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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

  • 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

  • BEYOND AMAZING...

    “Elisabeth helped me through the most traumatic turning point in my life where I felt so alone and had no support except the fact that I needed to get through my disposition to ensure I would be able to continue to excel in my college studies and provide a better life for my young daughter who I am raising alone. Elisabeth provided me with encouraging words and any possible leads she had come across. I was amazed at how caring she was regarding matters outside of the actual case! After court, Thanks to Elisabeth, I was able to come home and continue to be a rock for my family. Since, I have recently ran out of funding 29 credits shy of my degree but still proud to finish the last semester with a 4.0 gpa making the Deans List five times still maintain work having also begun raising my orphaned seventeen year old god daughter who I came to know as one of the trouble kids at my local Boys & Girls Club where I was hired after completing the community service requirements in my case. I do not receive any financial help from government programs for my budding family but I begged for Elisabeth to take money for her exceptional service and she refused. I am forever grateful for her kindness and love each time that I look at my girls. She treated me like family and she didn't have to, she believed in me and encouraged me and stayed true to her word and I genuinely love and appreciate her for that beyond words. I trusted her with a long shot and she hit it out of the parking lot! Like my title says BEYOND AMAZING...”

    Jaimeen A.

  • They handled everything beautifully and were able to minimize our anxiety throughout a difficult process.

    “Jeff is the 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 abroad, and a non-custodial parent who was anything but cooperative, there was a high likelihood that my case would be unsuccessful with even the potential of being ordered to return to the US to maintain physical custody of my son. Today my child and I are happily living abroad and I was able to obtain the residency permit for my son to remain here. I attribute the success of my case to Jeff and his firm. They handled everything beautifully and were able to minimize our anxiety throughout a difficult process. Thank you!”

    Former Client

  • His knowledge and planning has delivered desired results.

    “Jeff's advice is accurate. His knowledge and planning has delivered desired results. His responses and communications are above expectations. Everyone at Shaffer and Engle law are very helpful. I am glad to have met Jeff and his team. Thanks for your Help.”

    Curtis