Divorce Lawyers Who Handle Every Case Personally
Before Karen Reynolds represented anyone in Chester County family court, she worked inside it, as Chief Staff Attorney and Assistant Director of the Domestic Relations Office. So when we tell you how your case is likely to move through that system, it’s not a guess. It’s years of seeing it from the other side of the bench.
At Reynolds Family Law, you work directly with Karen and Rich, and we bring over 30 years of family law experience to every case. We know how the local courts work, what judges expect, and what actually happens between filing and final order. Our job is to guide you through it with personal, straightforward counsel, clear information, and a realistic plan.
They’re honest every step of the way. They let me know the estimated costs upfront, so there were no surprises. They gave me practical advice and made me feel comfortable the whole way through. — Mariah
Why Work with Reynolds Family Law?
We believe most people going through divorce are better served by a fair settlement than by a drawn-out court battle. At the same time, you need lawyers who are fully prepared to advocate for you in court when that’s what it takes, and we are.
We offer:
Deep Chester County Experience
With Karen’s leadership roles in the Domestic Relations Office and years handling family law in West Chester and the surrounding counties, we bring an insider’s understanding of how local cases move through the system and what the courts expect.
Experienced Courtroom Advocates
When a matter must go to court, we draw on decades of litigation and courtroom experience to present your case clearly and effectively, and to stand up for you and your children.
Personal Attention from Experienced Attorneys
You work directly with experienced attorneys, not a revolving door of staff. We take the time to understand your situation and goals before recommending next steps.
Resolution-First, Not Conflict-First
We push for a settlement wherever a fair one is possible, because it’s usually faster, less expensive, and less painful than a court fight, and it keeps the decisions in your hands. When mediation is the better route, we’ll tell you, and we handle that too, drafting and filing the court-ready documents in-house so you’re not handing your case off to a second professional. Learn about divorce mediation →
One thing that helps almost everyone: Pennsylvania is a no-fault state. For most divorces, this isn’t about proving who’s to blame. It’s about dividing property, settling support, and arranging time with your children. If your goal is a fair outcome you can move forward from, you’re already thinking about it the right way.
Trusted Chester County Divorce Lawyers with Over 30 Years of Experience
As experienced West Chester family law attorneys, we understand the issues that matter most when you’re going through a divorce. Wherever a fair agreement is within reach, we’ll work to settle. When it isn’t, we’re ready to advocate for you in court.
Every case is different, but the most common concerns we address include:
Custody and Visitation Rights
Child Support and Alimony
Division of Marital Assets
Frequently Asked Questions
What can Reynolds Family Law help with?
Our practice is focused on family law and mediation. We assist clients with:
– Divorce
– Property Division
– Child Custody & Visitation
– Child Support, APL & Alimony
– Mediation
– Adoption
– Pre-Nuptial and Post-Nuptial Agreements
– Property Settlement Agreements
– Name Changes
We intentionally do not position ourselves as a general practice or “we do everything” firm. Our focus is family law and related matters, so you get concentrated experience in this area of the law.
What's the difference between legal separation and divorce in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania doesn’t have a formal status called “legal separation” like some other states. However:
- You can live separate and apart from your spouse and begin the timeline toward a no-fault divorce.
- The date of separation can affect issues like property division and support.
- You can enter into a Property Settlement Agreement that addresses finances, property, and support while you’re still legally married.
We can explain how separation works in Pennsylvania, how it affects your rights, and whether it makes sense to file for divorce now or take certain steps first.
It is very important to have a divorce lawyer who has experience in the state and county where your divorce will be filed.
How does Child Custody work in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania recognizes:
- Legal custody: who makes major decisions about the child (education, medical care, and so on)
- Physical custody: where the child lives and how parenting time is shared
Courts look at the best interests of the child, considering factors such as:
- Each parent’s involvement and relationship with the child
- The child’s needs, routines, and school situation
- Each parent’s ability to provide a safe, stable environment
- Any history of abuse, neglect, or substance abuse
Many families can reach a custody agreement without a hearing. If that isn’t possible, the court will issue a custody order after hearing from both sides. We help you understand the factors, explore your options, and present your case effectively if a hearing is needed.
