Family Law

Recent News:

Jennifer Brandt Reappointed as Co-Chair of the PBA Children’s Rights Committee

Cozen O’Connor is proud to announce that Jennifer Brandt, chair of the firm’s Family Law Group, has been reappointed as co-chair of the PBA Children's Rights Committee.

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Cozen O’Connor’s family law attorneys counsel clients in their most personal legal matters, from marriage and divorce to child custody and support arrangements. The practice is challenging, not only because it concerns issues of profound emotional import, but because the legal strictures are constantly changing in response to broad social and economic trends. Clients must have counsel with the interpersonal skills to provide meaningful support during major life transitions and the legal skills to use cutting-edge deal structures and guidelines.

The family law attorneys at Cozen O’Connor have been resolving complex family disputes for more than three decades. We counsel clients on matters of divorce, division of property, and alimony; child and spousal support; child custody; domestic violence; pre- and post-nuptial agreements; name changes; and adoption or termination of parental rights. We are equally adept at representing financially independent and financially dependent parties.

Our goal in each case is to achieve a comprehensive and lasting solution as quickly as possible so that clients can move their lives forward. In many instances, family law matters can be effectively resolved using alternative dispute resolution (ADR) techniques such as mediation and arbitration. Our attorneys are experienced at participating in and leading ADR proceedings, which may save time, defuse confrontation, and encourage mutuality. Unfortunately, not every situation lends itself to this approach. In those cases, Cozen O’Connor’s renowned litigators are prepared to advocate aggressively on clients’ behalf. We have extensive trial and appellate court experience and regularly appear before state courts, often in complex parallel proceedings to separately determine support, equitable distribution, and custody.

Members of Cozen O’Connor have held leadership positions in local, state, and national bar associations, and publish regularly in family law periodicals. Our team includes lawyers who are routinely interviewed by mainstream media outlets and lecture to other attorneys on topics related to marital and family law. This level of professional activity means that our attorneys are well informed about current legal trends and are able to provide clients with prescient strategic advice.

Clients also benefit from the fact that the family law team is backed by the resources of a full service law firm. We routinely reach out to colleagues in other practice groups, including trusts and estates, tax, corporate, and real estate, in order to develop a unified strategy to resolve family law questions and disputes. This team approach gives our clients an edge that few other firms can replicate.

If you are looking for our Canadian family law – family practice, click here.

SERVICE AREAS

  • Prosecute and defend divorce actions on fault or no-fault bases
  • Value marital estates, including business interests, real estate, retirement plans, and investments
  • Negotiate equitable division of marital assets
  • Analyze income, earning capacity, and expenses to determine duration and amount of alimony
  • Seek interim relief for clients during the course of a divorce proceeding, including preservation of assets, occupancy of the marital home, and interim distributions of marital assets
  • Analyze issues of child support, spousal support, and/or alimony pendente lite
  • Review tax returns to accurately calculate income for determination of support
  • Counsel clients on all aspects of physical and legal custody of minor children
  • Assist in developing custodial arrangements that are truly in the best interest of the children
  • Obtain or defend against Protection from Abuse orders in quasi-criminal proceedings
  • Negotiate and draft both pre- and post-marital agreements
  • Handle name changes as part of a divorce action or for minors and adults who wish to change their names for other valid and appropriate reasons
  • Advance voluntary or involuntary relinquishment of parental rights and process both uncontested and contested adoptions
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Publications

Ask Attorney Jennifer B.: What Does It Mean to Be a Family Lawyer? [Martindale-Avvo]

March 13, 2025

Jennifer Brandt, chair of the firm’s Family Law Group, contributed an article to the Martindale-Avvo blog discussing the wide range of legal issues that affect families and children and whether family lawyers are expected to take on every related issue.

Ask Attorney Jennifer B: Are Text Messages Admissible in Divorce Court? [Martindale-Avvo]

February 19, 2025

Jennifer Brandt, chair of the firm’s Family Law Group, contributed an article to the Martindale-Avvo blog discussing the significant role text messages can play in legal proceedings.

