Philadelphia Family Lawyer

The Law Offices of Michael Kuldiner, P.C. represents Philadelphia families in divorce, child custody, support, protection from abuse, and prenuptial agreements from our Center City office at 2 Penn Center, 1500 JFK Blvd, Suite 620B, directly across LOVE Park from Philadelphia Family Court. Call (215) 942-2100 to schedule a consultation.

An Office One Block from Philadelphia Family Court

Every domestic relations case in Philadelphia County runs through one building: the Philadelphia Family Court at 1501 Arch Street, home of the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas since 2014. Our office sits at 2 Penn Center, at the corner of 15th Street and JFK Boulevard. Between the two is LOVE Park. Walking from our lobby to the courthouse steps takes about two minutes.

That proximity is practical, not decorative. We can file documents with the Clerk of Family Court and return to the office the same hour. When a hearing officer adds a conference to the list, we are already downtown. Clients can meet with their attorney at our office and walk to court together, rather than searching for parking near 15th and Arch. And when something urgent happens, such as an emergency custody petition or a protection from abuse filing, the courthouse is a block away, not a highway drive.

The office is also easy to reach without a car. 2 Penn Center sits directly above the Suburban Station concourse, with Regional Rail, the Broad Street Line, the Market-Frankford Line, and trolley lines all connecting within a block.

Family Law Services at Our Philadelphia Office

Divorce

Pennsylvania recognizes no-fault divorce by mutual consent after a 90-day waiting period under 23 Pa.C.S. § 3301(c), and unilateral no-fault divorce after one year of separation under § 3301(d) for separations that began on or after December 5, 2016. Equitable distribution of marital property follows the factors in 23 Pa.C.S. § 3502. For a complete overview of grounds, property division, and alimony, see our divorce representation page.

Child Custody

Philadelphia custody cases are decided under the best-interest factors in 23 Pa.C.S. § 5328(a). The statute was streamlined from sixteen factors to twelve by Act 11 of 2025, effective August 29, 2025, and courts must give substantial weighted consideration to the factors that affect the child’s safety, a protection strengthened by Act 8 of 2024, known as Kayden’s Law. Our child custody representation covers physical and legal custody, relocation, and modification.

Child and Spousal Support

Support is calculated under the statewide income-shares guidelines in Pa.R.C.P. 1910.16, based on both parents’ monthly net incomes and the custody schedule. Philadelphia support cases typically begin with a conference at Family Court before any hearing. Our child support lawyer page explains the guideline process, deviations, and enforcement.

Protection From Abuse

Under the Protection From Abuse Act, 23 Pa.C.S. §§ 6101-6122, a judge can grant a temporary order the same day you file, and the court must hold a final hearing within ten business days. A final PFA order can last up to three years. In Philadelphia, petitions are filed at Family Court, 1501 Arch Street. Learn more about protection from abuse orders, whether you are seeking one or defending against one.

Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements

Premarital agreements in Pennsylvania are enforced under 23 Pa.C.S. § 3106, which turns on voluntary execution and fair and reasonable financial disclosure. Our attorneys draft and review these contracts; see our prenuptial agreement lawyer page for what a well-drafted agreement should cover.

Filing a Family Case in Philadelphia County

Philadelphia is Pennsylvania’s First Judicial District, and its Family Division is split into two branches. The Domestic Relations Branch handles divorce, custody, support, paternity, and protection from abuse. The Juvenile Branch handles dependency, delinquency, and adoption. Both operate out of 1501 Arch Street.

  • Where to file: Family Division filings go to the Clerk of Family Court at 1501 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102.
  • Divorce residency: at least one spouse must have lived in Pennsylvania for six months before filing, per 23 Pa.C.S. § 3104(b).
  • Custody venue: custody actions are generally filed in the county where the child has lived for the past six months, so Philadelphia residents file at 1501 Arch Street.
  • Support intake: support cases start with an application and intake through the Family Division, followed by a scheduled conference.

