About Dermot F. Kennedy
Dermot F. Kennedy handles family law Richboro cases for clients throughout Bucks County, providing experienced representation in divorce, custody, and domestic relations matters in one of Pennsylvania’s most active suburban legal markets. Richboro is an unincorporated community in Northampton Township, and its residents file family law cases in the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas in Doylestown — a court with a dedicated Family Court Division and experienced judges who specialize in domestic relations matters.
Family law cases in Bucks County carry significant financial and emotional stakes: with median home values among the highest in Pennsylvania and large numbers of dual-income households, equitable distribution disputes here often involve substantial marital estates. Kennedy’s practice in Richboro places him in the heart of this active suburban family law market.
Family Law Richboro Legal Services
Bucks County’s Family Court in Doylestown handles divorce, equitable distribution, child custody, child support, spousal support, and protection from abuse (PFA) matters for the county’s 650,000+ residents. Pennsylvania is an equitable distribution state — marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally — and the court considers 11 statutory factors under 23 Pa.C.S. § 3502 when dividing assets. Child custody matters in Bucks County typically involve mediation and a parenting plan before any contested hearing, and the court’s child support guidelines are strictly based on the Pennsylvania Support Guidelines formula.
- Divorce and Equitable Distribution
- Child Custody and Parenting Plans
- Child Support and Spousal Support
- Protection from Abuse (PFA) Orders
What Richboro Clients Say
Bucks County family law clients frequently highlight the importance of an attorney who understands the specific judges and procedures in Doylestown’s Family Court. Reviews note that knowledgeable local counsel can meaningfully shape how a case is presented during Bucks County’s mandatory conciliation conferences — a critical stage where many cases are either resolved or positioned for contested hearings. Clients appreciate attorneys who give frank assessments of likely outcomes rather than over-promising results.
Serving: Richboro and Bucks County
Practice Focus: Family Law — Divorce, Custody, Support, Protection from Abuse
Local Courts: Bucks County Court of Common Pleas, Family Court Division (Doylestown)
Key Resource: Bucks County Family Court
Related Guide: Family Law Attorneys in Pennsylvania
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Pennsylvania’s equitable distribution process work for Bucks County divorce cases?
Pennsylvania courts divide marital property under 23 Pa.C.S. § 3502 using 11 factors, including the length of the marriage, each spouse’s income and earning capacity, contributions to the marriage, and the economic circumstances of each party at the time of division. Separate property — inherited assets, gifts, and property owned before marriage — is generally excluded. In Bucks County, the process typically involves mandatory financial disclosure, an equitable distribution conference before a hearing officer, and a master’s hearing if the parties cannot reach agreement. The court has broad discretion, making preparation and documentation of marital assets critical.
What are Pennsylvania’s child custody standards, and how does Bucks County handle contested custody cases?
Pennsylvania courts apply a best-interest-of-the-child standard under 23 Pa.C.S. § 5328, weighing 16 statutory factors including the parental duties performed by each party, the need for stability, and the child’s relationship with siblings and extended family. In Bucks County, contested custody cases typically proceed through custody conciliation first, where a conciliator attempts to help parents reach a parenting plan agreement. If conciliation fails, the matter goes to a judge. Pennsylvania allows both legal custody (decision-making) and physical custody (where the child lives), and shared legal custody is the presumed starting point in most cases.
What do Richboro residents need to know about filing for a Protection from Abuse (PFA) order in Bucks County?
A Protection from Abuse order is available in Pennsylvania under the Protection from Abuse Act (23 Pa.C.S. § 6101) to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking by a family or household member. In Bucks County, emergency PFAs can be obtained from the Court of Common Pleas on an ex parte basis (without the other party present) when the courthouse is open, and from a Magisterial District Judge after hours. A full hearing on a final PFA is typically scheduled within 10 business days. Violating a PFA is a criminal offense under Pennsylvania law, and the order can include provisions for exclusive possession of a shared residence, child custody arrangements, and firearms surrender.
