Lower Burrell Family Lawyers

Born and raised in the Pittsburgh area, Jaclyn M. (Nichols) Shaw graduated cum laude from the University of Pittsburgh in 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science. Upon completing her undergraduate education, she obtained her Paralegal Certification from Duquesne University during the summer of 2012. She attended the University of Pittsburgh School of Law where she was awarded her Juris Doctor degree in 2016.

Dedicated to guiding clients through some of the most trying experiences of their lives, Jaclyn M. Shaw serves clients in Somerset, Pennsylvania, and throughout Allegheny and Westmoreland counties. Offering personalized attention and advice, Mrs....

Compassionate and experienced.

I have had an interest in helping families and individuals navigate the difficult issues of separation, divorce, support and custody since long before I began practicing family law. I have found in the more than a decade I have been practicing family law, that litigation, and the adversarial process, is not for everyone. In an effort to meet the needs of my clients, I completed a mediation training approved by the Association for Conflict Resolution, focused specifically on Family Conflict mediation. In family law mediation, instead of going to Court and relying upon the rulings...

Divorce and other family law problems do not need to devastate you financially or ruin your relationship with your children. Call my office toll-free at 1-844-VARI-LAW (1-844-827-4529) or our main office in Pittsburgh at 412-281-9906 to learn how we can help you resolve your family law or divorce issues.

Rebecca Laniewski Sporar earned her Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. She graduated Cum Laude from Susquehanna University with a B.A. in Political Science and Communications. Rebecca’s practice is solely dedicated to family law, including child support, spousal support, alimony, equitable distribution, child custody, protection from abuse, and pre- and post-nuptial agreements. Rebecca practices in Allegheny, Westmoreland, Washington, & Butler Counties. As a law student, Rebecca completed an externship with the Honorable Joy Flowers Conti, Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. She also served as a Certified Legal Intern...

Brian C. Vertz is known for compassion and tenacity, representing clients from all walks of life. As one of Pennsylvania's leading family lawyers, he has 30 years of experience in all areas of family law. He excels in litigating child support cases, resolving complex and international custody cases, and handling divorces involving asset tracing, small businesses, licensed professionals, and executive benefits. He is trained in mediation, arbitration, and collaborative law to settle cases out of court. Brian is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, having passed a rigorous examination and earning acclaim for his skill,...

Bethany L. Notaro, Esquire is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA (BA, cum laude, Psychology), and the University of Pittsburgh School of Law (JD). She obtained her undergraduate degree in the field of psychology, with a special concentration in the counseling arts. Ms. Notaro received her Juris Doctor from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. While at Pitt, Ms. Notaro received various Scholarships and Honors for concentrated studies and academic achievement. Ms. Notaro focused her law studies on income taxation, trusts and estates, divorce issues, ADR, and strategic wealth planning. Bethany L. Notaro is also...

Attorney Tabano is a litigator whose practice concentrates on Family Law. He is a skilled negotiator who knows his way around the courtroom. For almost 20 years he has handled hundreds of difficult cases involving divorce, equitable distribution, child custody, protection from abuse and support. Attorney Steve Tabano has argued numerous cases before the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. He also has many years of experience in Pennsylvania’s criminal courts having tried numerous jury trials including client’s charged with homicide and white-collar crimes.

With almost two decades of experience in family law and criminal defense, Attorney Tibbott focuses on strategic communication to bring clients freedom and peace during one of the most difficult times in their lives.

I have successfully represented many clients in all Commonwealth Courts and the Federal Bankruptcy Court in various steps of the legal process, including Preliminary Hearings, Arbitration, Child Support Hearings, Motions, and Trials. I take great pride in my ability to learn from the past and use what worked for the future. Unlike some attorneys, I am not afraid of the courtroom and will do what is necessary to provide you with the best possible advocacy. Go to http://mbeckerlaw.com

Robb D. Bunde is a founding shareholder of the Pittsburgh law firm of Bunde & Roberts, P.C. He has concentrated his entire legal career in areas of family law such as divorce, equitable distribution, alimony, child support, paternity, custody and pre-nuptial agreements.

Robb is a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and has been certified by the AAML in Family Law Arbitration. Robb has been active in the Family Law Sections of both the Allegheny County and Pennsylvania Bar Associations. He has been a Council Member of the Allegheny County Bar Association Family Law Section for three separate three-year...

I am a dedicated critical thinker who enjoys working on difficult legal issues. My commitment to serving my community has produced stellar results in client interactions and maintaining professional relations. Clients tell me I am dependable, professional, and personable, but I credit those traits to my endearment towards helping people while working in a field I enjoy.

I grew up in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania where I was heavily involved in various projects. My degrees earned were a BA in Communication from Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where I was called to the honors organization of Lambda Pi Eta and sat...

Candice L. Komar is a founding member of Pollock Begg Komar Glasser & Vertz LLC. Prior to this, she was a shareholder in the family law division of Buchanan Ingersoll (now Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC). A strong litigator and comprehensive attorney, Candice often deals with divorces involving closely held businesses, complex issues and high net worth individuals. With a head for business and more than two decades of experience, Candice is able to quickly assess cases, synthesize the numbers and provide cost options and estimates to her clients.

