial than court litigation, which can help reduce the emotional stress and conflict often associated with divorce.
- Focus on Solutions: The process encourages a more collaborative approach, focusing on finding mutually agreeable solutions rather than pitting spouses against each other.
6. Finality and Enforceability
- Binding Decisions: Arbitration decisions are typically binding, meaning the outcome is final and enforceable, similar to a court judgment. This can provide closure and certainty to both parties.
- Limited Grounds for Appeal: There are usually limited grounds for appealing an arbitrator’s decision, which can prevent prolonged disputes and ensure that the matter is resolved definitively.
7. Reduced Stress
- Less Formality: The informal nature of arbitration can make the process less intimidating and stressful for both parties.
- Focus on the Issues: By avoiding the formalities of court, arbitration allows the parties to focus directly on the issues at hand, making the process more straightforward.
8. Better for Children
- Child-Centered: The less adversarial and quicker nature of arbitration can be less disruptive to children, helping to shield them from prolonged conflict and uncertainty.
- Tailored Arrangements: Arbitrators can focus on creating child custody and support arrangements that are specifically tailored to the needs of the children, without being bound by strict legal guidelines.
In conclusion, divorce arbitration offers numerous advantages, including faster resolution, lower costs, privacy, and greater control over the process. It also tends to be less adversarial, which can reduce stress and result in more amicable outcomes, particularly when children are involved.