Ask Attorney Jennifer B.: What are the 2025 Family Law Trends? [Martindale-Avvo]

January 07, 2025

Jennifer Brandt, chair of the firm’s Family Law Group, contributed an article to the Martindale-Avvo blog discussing three significant developing trends in family law for 2025

Challenge to Federal Child Support Guidelines Fails at Supreme Court of Canada [Alert]

November 13, 2024

Alexa Benzinger discusses the Supreme Court of Canada's decision in Auer v. Auer

Ask Attorney Jennifer B.: What Are Relationship Contracts? [Martindale-Avvo]

November 11, 2024

Jennifer Brandt, chair of the firm’s Family Law Group, contributed an article to the Martindale-Avvo blog discussing a new developing trend between couples called relationship contracts, which defines their roles and boundaries in the relationship.

Ask Attorney Jennifer B.: Is My Client’s Custody Case in Jeopardy if They Have a DUI? [Martindale-Avvo]

August 14, 2024

Jennifer Brandt, chair of the firm’s Family Law Group, contributed an article to the Martindale-Avvo blog discussing the impact of the use and abuse of drugs and alcohol by a parent involved in custody litigation.

Ask Jennifer B.: What Are Your Thoughts on Kids’ Mental Well-Being During a Divorce? [Martindale-Avvo]

May 21, 2024

Jennifer Brandt, chair of the firm’s Family Law Group, contributed an article to the Martindale-Avvo blog discussing the importance of mental health assistance during a divorce.

Don’t Leave A Prenup Off Of Your Wedding Checklist [Family Law Focus Blog]

March 04, 2024

Now that Valentine’s Day is past and Spring is almost upon us, many couples are starting to plan or are in the midst of preparation for their upcoming nuptials. While the focus is usually on the event itself, couples often start to think about what happens after the wedding and whether a prenuptial...

Ask Attorney Jennifer B.: New Year, New Divorce? [Martindale-Avvo]

January 26, 2024

Jennifer Brandt, chair of the firm’s Family Law Group, contributed an article to the Martindale-Avvo blog discussing the best practices to help set your client’s expectations for the new year to help them navigate through divorce.

[+] [View All Publications]

In The News

Jennifer Brandt Discusses Kimberly Sullivan and Dan Markel’s Cases on Court TV’s Opening Statements

March 18, 2025

Jennifer Brandt was a guest on Court TV’s Opening Statements to discuss the cases of Kimberly Sullivan and Dan Merkel.

Looking into the Future of Law

February 24, 2025

Jennifer Brandt was featured in the Martindale-Avvo February Newsletter, which shared the best tips from her column “Ask Attorney Jennifer B.”

Jennifer Brandt Discusses CA v. Monica Sementilli on Court TV’s Opening Statements

February 11, 2025

Jennifer Brandt was a guest on Court TV’s Opening Statements to discuss Luigi Sementilli’s testimony in CA v. Monica Sementilli.

Susan Smith, Who Drowned Her Sons, Is Denied Parole

November 20, 2024

Jennifer Brandt was a guest on Live Now Fox to discuss Susan Smith’s case and the potential reasons behind the denial of her parole.

Cozen O’Connor Recognized as a “Best Law Firm” in 31 Practice Areas Nationwide, 54 Practice Areas Regionally

November 07, 2024

In 2024, Best Lawyers received more than 100,000 client references and observed a 65% increase in client participation in their survey.

Jennifer Brandt Discusses Melody Farris and Jennifer Gledhill’s Cases on Court TV’s Opening Statements

October 29, 2024

Jennifer Brandt was a guest on Court TV’s Opening Statements to discuss Gary and Melody Farris’ daughter Amanda Farris Bruce’s testimony about the search for her father.

Jennifer Brandt discusses Melody Farris on Court TV’s Think Tank

October 21, 2024

Jennifer Brandt was a guest on Court TV’s Think Tank to discuss Melody Farris, who is charged with killing her husband.

Jennifer Brandt Discusses Leilani Simon and Suzanne Simpson on Court TV’s Think Tank

October 14, 2024

Jennifer Brandt was a guest on Court TV’s Think Tank to discuss Leilani Simon, a mom accused of killing her toddler.

Hugh Algeo Elected to the YMCA of the USA National Association Assembly Steering Committee

October 04, 2024

Hugh Algeo, counsel in the firm’s Family Law Group, has been elected to the YMCA of the USA (YUSA) National Association Assembly Steering Committee.

[+] [View All News]

Contacts

Jennifer A. Brandt

Chair, Family Law

jbrandt@cozen.com

(215) 665-2113

Jonathan T. Hoffman

Vice Chair, Family Law

jthoffman@cozen.com

(610) 941-2345

People

Awards

Cozen O’Connor Recognized as a “Best Law Firm” in 31 Practice Areas Nationwide, 54 Practice Areas Regionally

November 07, 2024

In 2024, Best Lawyers received more than 100,000 client references and observed a 65% increase in client participation in their survey.

