Practice Areas

Navigating custody issues can be tough, but my focus is always on what’s best for the children, aiming to keep both parents involved whenever possible. I encourage parents to collaborate on custody arrangements to reduce stress and avoid court intervention. When agreements can’t be reached, I’m ready to advocate for you through the legal process. I also help with modifying or enforcing existing custody orders as circumstances change. I’m committed to being responsive and offer flexible consultations to discuss your needs. Reach out to my Harrisburg office for support with your family law questions.

In Pennsylvania, child support is calculated using the Pennsylvania Support Guidelines, which consider both parents’ incomes, the number of children, multi-family support, expenses, and other factors. After filing a support complaint, the court schedules a support conference to determine the support amount. Utilizing software to replicate these calculations, it is recommended to consult with an attorney beforehand to understand the process and anticipate the outcome. Legal representation is available for support conferences, appeal proceedings, and modifications to existing child support orders due to changes in circumstances like employment or expenses.

Divorce can disrupt the financial stability of a dependent spouse. Spousal support, or alimony pendente lite (APL), is paid while the divorce is pending, and alimony is paid after the divorce is finalized to help maintain a lifestyle similar to that during the marriage. Assistance is available for both initiating spousal support payments and establishing permanent alimony as part of the divorce resolution.

Family law covers a wide range of emotionally charged issues, and having a knowledgeable lawyer is crucial. For 30 years, clients in the Harrisburg area have trusted Diane S. Baker, Esquire, for their family law needs. With a client-centered approach, she tailors her strategies to each client’s unique situation. She handles various family law cases, including divorce, child custody and support, property division, protection from abuse, property agreements, prenuptial agreements, stepparent adoptions, and division of retirement assets through Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDRO).

Grandparents play an important role in a child’s life, but sometimes legal action is necessary to ensure their involvement. Assistance is available for grandparents seeking visitation or full custody when parents are unable to care for their child. With 30 years of experience, Diane S. Baker, Esquire, offers knowledgeable guidance on grandparents’ rights from her office in Lower Paxton Township. She assesses each situation to determine if grandparents are entitled to visitation or custody, always prioritizing the child’s best interests while considering the clients’ goals. Contact her office to schedule a $100 initial consultation to discuss grandparents’ rights further.

Divorce can be financially unsettling for a dependent spouse. Spousal support, or alimony pendente lite (APL), is paid while the divorce is pending, and alimony is paid after the divorce to help maintain a lifestyle similar to that during the marriage. Assistance is available for both initiating spousal support payments and establishing permanent alimony as part of the divorce resolution.

Preserving your family’s wealth for future generations is paramount. Diane S. Baker, Esquire, offers comprehensive estate planning services in Harrisburg, covering wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and more. With a focus on your wishes, she can assist in drafting valid wills, appointing guardians for minor children, and establishing directives for medical care. Living wills provide instructions for end-of-life healthcare, while powers of attorney delegate legal decisions to trusted agents. Estate settlement, or probate, ensures assets are distributed efficiently and tax-effectively. Whether you’re planning for the future or need immediate assistance, contact Attorney Diane S. Baker for personalized guidance.