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Harrisburg Separation Lawyers

Providing Caring & Capable Representation

Many clients who come to us are seeking a legal separation as an initial step before a divorce. In Pennsylvania, divorce and separation laws are very different from other states’. Physical separation alone is not a sufficient requirement here in Pennsylvania.

At Shaffer & Engle, we understand that these laws can be very confusing, especially during such a stressful time in your life. Our Harrisburg separation attorneys are here to support you and provide you with the sound legal guidance you deserve.

Reach out to us today at (717) 268-4287 to schedule a confidential consultation with our Harrisburg separation attorneys.

Requirements for Legal Separation in Dauphin County

The term "separate and apart" is intended to require a clear intention to separate at the beginning of the physical separation. Under statute and case law, a separation requires that one or both parties must express an intention to separate, and you and your spouse must not cohabitate.

The party who wants to separate must clearly communicate to the other party that the physical separation is an intention to end the marriage. This is to prevent any other times spent apart being confused with the intent to separate or divorce. It is important to understand that the court may consider a number of factors regarding whether you and your spouse are really living separately (or apart under the same roof).

The factors that may be considered include:

  • If the spouses live in separate bedrooms
  • Whether the spouses are eating separately
  • Whether the wife provides domestic services
  • If there are any social activities they do together
  • If there is any communication between the spouses
  • If there any sexual relationship between the spouses

Seek Clarity about Separation

At Shaffer & Engle, our Harrisburg separation lawyers know that legal separation and the laws in Pennsylvania can be confusing. We can help answer your questions and guide you every step of the way through the separation process. You can also rely on us to assist you with drafting a separation agreement between you and your spouse to identify the duties and responsibilities each party has.

To make an appointment or to learn how our firm can protect you, call us at (717) 268-4287. We serve clients throughout Dauphin County.

What Our
Clients Have to Say

  • She has my highest recommendation for her knowledge, analytical skills, and demeanor.

    “Attorney Collins represented me in the most professional manner. I had the best possible outcome. I am grateful for her insight, her promptness, and her support for me. She has my highest recommendation for her knowledge, analytical skills, and demeanor.”

    Glen

  • Mr. Engle took my matter as if it were his own and followed through to the end.

    “I contacted Mr. Engle back in August. My custody case had originated in Delaware in 2013 and was the final hearing was held in May of 2015. After the other party objected DE having jurisdiction, he took matters into his own hands and got PA involved - where he lives. In a panic I called Mr. Engle after being referred to him by my DE attorney. Even though I wasn't a client and I did not have an appointment scheduled, Mr Engle took the time out to hear the background information, calm me down and come to, what I thought, was a good conclusion. Fast forward 4 months later and every email, phone call and frantic visit to his office was greeted with kindness and patience...and if he was unavailable, his staff showed the same warm professionalism. I could be sure that I would hear back from him within the same business day - sometimes even on his downtime after hours - or first thing in the morning. Mr. Engle took my matter as if it were his own and followed through to the end. I would not hesitate to call on Mr. Engle again if the occasion ever arose.”

    Rebekah

  • Jeff is very up front about his experience, results and belief in the success or possible issues with your case.

    “From the minute you call Jeff Engle's office, you are treated with first class respect and service. Jeff is very up front about his experience, results and belief in the success or possible issues with your case. From the time of retainment, Jeff's use of electronic forms of communication keep you up to date to the minute whenever there are developments and progress in your case. This type of communication is nearly unheard of in ANY proffession. Many times, I knew that Jeff was taking his personal time to communicate with me. Jeff presents himself as a very knowledgeable and able attorney with sincere personal interest in the success of your case. During times of uncertainty, having someone of Jeff's demeanor at your side will simply make you feel that no matter what the outcome may be, he is right there with you. There was not one time during the course of my case that I felt Jeff was not thoughful and prepared for. I cannot say enough for the level of professionalism this man presents while representing you as a client.”

    Kevin

  • Not only did Jeff know what he was doing, but he did everything that he said he would in a timely fashion.

    “Jeff is is fourth attorney that I have worked with regarding custody of my son. My previous attorneys were neither knowledgeable of the law as it applied to my case nor followed through on the actions they said they would take. Not only did Jeff know what he was doing, but he did everything that he said he would in a timely fashion. Given that my case involved an international relocation, allocation of sole custody for residency purposes...”

    Anonymous

  • Elisabeth took our case and provided great counsel, direction, and splendid representation throughout the legal process.

    “I needed a criminal defense lawyer for a family member. So, having been represented by Shaffer & Engle previously, I contacted them. Elisabeth took our case and provided great counsel, direction, and splendid representation throughout the legal process. The case was dismissed which was the best verdict that could be achieved. We are so thankful and blessed to have had such a wonderful attorney!”

    Ernie M.