Attorney Dawn K. Gull brings over two decades of experience specializing in family law matters, encompassing divorce, asset division, child custody, and financial support. Her practice, situated in Allegheny County, extends its services to clients across Beaver, Butler, and neighboring areas. The Law Offices of Dawn K. Gull adopt a pragmatic approach, facilitating an understanding of legal options while minimizing emotional strain. Operating in Pennsylvania, the firm customizes its services to meet individual client needs empathetically, considering the personal circumstances involved. With a forward-thinking outlook, the firm prioritizes shaping a positive future for clients post-resolving their family-related legal concerns.

Attorney Dana Jo-Ann Richardson has been a proactive advocate for her clients since entering the Bar in 2007. Her ambitions in the pursuit of law began at Duquesne University School of Law, where Dana was a class representative in the Student Bar Association, and where she became a finalist in the prestigious Carol Los Mansmann Appellate Advocacy Competition. Upon graduating from Duquesne University and receiving her Juris Doctorate in 2007, she sat for the bar examination and was admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar that year. While a law student at Duquesne, Dana was hired by the law firm...

Attorney Levine provides no-nonsense, affordable representation for all Pittsburgh family law matters. He believes in creating a clear plan of action and handling his cases efficiently and effectively. Mr. Levine prides himself on being personable and accessible to his clients and always offers honest opinions on his client's goals and the likelihood of success in court.

In addition to being well versed in all aspects of traditional family law litigation, Mr. Levine is also trained in collaborative law, and he is a certified mediator.

Scott L. Levine earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Pittsburgh, School of Law. Following graduation, Mr....

A founding member of Pollock Begg Komar Glasser & Vertz LLC, Daniel H. Glasser has negotiated and tried family law cases involving complex issues such as business valuation, tax and equitable distribution for more than two decades. Skilled at preparing difficult cases in short time spans, Dan is known for being a workout specialist on tough cases. Dan focuses on cases that require business valuation and multiple experts. His accounting background enables him to read and interpret financial statements and tax returns easily. His ability to think on his feet and perform quick mental calculations gives him an edge...

Jessie D. Rawlings concentrates her practice in family law including custody, paternity, divorce, support, and adoptions. She is a hard-working attorney who expresses great compassion for her clients. Her tech-savvy abilities create accessible communication with clients, promoting open discussion of case details and strategy. Attorney Rawlings has been recognized as a Super Lawyer Rising Star in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022; a 10 Best Family Law Attorney for Client Satisfaction by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys (2018); and by the National Academy of Family Law Attorneys as a Top 10 Attorney under 40 in Pennsylvania (2018...

W. J. Helzlsouer is a member of the bar of the following courts: The Supreme Court of the United States The Third Circuit Court of Appeals The United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania W. J. Helzlsouer received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Government from Georgetown University, Washington D.C. in 1970. He received a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law in 1973. In December 1983, he was awarded a Master of Science in Taxation from Robert Morris College. W. J. Helzlsouer was admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania,...

Avram has been practicing family law exclusively since 1999. He is a member of the Matrimonial Inns of Court, the Allegheny County Bar Association Family Section, the Washington County Bar Association Family Section and the Pennsylvania Bar Association Family Law Division. Avram maintains offices in Allegheny and Washington Counties, serving clients throughout several areas of Pittsburgh. Avram's wealth of experience and expertise are at your disposal and we answer communications promptly. He has seen it all and will tell it to you straight. Avram is able to settle most cases, but litigates aggressively when necessary. Our clients appreciate his ability to...

Darren K. Oglesby has been an attorney at Wilder Mahood McKinley & Oglesby since 2003, having previously worked in the area of commercial litigation in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mr. Oglesby is a 2003 graduate of the Boyd School of Law at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, where he graduated summa cum laude and was ranked third in his graduating class. Mr. Oglesby’s law school credits include serving on Law Review, reaching the quarter finals of the Clark County Moot Court Competition, and receiving awards in recognition of finishing with the highest class ranking in over one third of his...

For nearly four decades, David S. Pollock has practiced family law to help individuals and families as they transition through tough times. He is a founding member of Pollock Begg Komar Glasser & Vertz LLC and was previously a partner and head of the Matrimonial Law Group at Reed Smith LLP. David focuses on the economics of pre-marital agreements, separation, divorce, or unmarried partners, equitable distribution, support, and alimony, as well as estate planning, business and family succession planning as an adjunct to his family law practice. He works with both traditional divorces and large cases that require complex business...

Reid B. Roberts is a founding shareholder in the firm Bunde & Roberts. He has practiced family law for more than 30 years. Reid provides the highest level of professional service to protect the interests of his clients and their families. He is a respected advocate, negotiator and litigator, and one of only approximately 70 members selected to the Pennsylvania chapter of the prestigious American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, whose mission is to promote the highest degree of professionalism and excellence in the practice of family law.

Reid is widely known for his skill in handling complex cases, which frequently involve...

