BORN TO BE
✓ A Problem Solver ✓ Your Advocate ✓ A Negotiator ✓ Your Family Lawyer
Welcome to
SMC Legal Solutions
“Your Family's Advocate For Justice with Compassionate Legal Care.”
Navigating family legal matters can be one of the most emotional and challenging experiences of your life. Whether you’re dealing with the intricacies of a divorce, the sensitive nature of a custody dispute, or the complexities of support agreements, having a dedicated and compassionate legal team by your side is crucial. At SMC Legal Solutions, we are committed to providing you with the highest level of legal care, tailored to your unique needs and circumstances. We approach each case with empathy, professionalism, and a deep understanding of family law. Our mission is to offer not just legal support, but also to be a steadfast advocate for you and your family, ensuring that your rights and interests are protected every step of the way. At SMC Legal Solutions, we specialize in a broad range of family law services. Our pre-marital legal counseling services are designed to help couples understand their individual and mutual legal standings before marriage.In addition to our focus on custody and pre-marital counseling, we offer a wide array of family law services. At SMC Legal Solutions, our goal is to provide you with compassionate, professional, and personalized legal services. We understand that each family’s situation is unique, and we are here to support you through every legal challenge you may face. Trust us to be your family’s advocate, dedicated to securing justice with compassionate legal care.
About Shadia
Our Expert
Meet Attorney Shadia, your dedicated family law advocate at SMC Legal Solutions. With a passion for helping families navigate legal challenges, Shadia provides personalized and compassionate legal support. Shadia is a dedicated and compassionate advocate with a strong background in public service and legal expertise. In her legal career Shadia has worked as an Assistant City Solicitor in the Tort Litigation Unit and as a Staff Attorney for the non-profit Philadelphia Legal Assistance. In these roles, Shadia honed her skills in representing clients and navigating complex legal matters. Shadia’s commitment to justice was solidified during her time as a law clerk on the Family Division Dependency Branch and on the Criminal Division of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia. Her experience in these judicial environments provided her with invaluable insights into the workings of the legal system and deepened her passion for advocating on behalf of those in vulnerable situations. While attending Villanova University’s Charles Widger School of Law, Shadia’s dedication to public service led her to intern at the Institute to Address Commercial Sexual Exploitation and work for the Child Advocacy Unit at The Defender Association of Philadelphia. In these roles, she actively participated in advocating for individuals in critical and often precarious circumstances. As a proud advocate for every client, Shadia has successfully assisted individuals in navigating complex issues such as Protection from Abuse (PFA) cases and name changes. Her zealous representation extends to custody, support, and divorce matters, where she is known for her personalized approach and unwavering commitment to her clients' individual needs. In addition to her professional work, Shadia is a proud member of the Quaker City Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., is a member of The Barristers’ Association of Philadelphia and Philadelphia Bar Association. Her dedication to service and leadership within these organizations reflects her ongoing commitment to making a positive impact in her community. Shadia earned her Juris Doctor from Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law in 2017, after graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Claflin University in 2014. She is admitted to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.
SMC
Specializes In
CUSTODY
In Pennsylvania, child custody is determined based on the best interests of the child, considering factors like the child's needs, each parent's ability to care for the child, and the child's relationship with each parent. Custody arrangements can include physical custody (where the child lives) and legal custody (decision-making authority). Courts aim to create a stable and supportive environment for the child, often encouraging shared custody when possible. At SMC Legal Solutions, we help you navigate custody matters to protect your child’s well-being and your parental rights.
PREMARITAL LEGAL COUNSELING
Start your marriage on a solid foundation with SMC Legal Solutions’ Pre-Marital Legal Counseling. Our up-to-two-hour session covers prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, family planning, assisted reproduction, and essential estate planning documents like wills, living wills, and powers of attorney. Complete our counseling and receive a 10% discount on estate planning services. Contact us today to ensure your future is well-planned and secure.
SUPPORT
In Pennsylvania, support includes both child support and spousal support. Child support is calculated using statewide guidelines, considering each parent's income, the child's needs, and the time spent with each parent. Spousal support or alimony may be awarded to a dependent spouse based on factors like the length of the marriage, the earning capacities of both spouses, and contributions to the household. The goal is to ensure financial stability for both the child and the dependent spouse. At SMC Legal Solutions, we help ensure that support arrangements are fair and in the best interests of your family.
DIVORCE
In Pennsylvania, divorce can be pursued on both fault and no-fault grounds. The most common is no-fault divorce, which allows couples to end their marriage without proving wrongdoing, typically after a 90-day mutual consent period or a one-year separation. Fault-based divorces require proving specific grounds, such as adultery or abandonment. The process involves equitable distribution of marital property, spousal support, and child custody arrangements if applicable. Understanding your rights and options is crucial, as the decisions made during divorce can have long-lasting effects on your finances and family dynamics.
PROTECTION FROM ABUSE (PFA)
In Pennsylvania, a Protection From Abuse (PFA) order is a critical legal measure to protect individuals from domestic violence, abuse, or threats. A PFA can compel the abuser to stay away from the victim, vacate a shared residence, and refrain from any form of contact. It can also provide temporary solutions for child custody and support. The process of obtaining a PFA is streamlined to ensure prompt protection, and emergency orders can be issued without the abuser being present. PFAs are vital in safeguarding the well-being of those facing imminent harm or ongoing abuse.
