Schaffranek & Foster, PLLC

Schaffranek & Foster, PLLC I currently practice primarily in the family law and estate planning/administration areas. I am acc

After spending many years at Pittsburgh area law firms, I decided to open my own firm in 2021. In this capacity, I am free to give each client the time and attention they deserve by being highly selective in the cases I take on. I have worked in the family law field in a variety of roles since 2004. First as a paralegal in Columbus, Ohio, then as a clinic student at the University of Pittsburgh Sc

hool of Law's Family Law Clinic, then as a law clerk and attorney at some of Pittsburgh's most widely known family law firms. My family law experience ranges from uncontested divorce cases with agreed upon distribution of assets, to highly contested matters with large estates and complex issues. My practice includes custody and support cases, as well as any and all matters in the area of family law. I handle conciliation and settlement conferences and negotiation, and trial work as the case may dictate, with equal passion and attention to detail. In many instances, litigation in family cases is one of the most traumatic experiences a client has faced; I do my best to limit that trauma. I am particularly proud to work with the LGBTQIA+ community in matters that are common among them: name changes, surrogacy agreements, open adoptions, and the like. Since same-sex marriage was made the law nationwide, I have also started taking on clients in same-sex marriages as those unions dissolve, helping them get to their new normal following a divorce. I also have considerable experience in estate planning, drafting wills, trusts, Powers of Attorney, and Healthcare Directives/Living Wills for clients. When a loved one passes, I am also prepared to guide an executor through the process of administering the estate through to completion. Some cases necessitate appealing to Pennsylvania's higher courts. I am well-versed in appellate practice, having successfully argued many cases before the Superior and Commonwealth Courts of Pennsylvania. If your case requires an appeal, I can see that process through from beginning to end. I also enjoy general practice, having successfully represented clients in criminal, traffic, business, civil and orphan’s court matters. I have represented media clients in disputes with government bodies, and also government bodies in drafting municipal ordinances and otherwise counseling municipalities in their legal responsibilities. I have lived in Pittsburgh since 2009, when I moved here for law school. Prior to that, I lived in Columbus, Ohio, where I attended undergraduate school at Denison University with a dual degree in Political Science and Philosophy. Currently I live near downtown Pittsburgh with my husband and our two dogs.

Parenting time and decision-making authority make up the two primary components of child custody arrangements in Pennsyl...
05/29/2026

Parenting time and decision-making authority make up the two primary components of child custody arrangements in Pennsylvania. Parenting time refers to physical custody – or when the children are with one parent or the other – while decision-making authority is legal custody, which addresses major parenting decisions.

Learn more: https://www.jmslawoffice.com/blog/how-pa-courts-determine-parenting-time-legal-custody/

Nobody wants to think about a loved one dying before them. But if a named beneficiary passes away before you do, your ca...
04/30/2026

Nobody wants to think about a loved one dying before them. But if a named beneficiary passes away before you do, your carefully made estate plan could unravel in ways you never intended.

Planning for the future is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones, your assets, and you...
04/16/2026

Planning for the future is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones, your assets, and your wishes. At Schaffranek & Foster, we help individuals and families throughout Allegheny County and Western Pennsylvania create clear, legally sound estate plans that provide peace of mind—both now and for the years ahead.

Learn more: https://www.jmslawoffice.com/

Nothing is more important that your child's well-being.
04/13/2026

Nothing is more important that your child's well-being.

Skilled guidance for divorcing parents.

When you have a legal problem to solve, you want an advocate with a deep understanding of applicable laws and keen atten...
03/31/2026

When you have a legal problem to solve, you want an advocate with a deep understanding of applicable laws and keen attention to detail. More than that, however, you want someone who actually cares about the impact your legal matter may have on your life. You will find those qualities here.

Learn more: https://www.jmslawoffice.com/

We’re proud to announce that our new website is officially live! Designed with our clients in mind, the new site offers ...
03/23/2026

We’re proud to announce that our new website is officially live!

Designed with our clients in mind, the new site offers a cleaner look, easier navigation, and better access to the information you need. Whether you're looking for guidance, exploring your legal options, or ready to connect with our team—we’ve made it simpler than ever.

Take a look and let us know what you think:
jmslawoffice.com

Our responsive team is dedicated to providing our clients with the guidance they deserve in their child custody needs.
02/12/2026

Our responsive team is dedicated to providing our clients with the guidance they deserve in their child custody needs.

"Responsive Representation When You Need It Most"

Having a trusted partner by your side throughout the divorce process can help you transition effortlessly into your new ...
02/02/2026

Having a trusted partner by your side throughout the divorce process can help you transition effortlessly into your new life.

Divorce doesn't need to be a solo endeavor.

01/02/2026

Divorce isn't failing - it's preparing for a better future.

Address

10475 Perry Highway, Suite 212C
Wexford, PA
15090

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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