Four Attorneys, Two Practice Areas Recognized in the Chambers 2024 High Net Worth Guide

July 23, 2024

The firm's Private Wealth Law and Family/Matrimonial: High Net Worth were both ranked in the Chambers 2024 High Net Worth Guide for Pennsylvania, as well as Jennifer Brandt, Lester Lipschutz, Matthew Kamens, and Robert Friedman.

31 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys Named Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

June 11, 2024

Each candidate is evaluated on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement. Only 5 percent of attorneys are named Super Lawyers; only 2.5 percent of attorneys are listed as Rising Stars.

Best Lawyers Honors More Than 200 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys to its Best Lawyers in America 2024 Edition

August 17, 2023

Best Lawyers selected 232 Cozen O’Connor lawyers from 24 of the firm’s U.S. offices for inclusion in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

Cozen O’Connor Recognized as a “Best Law Firm” in 30 Practice Areas Nationwide, 115 Practice Areas Regionally

November 30, 2022

U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers recognized Cozen O’Connor as a “Best Law Firm” in 30 practice areas nationwide and 115 practice areas regionally.

49 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys Named Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

June 01, 2022

Super Lawyers has selected 49 Cozen O'Connor attorneys to the 2022 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.

Hugh Algeo Elected Chair of the Upper Main Line YMCA Board of Advisors

March 08, 2022

Cozen O’Connor is pleased to announce that Hugh Algeo, counsel in the firm’s Family Law Group, has been elected chair of the Upper Main Line YMCA Board of Advisors (UMLY).

Cozen O’Connor Recognized as a “Best Law Firm” in 29 Practice Areas Nationwide, 121 Practice Areas Regionally

November 04, 2021

U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers recognized Cozen O’Connor as a “Best Law Firm” in 29 practice areas nationwide and 121 practice areas regionally.

47 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys Named Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

May 28, 2021

Super Lawyers has selected 47 Cozen O'Connor attorneys to the 2021 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.

Jennifer Brandt Named a 2020 “Five Star Attorney” by Suburban Life Magazine

February 02, 2021

Jennifer Brandt, chair of the firm’s Family Law group, has been named a 2020 “Five-Star Attorney” by Suburban Life Magazine.

Jonathan Hoffman Elected President of the Board of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America for the Philadelphia-Delaware Valley Chapter

December 14, 2020

Cozen O’Connor is pleased to announce that Jonathan Hoffman, member of the firm’s Family Law Group, has been elected as president of the board of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America for the Philadelphia-Delaware Valley Chapter.

Cozen O’Connor Recognized as a “Best Law Firm” in 25 Practice Areas Nationwide, 115 Practice Areas Regionally

November 05, 2020

U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers recognized Cozen O’Connor as a “Best Law Firm” in 25 practice areas nationwide and 115 practice areas regionally.

200 Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Named Best Lawyers and Ones to Watch By The Best Lawyers In America

August 20, 2020

Best Lawyers selected 200 Cozen O’Connor lawyers from 23 of the firm’s nationwide offices for inclusion in the 2021 edition of The Best Lawyers in America© (Copyright 2020 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, SC).

Fifty-Eight Cozen O'Connor Attorneys Named Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

June 05, 2020

Super Lawyers has selected 58 Cozen O'Connor attorneys to the 2020 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.

Cozen O’Connor Recognized As a Best Law Firm in 24 Practice Areas Nationwide, 106 Practice Areas Regionally

November 05, 2019

The U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation process that includes the collection of client and lawyer evaluations and peer review from leading attorneys in their field.

138 Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Named to the Best Lawyers in America

August 28, 2019

Best Lawyers selected 138 Cozen O’Connor lawyers from 21 of the firm’s national offices for inclusion in the 2020 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

64 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys Named Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

May 21, 2019

Super Lawyers has selected 64 Cozen O'Connor attorneys to the 2019 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.

125 Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Named to the Best Lawyers in America

August 22, 2018

One hundred twenty-five Cozen O’Connor lawyers from 20 of the firm’s national offices have been selected for inclusion in the 2018 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

Related Practice Areas

Related Blogs

Family Law Focus

Updates and insights on divorce, custody, support and other family law developments.

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