Why Center City Counsel Matters

Family law is procedural, and procedure is local. Philadelphia moves cases differently than the suburban counties: custody matters generally begin before a hearing officer rather than a judge, support conferences follow their own scheduling rhythm, and the sheer volume of the docket rewards attorneys who know how the building at 1501 Arch Street actually works, floor by floor.

Our attorneys appear in Philadelphia family courtrooms and in the surrounding counties, so we can tell you honestly how venue affects strategy. When timing matters, a firm based a block from the courthouse can act the same day, not the same week.

Areas We Serve in Philadelphia

From 2 Penn Center we represent clients across the city, including Center City, Northeast Philadelphia, South Philadelphia, West Philadelphia, and the River Wards. These are service areas: our single Philadelphia office is at 1500 JFK Blvd, 2 Penn Center, Suite 620B, Philadelphia, PA 19102.

Clients in Bucks and Montgomery Counties can also meet us closer to home at our Feasterville office at 922 Bustleton Pike, our Doylestown office at 40 E Court Street, or our Norristown office at 516 DeKalb Street. Call (215) 942-2100 to schedule at whichever office is most convenient.

Our Attorneys

  • Michael Kuldiner, founder of the firm, concentrates on family law matters such as divorce, support, and custody, and also practices real estate law.
  • Michael Petro focuses on representing parties in divorce and child custody litigation.
  • Loretta Golding brings experience in complex civil litigation, family law, and estate planning.

To discuss a Philadelphia family law matter, call (215) 942-2100 or contact us online to schedule a consultation at 2 Penn Center.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I file for divorce or custody in Philadelphia?

Family Division cases are filed with the Clerk of Family Court at the Philadelphia Family Court building, 1501 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102. That includes divorce, custody, support, and protection from abuse petitions for Philadelphia County residents.

How long does a divorce take in Philadelphia?

A mutual consent divorce under 23 Pa.C.S. § 3301(c) requires a 90-day waiting period after the complaint is served before both spouses can consent, so the realistic minimum is a few months. If one spouse will not consent, § 3301(d) requires one year of separation. Contested property or alimony issues extend the timeline.

How does the custody process work in Philadelphia County?

After a custody complaint is filed at 1501 Arch Street, most cases are first listed before a custody hearing officer. If the parents reach an agreement, it becomes a court order. Contested cases proceed to a Family Court judge, who applies the twelve best-interest factors in 23 Pa.C.S. § 5328(a).

Do I need a parenting plan for a Philadelphia custody case?

Pennsylvania courts can order any combination of physical and legal custody under 23 Pa.C.S. § 5323. Arriving with a concrete proposed schedule, covering weekdays, weekends, holidays, and exchanges, strengthens your position at the hearing officer stage and shows the court you can co-parent.

How is child support calculated in Philadelphia?

Support follows the statewide guidelines in Pa.R.C.P. 1910.16, an income-shares model based on both parents’ net monthly incomes, the number of children, and the overnight schedule. Philadelphia cases start with a support conference at Family Court, where many matters resolve by agreement.

How quickly can I get a protection from abuse order in Philadelphia?

You can petition at Family Court, 1501 Arch Street, and a judge can grant a temporary ex parte order the same day. The court must schedule a final hearing within ten business days, and a final order can last up to three years under 23 Pa.C.S. § 6108.

Where is your Philadelphia office and how do I get there?

We are at 2 Penn Center, 1500 JFK Blvd, Suite 620B, Philadelphia, PA 19102, at 15th and JFK, directly above Suburban Station and across LOVE Park from the Family Court building. Regional Rail and the Broad Street and Market-Frankford lines all stop within a block.

Do you handle family law cases outside Philadelphia?

Yes. The firm also maintains offices in Feasterville, Doylestown, and Norristown, and our attorneys regularly appear in Bucks, Montgomery, and Philadelphia County family courts. Call (215) 942-2100 and we will schedule you at the most convenient location.

Attorney advertising. This page provides general information about Pennsylvania law and is not legal advice. Every situation is different. Consult a licensed Pennsylvania attorney about your specific circumstances.