Mary Beier graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law and then co-founded the law firm of Beier, Beier & Beier with her husband Bart Beier. She is an experienced litigator with particular emphasis on personal injury and equine litigation. Mrs. Beier also works in the firm’s family law practice. She focuses on client communication and understanding throughout the course of a client’s legal problem. She is adept at working out creative and cost-effective solutions that clients can be happy with.

JOSEPH R. “JAY” WEST is an attorney and shareholder of the law firm West & Zuberbuhler, P.C., a general practice law firm that provides sensitive and thorough legal services addressing the unique goals of each of its clients. He is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, Princeton Theological Seminary, and the College of Wooster. Jay is licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and is also admitted to practice in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. Jay West focuses his practice in the areas of Estate Planning, Estate and Trust...

Pittsburgh-based attorney Todd Spivak handles Family Law, PFA Defense, Criminal Defense, DUI Defense, and Social Security Disability. A former investigative journalist, Todd's work was twice nominated for The Pulitzer Prize.

I have practiced Personal Injury Law since 1987. My firm has had thousands of clients who have had successful outcomes to their cases. GG&A also represents clients who have issues with Family Law, Gaurdianships, Criminal and Business Law. We have served as solicitors in South Park Twp., Bethel Park, North Versailles Twp. and Allegheny County.

I received my Bachelors Degree from the University of Notre Dame and my Juris Doctorate from Duquesne University. My law practice focuses on Estate Administration, Planning, and Probate. In addition, I practice Family Law - Divorce, Custody, Equitable Distribution, Juvenile, and other Family Law matters. Contact my office to set up a consultation.

A well-known equitable distribution and custody litigator in complex, high-conflict divorce cases, Todd M. Begg has practiced family law for more than two decades. Articulate and experienced about statutes and case law, Todd exhausts all efforts to amicably resolve issues and is also a zealous advocate for his high net worth clients in the courtroom. With a background in psychology and sociology, Todd is extremely comfortable litigating cases that deal with issues of addiction, mental illness or abuse and is comfortable analyzing the critical testimony of psychologists, social workers and other experts in these convoluted cases. Before founding Pollock...

Brian E. McKinley has been an attorney with Wilder Mahood McKinley & Oglesby since 2001, becoming partner in June, 2012. Mr. McKinley is a member of the Family Law Section of the American Bar Association, Pennsylvania Bar Association and Allegheny County Bar Association. Mr. McKinley is a Council Member for the Pennsylvania Bar Association Family Law Section. He is also a member of the Public Service Committee and Appellate Practice Committee of the Allegheny County Bar Association. He has served on the Rules Committee and as a Council Member of the Family Law Section of the Allegheny County Bar Association....

Stephen H. Lebovitz, Esquire, graduated from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania in 1986 with a B.S. in Economics concentrating in finance, and from the Law School at the University of Pittsburgh in 1989. Admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar in 1989, he joined Lebovitz & Lebovitz, P.A. practicing with his father and grandfather. He was admitted to the Maine Bar in 1992 and was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1993. Mr. Lebovitz is active in litigation. He also handles family matters, estate planning and tax work being admitted to the U.S. Tax Court. He has experience in...

Todd W. Elliott, Esq. is a Pittsburgh area resident and a litigator by vocation. For 16 years, he practiced civil litigation (plaintiff and defense) throughout Western Pennsylvania. Having worked for two prominent regional firms, Mr. Elliott's areas of practice include breach of contract, construction law, mechanic's liens, invention design cases, contractor/sub-contractor disputes, covenant not-to-compete (non-compete clauses), employee defense of non-compete, business enforcement of non-compete, trade secret violations, theft of mailing lists/recipes, professional negligence, premises liability, unfair trade practices, trade disparagement, and multistate litigation. Over the course of his career, Mr. Elliott handled the mediation of disputes, several trials by jury,...

Attorney Gordon received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, where he graduated magna cum laude and earned membership in the Order of the Coif and the Order of the Barristers. He also graduated with the John P. Gismondi certificate in civil litigation. During his time at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, he interned for a United States District Judge for the Western District of Pennsylvania, served on the Editorial Board of the University of Pittsburgh Law Review, was a certified legal intern for Neighborhood Legal Services, and a legal writing teaching assistant....

Fallon Carroll Stephenson is a native of Uniontown, Pennsylvania. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree from Washington & Jefferson College, where she majored in Political Science and minored in Philosophy. At Washington & Jefferson, Fallon was the President of Delta Gamma Fraternity, a member of The Pre-Law Society and Mock Trial Team. Fallon received her Juris Doctor Degree from Duquesne University School of Law. While at Duquesne, Fallon received the CALI Excellence for the Future Award in Legal Research and Writing. During law school, Fallon gained valuable experience in complex litigation matters working as a law clerk for Blumling...

I am an experienced family law attorney with a law practice primarily focused on divorce, child custody, child support, and pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements. After nearly thirty-five years of practice, I have the knowledge, skill, and patience it takes to assist individuals through what can be a difficult transition in their life. Most cases settle without court and my practice focuses on keeping clients out of court, if possible, by using the collaborative law process, mediation, or traditional negotiation. I have completed the basic collaborative law training and have more than 100 hours of additional collaborative law training. I also...