Family Law

• Divorce
  With more than 40 years of combined experience, our Pennsylvania divorce lawyers can help you take control of your future. Our office believes that, whenever possible, the most effective method for resolution is one in which the parties and counsel work together on an agreement. This is obviously a difficult concept during a divorce. However, no matter what agreements are made between the parties in a divorce, they will likely be much more favorable than a stranger deciding your future in a contested divorce.
• Child Support
  Are you considering filing for divorce, child support, or custody in Pennsylvania? With all the laws and regulations, it’s impossible to know where to start. It’s not just confusing; every state handles matters differently. So it’s important to understand the specifics of family law in Pennsylvania before you begin the process.
• Child Custody and Visitation
  With more than 40 years of combined experience in family law, our child custody lawyers truly understand the sensitive issues that arise within child custody disputes. Our law office works to resolve custody determinations effectively — and as amicably as possible — so that our clients and their children are able to move forward.
• Adoption
  Family law, which is quite complex and sensitive because you are introducing a child into your family. The best way to make sure the process goes smoothly, especially for international adoptions, is to hire a qualified and experienced adoption lawyer.
• Paternity
  If the woman is unmarried, the father and child are not legally related under Pennsylvania law. Establishing paternity will be required in order to establish a legal relationship.
• Premarital Agreement
  Non-marital assets can be left out of the fair distribution process. Any assets that were left out of a prenuptial agreement won’t be taken into account in the fair distribution.
• Guardianship
• Spousal Support
  If you are contemplating going through with a divorce after a long-term marriage, it is only normal to be worried about your next step. Our Pennsylvania divorce lawyers are here to answer any questions you may have, including questions regarding your medical insurance and financial needs. We will help you understand asset division, including pensions and alimony.
• Legal Separation
  Pennsylvania does not recognize legal separations. Therefore, before separating from your spouse, it is important to consult with an experienced Pennsylvania divorce and property division lawyer at our firm. We work with clients to create valid separation agreements which dictate how to divide property during a separation and a divorce.

Criminal Law

• Criminal Defense
  If you or a family member has been investigated, arrested or charged with a crime, it is important to talk with skilled criminal defense lawyers as soon as possible. You are in good hands with the experienced criminal defense attorneys of Bentley, Kopecki, Smith, P.C. Our attorneys take the time to understand your situation and then work hard to improve the outcome.
• DUI/DWI
  Anxiety over a recent DUI charge can be overwhelming, making it hard to sleep or focus at work. However, knowing that there are ways to Read More »
• Sex Crimes
  Following law school graduation, Molly clerked for the Honorable Andrea Marceca Strong, a family law judge on the York County Court of Common Pleas. Molly then spent the next five and a half years as an Assistant District Attorney, most recently specializing in assisting victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. As a prosecutor, Molly gained valuable experience in the courtroom, prosecuting cases ranging from misdemeanors to homicides.
• Theft
• Misdemeanors
  So, if you can scale through the background check, which ensures you have no history of criminality, misdemeanors, or behavioral instability, among other criteria, you’ve passed the first stage. In addition, the adoption requirements or qualifications may depend on your chosen adoption route.
• Drug Crimes
• Assault
• Murder
  Rebecca immediately returned to Berks County and began her legal career in the Public Defender’s Office where she represented the indigent. She remained in the Public Defender’s Office for six and a half years. During that time she gained invaluable courtroom and trial experience. She tried enough major felony cases to become eligible to represent those accused of capital murder, a certification that is only achieved after meeting specific requirements for trial experience, continuing legal education credits, and years in practice.
• Probation Violation
• Shoplifting
  Our lawyers have handled hundreds of divorce and custody cases. The members of our criminal defense team are former public defenders who have been to trial on virtually every type of case, from shoplifting to murder. There are some 10,000 days of courtroom experience in this firm, and that experience plays to your advantage whether we settle your matter out of court or argue your case before a judge or jury. We know the judges, prosecutors and opposing attorneys in most cases, and we can gauge “when to hold ’em and when to fold ’em” regarding the decision to litigate or negotiate.

Health Law

• Personal Injury
  Domestic violence, personal injury, business issues, and other issues may be involved in family law cases. During an initial consultation, trained attorneys can discuss your needs to determine whether they will be able to assist you with every aspect of your case.

Trusts and Estates

• Estate Planning