Philadelphia Family Law Lawyer
Graff & Associates – Philadelphia Family Law Lawyers
Few moments in life are as exhausting as navigating the end of a marriage or a custody battle, and unlike a 4th-and-goal at Lincoln Financial Field, there’s no playbook to tell you what comes next. From arguments over assets to the middle-of-the-night worry over your kids, the uncertainty can feel like a punch from Rocky. But this is Philadelphia: we don’t back down when things get tough, and you don’t have to face this fight alone.
Graff & Associates represents clients in divorce, child custody, child support, property division and Protection from Abuse matters before the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, Family Division, at 1501 Arch Street. Our office sits at 123 Old York Road in Jenkintown, just north of the city line, and our attorneys appear in Philadelphia Family Court regularly.
When your life is undergoing a seismic shift, you have every right to fight for your future, your peace of mind, and your bond with your children. Our family law attorneys bring true Philly grit, sharp legal strategy, and deep compassion to every case. We know the local courts inside and out, and we’re ready to stand by your side and secure the fresh start you deserve.Our family law practice areas
The attorneys at Graff & Associates have decades of experience guiding families through difficult transitions with clarity and compassion. These are just a few of the many types of cases we handle regularly.
Where family law cases are filed in Philadelphia
Every Philadelphia divorce, custody, support and Protection from Abuse matter runs through the Court of Common Pleas, Family Division, at 1501 Arch Street in Center City. One detail catches people out constantly: Philadelphia no longer accepts remote filing of family court pleadings. Every filing has to be made in person at 1501 Arch Street.
| What you’re filing | Where it’s filed | Court filing fee |
|---|---|---|
| Divorce complaint | Clerk of Family Court, 1501 Arch St, 11th floor | $333.73 |
| Custody complaint | Clerk of Family Court, 1501 Arch St, 11th floor | $107.13 |
| Emergency or expedited custody petition | Clerk of Family Court, 1501 Arch St, 11th floor | Additional $42.68 |
| Protection from Abuse petition | Domestic Violence Intake Unit, 1501 Arch St, 8th floor | No fee |
Philadelphia Family Court filing fees, verified September 2026 against First Judicial District published schedules. Confirm current amounts with the Clerk of Family Court before filing.
These are court filing fees only — they are separate from attorney fees. If you cannot afford the filing fee, you can ask the court for permission to proceed In Forma Pauperis, which waives it. The Clerk accepts money orders, credit cards and debit cards.
How a Philadelphia custody case moves
Philadelphia custody cases follow a defined sequence, and knowing where yours sits in that sequence tells you what to prepare for next.
- File the complaint with the Clerk of Family Court on the 11th floor at 1501 Arch Street.
- Receive notice with a hearing date. The other parent is served and the court sets your first listing.
- Meet with a hearing officer to see whether an agreement is possible. Many Philadelphia custody cases resolve here, without ever reaching a judge.
- Hearing before the hearing officer if no agreement is reached.
- Hearing before a judge if the matter is still unresolved.
Two deadlines matter more than almost anything else in this process. You have 20 days to file exceptions to a hearing officer’s order, and 30 days to appeal a judge’s order to the Pennsylvania Superior Court. Miss either one and the order stands, however unfair it feels. This is the single most common way a parent loses ground in a Philadelphia custody case — not at the hearing, but in the weeks after it.
How to get a Protection from Abuse order in Philadelphia
In Philadelphia, Protection from Abuse petitions are filed at the Domestic Violence Intake Unit on the 8th floor of Family Court, 1501 Arch Street. There is no filing fee. A judge reviews your petition the same day and may issue a temporary order immediately, with a final hearing scheduled within 10 days.
- Where: Domestic Violence Intake Unit, 1501 Arch Street, 8th floor. Phone (215) 686-3512.
- When: Weekdays, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Arrive as close to 8 a.m. as you can — if you arrive after noon, your petition may not be processed the same day.
- Cost: Nothing. There is no fee to file a PFA petition.
- Same day: A judge holds a short hearing on your petition and decides whether to issue a temporary order.
- Within 10 days: A final hearing determines whether a final PFA is granted.
- How long it lasts: A final PFA can be issued for up to 36 months, and can be extended if abuse occurs afterward.
If Family Court is closed, you can request an emergency PFA at the Criminal Justice Center, 1301 Filbert Street, Room B-03 — (215) 683-7280. Emergency requests are accepted from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. on weekdays and 24 hours a day on weekends. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. The Philadelphia Domestic Violence Hotline is available at (866) SAFE-014.
You are not required to have a lawyer to file a PFA petition. An attorney can help you present evidence, prepare for the final hearing, and make sure the order actually covers what you and your children need – custody provisions, the residence, your workplace, and your children’s school.
