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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

  • Jeff advised me appropriately and always responded to my calls promptly.

    “At the law offices of Shaffer & Engle, my case was handled with professionalism, compassion, and dedication. Facing criminal charges was a very frightening experience to me, but I knew I was in good hands with Jeff Engle. I had no past experiences with the judicial system. I felt I was treated with courtesy and dignity. Jeff did everything within his legal powers to provide a great service when I was in need. From my experience with Jeff, he has been more than a lawyer; he is now considered a great new friend of my family. He took a personal interest in my case and for that I am eternally grateful. Jeff always delivered on what he said to me and did everything he set out to do. Jeff fought the prosecutor (DA) every step of the way without hesitation. Jeff advised me appropriately and always responded to my calls promptly. What could have been a truly awful situation was resolved completely to my satisfaction. I am available at any time to address any questions with respect to Jeff Engle as an attorney or as a person. I hold him in the highest regard. If anyone ever wanted to see the definition of what a true attorney is...they should be able to open up a dictionary and see a picture of Jeff next to it. I would and will recommend him and his law firm to anyone looking for a knowledgeable and aggressive law firm or criminal defense attorney.”

    Tara K

  • Outcome of the case was the best possible under the circumstances.

    “Very professional and upfront. Reviewed the facts of my case with me in a realistic manner and gave me excellent advice. Did not push hiring the firm on me but let me know exactly what I needed to do if I chose to have her firm represent me. Outcome of the case was the best possible under the circumstances. Well done and thank you!”

    TP

  • I can say my lawyer did her job I had three pending case against me she did her research and told me this is what we can do, I walked in the court house with some pending charges.

    “I recommend Shaffer & Engle. I can say my lawyer did her job. I had three pending cases against me and she did her research and told me this is what we can do. I walked in the courthouse with some pending charges. I could have done jail time or probation. I walked out of there with a little fine and some community service.”

    Former Client

  • I wanted to thank you for the Support & Defense you provided me with on my last minute court case, you didn't have to defend me and told me to take a hike, buy you have a heart and that means a lot to some people.

    “I wanted to thank you for the Support & Defense you provided me with on my last minute court case, you didn't have to defend me and told me to take a hike, buy you have a heart and that means a lot to some people.”

    Tony

  • Mr. Engle was able to explain the laws in PA and got the job done in days.

    “I am an attorney in the state of Washington. I have a family law client who was in desperate need of legal assistance in PA. The case against him was affecting his ability to work. Mr. Engle contacted me as soon as my email was received and helped my client. Mr. Engle was able to explain the laws in PA and got the job done in days. I have never encountered another attorney as eager to help and get the job done. I would highly recommend Mr. Engle to anyone.”

    Pamela