Mistakes such as violating a court order, hiding assets, or posting the wrong thing on social media can hurt your credibility and lead to unfavorable outcomes. Most damaging errors in Pittsburgh family court are preventable, and every woman should know what to avoid before walking into a courtroom.
1. Violating Family Court Orders
Once a judge issues an order in a family law case, it carries the full weight of the court. Ignoring or selectively following an order, even if you disagree with it, can result in serious consequences, including contempt charges and potential jail time and fines. Family law orders you need to follow carefully include:
- Temporary orders (pendente lite): Issued while the case is still pending, these orders cover temporary arrangements for custody, support, or property.
- Custody orders: These define physical and legal custody schedules as well as decision-making authority.
- Visitation (parenting time) orders: A noncustodial parent’s scheduled time with the child, along with any conditions surrounding visits, is established through these orders.
- Support orders: These set the amounts and timelines for child support and spousal support payments.
- Protection from abuse orders: Boundaries on contact and proximity between parties when domestic violence is involved are established through protection orders.
- Property orders: These determine who retains possession of the home, vehicles, or other shared assets during the proceedings.
- Order to show cause: This requires a party to appear in court and explain why they should not be held in contempt for failing to comply with an existing order.
If you believe an order is unfair or unworkable, the proper course of action is to file a motion to modify it. Taking matters into your own hands, even with good intentions, can undermine your position and give the other side leverage.
2. Acting Emotionally Rather Than Rationally
Family court cases involve some of the most personal parts of your life. It is completely normal to feel angry, hurt, or frustrated. However, allowing those emotions to drive your decisions in court can backfire.
Judges pay close attention to how both parties conduct themselves, and emotional outbursts, aggressive language, or impulsive decisions can damage your credibility. Before reacting to anything the other party says or does, take a step back. Focus on your long-term goals rather than short-term frustration.
3. Hiding Assets or Income
Pennsylvania courts require full financial disclosure during divorce and support proceedings. Attempting to hide assets, underreport income, or transfer property to avoid division is not only dishonest but also illegal.
In a high-asset divorce, the stakes are even higher. Common ways courts uncover hidden finances include:
- Forensic accounting reviews
- Subpoenas for bank and investment records
- Tax return audits
- Analysis of spending patterns and lifestyle
Under 23 Pa. C.S. § 3502, the court considers all marital property when making equitable distribution decisions. If a judge discovers that either party tried to conceal assets, the consequences can include an unfavorable property split, sanctions, or contempt charges.
4. Disparaging the Other Parent
Speaking negatively about your child’s other parent, whether in person, over text, or on social media, can seriously hurt your child custody case. Judges in Pittsburgh evaluate custody based on the child’s best interests.
A parent who actively undermines the child’s relationship with the other parent raises red flags. Venting to friends offline may feel harmless, but those conversations can become testimony.
5. Using Children as Pawns or Messengers
Putting children in the middle of a custody dispute causes real harm, both to your case and to your kids. Asking a child to relay messages to the other parent, quizzing them about what happens at the other household, or using them to gather information puts unfair pressure on them.
Online, posting about your custody situation where your children or their friends might see it creates additional problems. Courts in Pennsylvania take these behaviors seriously and may adjust custody arrangements if a parent is found to be involving children in adult conflicts.
6. Improper Social Media Usage
What you post online during a family court case can and will be used against you. Even if your accounts are set to private, screenshots and shared posts still find their way into the courtroom. To protect yourself, follow these guidelines:
- Do not post about your case, the judge, or the other party
- Avoid photos that contradict claims you have made in court
- Do not delete posts or accounts after litigation has started
- Refrain from making large purchases and posting about them
- Ask friends and family not to tag you in potentially harmful content
Under 23 Pa. C.S. § 5328, courts weigh several factors when determining custody, including each parent’s willingness to maintain a loving and stable relationship with the child. Social media posts that suggest otherwise can directly affect a custody outcome.
7. Failing to Prepare or Know the Rules
Family court in Pittsburgh follows specific procedures, filing requirements, and deadlines. Walking in unprepared can put you at a serious disadvantage. Before any hearing, make sure you have addressed the following:
- Gathering and organizing all relevant financial documents
- Reviewing the local rules for Allegheny County family court
- Preparing a clear and factual timeline of events
- Bringing copies of all filed motions and court orders
- Arriving on time and dressed appropriately
Having legal representation helps make sure all filings are completed correctly, deadlines are met, and you have skilled advocacy at every Allegheny County hearing.
Reach Out to Our Pennsylvania Family Law Attorneys to Discuss Your Case
At WSM, our attorneys work closely with women throughout Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania who are facing difficult family court situations. We know how stressful these cases are, and we bring focused preparation and clear communication to every matter we handle.
Whether your case involves custody, support, property division, or all three, we are here to stand beside you and fight for the outcome you deserve. Call us at (412) 336-3931 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our Pennsylvania family law attorneys.