Our family law practice areas
The attorneys at Graff & Associates have decades of experience guiding families through difficult transitions with clarity and compassion. These are just a few of the many types of cases we handle regularly.
Divorce
Ending a marriage is rarely simple, whether it’s amicable or hotly contested. Our attorneys help clients navigate every step of the divorce process — from filing and negotiation to trial when necessary — while protecting their rights and working toward a resolution that lets them move forward with confidence. Learn more about divorce and alimony.
Child custody and support
Nothing matters more than your children. We help parents establish custody and visitation arrangements that serve their children’s best interests, and we work to secure fair child support so that your kids have the stability and resources they need. When circumstances change, we also help clients modify existing orders. Learn more about custody or about child support.
Property and asset division
Dividing a lifetime of shared assets and debts is one of the most contentious parts of any divorce. Pennsylvania follows the principle of equitable distribution, and our attorneys fight to ensure that marital property — homes, retirement accounts, businesses, and investments — is divided fairly and that your financial future is protected. Learn more about property settlement agreements.
Protection from abuse (PFA)
Your safety and the safety of your family come first. If you or your children are facing threats, harassment, or domestic violence, our attorneys can help you obtain a Protection from Abuse order quickly and stand by your side throughout the process to keep you protected. Learn more about PFA orders.
A Jenkintown firm that knows Philadelphia Family Court
Our office is in Jenkintown, a short drive up Old York Road from Center City — close enough to be at 1501 Arch Street when your case is listed, and far enough to spare you a trip into the city for every meeting. Our team regularly handles cases before the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, Family Division, and we understand how the city’s judges, hearing officers and family court procedures shape the outcome of a case.
That four-county footprint matters more than it sounds. Philadelphia families rarely stay inside one county line: one parent moves to Montgomery County, a business sits in Bucks, a property is in Delaware County. We practice in all of them, so a case that crosses county lines doesn’t mean starting over with a second firm. From Center City to the Northeast, South Philadelphia to Chestnut Hill and Manayunk, we’re proud to help Philadelphia families protect what matters most.
Serving Philadelphia County and the surrounding region, including Montgomery County, Bucks County and Delaware County.
Frequently Asked Questions about Family Law in Philadelphia County
How long does a divorce take in Philly?
An uncontested, mutual-consent divorce in all areas of Pennsylvania can be finalized in as little as 90 days after both spouses sign the required consents, though the process often takes longer in practice. Contested divorces, where spouses disagree on property division, custody, or support, can take a year or more, depending on the complexity of the issues and the caseload of the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, Family Division.
How is child custody decided in Philadelphia?
Pennsylvania courts decide custody based on the best interests of the child, weighing statutory factors such as each parent’s role in daily care, the child’s relationships, and the ability to provide a stable environment. There is no automatic preference for mothers or fathers. In Philadelphia, contested custody cases are often first heard by a custody master before proceeding to a judge, and parents are typically required to participate in a parenting education program.
How much does it cost to file for divorce in Philadelphia?
The court filing fee for a divorce complaint in Philadelphia is $333.73, paid to the Clerk of Family Court at 1501 Arch Street. Filers who cannot afford it may petition to proceed In Forma Pauperis. Attorney fees are separate from the court’s filing fee.
Where do I file for a Protection from Abuse (PFA) order in Philadelphia?
File at the Domestic Violence Intake Unit, 1501 Arch Street, 8th floor, weekdays starting at 8 a.m. There is no filing fee. When Family Court is closed, emergency petitions are accepted at the Criminal Justice Center, 1301 Filbert Street, Room B-03. Call 911 if you are in immediate danger.
Do I have to live in Philadelphia to file here?
At least one spouse must have lived in Pennsylvania for six months before filing for divorce. Which county you file in depends on where the parties live. If you and your spouse live in different counties, more than one venue may be available, a choice worth discussing with an attorney.
I had a most difficult and a complex case, requiring research and full understanding of the law and the involved personalities. We received a settlement of our case that exceeded our expectations
Don
I had an excellent experience with Graff & Associates Law Firm during my divorce process. From the very beginning, the team to include Leesa, Kate, and attorney Lindsay were professional , compassionate, and highly knowledgeable. They kept me informed every step of the process, answered all of my questions promptly, and truly made a difficult situation much less stressful. Leesa was the first contact/interaction I had with the law firm and the positive interaction is the reason why I chose Graff & Associates.
Denaire
Caren and her staff made a divorce easy !!!! I couldn’t ask for a better lawyer. It was easy, quick and painless. I highly recommend the whole staff. Grateful for her experience and expertise. Caren made a tough situation bearable.
Debbie