What types of financial support are available in Pennsylvania?
Depending on your situation, you may encounter:
- Child Support: for children’s basic needs
- APL (Alimony Pendente Lite): temporary support while the divorce is pending
- Spousal Support: support for a separated spouse, before the divorce is filed
- Alimony: support that may continue after the divorce is final
Each type has its own rules and guidelines. We help you:
- Understand which types may apply in your case
- See how the support guidelines work in practical terms
- Prepare realistic expectations and a financial plan around support
We can also run preliminary support calculations (using your income information) so you have a clearer picture early on.
What is the benefit of using a Local Pennsylvania Attorney?
Pennsylvania family law is state-specific, and the details often come down to the county. Each one has its own local rules, filing practices, and the judges and masters who actually hear cases, and those details can shape how a case moves, how long it takes, and what to expect along the way. A local attorney knows that terrain, so you’re not paying someone to learn it on your case, and you get realistic guidance from the start rather than surprises later.
Karen Reynolds knows the Chester County system especially well, having served as Chief Staff Attorney and Assistant Director of the county’s Domestic Relations Office. So when we tell you what to expect here, it comes from experience.
And size matters as much as location. Reynolds Family Law has served families in Chester, Montgomery, and Delaware counties since 1992. We’re not a large, multi-state firm where your case gets passed down to whoever’s available. We’re a small, focused family law practice, which means you work directly with the same experienced attorneys from your first call through your final order.
Why Our Initial Consult Is Different
When you’re facing a divorce or custody issue, you’ll see plenty of firms advertising a “free consultation.” Often, that means a short, scripted case evaluation, not legal advice grounded in the actual facts of your situation. We do it differently because your first conversation with an attorney should leave you with real answers, not a sales pitch.
Typical "Free" Consult:
Surface-level information for a limited period of time
Typically limited to 30-60 minutes
Hard stop at the end of allotted time
No specific discussion of details of your particular circumstances
Generic discussion of the process of divorce, such as the required court filings and fees
Goal is to entice prospective client to sign on and pay retainer.
No follow up questions included
Reynolds Family Law Initial Consult:
Full discussion and plan of moving forward.
Includes overview of the divorce process
Including timeline, budget and fees, but also includes specific case strategy for the prospective client, including full discussion of the client’s goals.
No time limit
Whether consult is by telephone, Zoom, or in person, the meeting takes as long as the client needs.
Includes any follow up questions
Frequently, clients provide employment/wage information after their initial consultation and have follow-up questions focused on financial/support. Additionally, we can run support calculations to give the client a ballpark idea of what support obligation he/she is facing.
Our goal is to understand what matters most to you, explain your options in plain language, and outline a realistic plan so you can move forward with confidence and clarity.
Learn more about Karen Reynolds’ background and approach.
Within 5 minutes of our meeting, I knew I had found the right attorney for me and my family. You will never find a more loyal advocate and attorney for your legal matters.
— Lisa
I contacted Karen after having a horrible experience with another law firm during my divorce. Karen was warm, compassionate and made sure I understood what was happening at all times. I wish I had started with Karen from the beginning.
— Emily
Karen was thorough and very complete. She is very warm and approachable, especially since she handles very complicated matters of the heart when it comes to family law.
— Tashir
Karen is kind, compassionate, understanding and a delight to work with, even in the most turbulent of times
— Michelle
I can’t say enough about Karen’s professionalism and expertise at guiding me through all of the necessary steps for my divorce. She was thorough and very responsive to every need.
— Diana
After many google searches, and endless phone calls with other lawyers, literally about to give up hope, Karen Reynolds Family Law popped up. She is the most patient, kindhearted, attentive, thorough lawyer we have had the pleasure of working with.
— Whitney
I felt informed and understood what was happening during all phases of the process. She is very reasonable and down to earth, and I have never questioned my decision to have her as my legal representation.
— Kirk
Interested in an Initial Consultation?
If you’re considering divorce, already separated, or just need to understand your options, you don’t have to figure this out alone.
Your first step is simply a conversation. From there, we’ll help you decide what comes next and how to get through a difficult time with a clear, practical plan.