CIVIL AGREEMENTS/CONTRACTS
Civil agreements and contracts in Pennsylvania can address various aspects of family life, including custody arrangements, future planning, assisted reproduction, and cohabitation. These legal documents help define the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved, providing clarity and protection for your family's future. Whether you're planning for children, sharing custody, or living together without marriage, these agreements ensure your interests are legally safeguarded and help prevent disputes down the line.
NAME CHANGE
In Pennsylvania, legally changing your name involves several steps. First, you must file a petition with the Court of Common Pleas in your county. This petition includes your current name, the new name you wish to adopt, and the reasons for the change. After filing, you are typically required to publish notice of your intent to change your name in two local newspapers, allowing time for any objections. A background check is often required to ensure there are no pending legal issues. Finally, you attend a court hearing where a judge reviews your petition and, if approved, issues an official order for your name change. This order can then be used to update your legal documents, such as your driver's license, Social Security card, and passport.
ESTATE PLANNING
Estate planning is about more than documents, it’s about protecting your loved ones, honoring your wishes, and creating peace of mind for the future. At SMC Legal Solutions, we believe that no one is too young or too old to have an estate plan in place. Whether you’re starting a family, planning for retirement, or making sure your assets are passed down smoothly, we provide guidance every step of the way. A comprehensive estate plan may include a will, financial and medical powers of attorney, and healthcare directives to ensure your voice is heard in life’s most important decisions. For many families, adding a trust offers even greater flexibility and protection. Trusts can help avoid probate, manage assets for minor children, provide ongoing care for loved ones with special needs, and safeguard your legacy for future generations.
SMC Legal Specalties
premarital Legal counseling
The dress is picked out, the venue is booked, and the beautiful cake is ordered too. But have you considered how your nuptials will affect your legal status? Before you say "I do," it's crucial to understand the legal implications of marriage and plan accordingly. Our premarital legal counseling services provide up to a two-hour session where you and your partner can explore important legal topics. We discuss marital agreements, including prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, which help outline financial and legal expectations should your circumstances change. We also cover family planning, addressing how decisions regarding minor and adult children will be handled. If you're considering assisted reproduction methods such as IVF or surrogacy, we'll provide guidance on the associated legal considerations and ensure your rights are protected. Additionally, we focus on estate planning, helping you update crucial documents such as wills, living wills, beneficiary designations, and powers of attorney to reflect your new marital status and future plans. This proactive approach can prevent complications and ensure your legal affairs are in order. By participating in our premarital legal counseling, you'll receive a 10% discount on any estate planning document package you choose to proceed with. Our goal is to help you navigate these important decisions, providing clarity and protection as you embark on this new chapter of your life.
Custody
Custody in Pennsylvania is governed by various laws and regulations, including recent updates from Kayden's Law, which aims to enhance child safety in custody decisions. Kayden's Law emphasizes the importance of considering any history of abuse, neglect, or domestic violence when determining custody arrangements. It seeks to protect children by ensuring that their safety is a top priority in court decisions, particularly in cases involving allegations of abuse. Custody in Pennsylvania is divided into two primary types: legal custody, which gives a parent the right to make major decisions about their child’s welfare, including education, healthcare, and religious upbringing, and physical custody, which refers to the actual physical care and supervision of the child. Physical custody can be further categorized into primary custody, where one parent has the child for the majority of the time; partial custody, where one parent has the child for a significant but not primary amount of time; shared custody, where both parents share physical custody equally or nearly equally; and visitation, also known as supervised physical custody, where a non-custodial parent has the right to visit the child under certain conditions. Pennsylvania courts make custody decisions based on the "best interests of the child." This includes evaluating the child’s safety and well-being, each parent’s ability to provide for the child’s needs, the child’s relationship with each parent and other family members, the child’s preference depending on their age and maturity, and the willingness of each parent to foster a relationship with the other parent. Life circumstances change, and so may your custody arrangements. Whether you need to modify an existing custody order or address enforcement issues, SMC Legal Solutions is here to help. We ensure that any changes reflect your current situation and are in the best interests of your child.
Civil Agreements Contracts
In Pennsylvania, civil agreements and contracts are vital for addressing key family matters such as custody arrangements, future planning, assisted reproduction, and cohabitation. These agreements help individuals and couples clearly define their rights, responsibilities, and expectations, providing legal protection and reducing the risk of future disputes. Custody agreements outline how parenting time and decision-making authority will be shared between parents, creating a structured plan that prioritizes the child's best interests. Future planning contracts allow couples to establish clear plans for significant life events, ensuring alignment on financial matters, healthcare decisions, and other important aspects of their shared lives. Assisted reproduction agreements are crucial for couples or individuals planning to use methods like IVF, surrogacy, or sperm/egg donation. These contracts clarify the rights and obligations of all parties involved, including parental rights and the management of any future legal issues. Cohabitation agreements protect the rights of couples living together without marriage by specifying how property, finances, and other assets will be managed, as well as outlining the terms in the event of a separation. Registered domestic partnership agreements offer legal recognition for couples who may not be married but want formalized rights and responsibilities similar to marriage. Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements address the division of assets and financial responsibilities either before or after marriage, helping couples manage their legal and financial expectations. These legal documents are essential for ensuring that all parties are protected and that their wishes are respected in various family-related scenarios.
Service Features
Exceptional Personal Advocacy & Care
Hands On
High Touch Personal Service & Support
Everything you Need
And Nothing You Don't, Service Tailored To You
Positive Advocacy
Confidence & Attitude That Makes the Difference
Proactive
Focused On Helping Move You Forward
Attentive
First we Listen, Then we do.
experience Licensed Professional
5+ years in Family Law. Committed to exceptional service.
Resources
Recent Blog Post & Family Law Updates
