Heather Schmidt Bresnahan

Heather Schmidt Bresnahan

also known as Heather Lynn Schmidt

4.8
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 24 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at Pittsburgh, PA
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Child Custody, Family ... +2 more

750 Washington Road, Suite 14, Pittsburgh, PA

About Heather

Biography

Practice Areas

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 250-350 per hour


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.

search module image

Search our directory

Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.

chat module image

Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.

Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.

Chat with

Licenses

Licensed in Pennsylvania for 24 years

State: Pennsylvania

Acquired: 2001

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Schmidt Bresnahan Law Group, LLC

750 Washington Road, Suite 14, Pittsburgh, PA, 15228

Ad

Transform legal challenges into solutions.

Connect now to review your situation.

The Avvo Rating explained

display-bg

The Avvo Rating explained

Heather Schmidt Bresnahan's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.8 /5.0

29 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (29) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 29 reviews

Posted by Kimberly | August 01, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

One of THE best lawyers out there

I had retained Heather in 2003 while going through a tough Divorce. It was a very difficult time and that's when I realized just how much she fought for me and my young son. Her tenacity and work ethic is top notch! Twenty years later, my ex-husband had me back in court and without hesitation, ... I immediately contacted Heather's firm, and she took on my case, yet again. She fights for you, and fights hard. She has done so much for me during the tough times of divorce battles, etc.. It's alot to go through legal situations, as it is, but when you find the lawyer that will fight for you, that's everything! Ty! Heather!

Posted by April | May 30, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

The Best Divorce Attorney In Pittsburgh

I did my homework before I hired Heather's firm. She went to law school with a couple friends of mine and they raved about her intelligence, ethics, and ability to work with everyone. She is well respected in court by judges, fellow attorneys, and literally everyone in the courthouse. I didn't realiz...e how important that was until it was contrasted by my ex's attorney who didn't seem as well liked. You need every advantage you can get, and Heather had the relationships to get things done. She's regarded as the best divorce attorney in Pittsburgh for many reasons. I can tell you my divorce was a difficult one that lasted a few years and involved child custody, properties, investments, QDROs, etc. Heather got me out of paying alimony, and I was awarded half of my ex's pension and rental properties. She is a master negotiator and fights for the best outcome for her clients while protecting the children involved. I have recommended her to everyone I know dealing with custody issues and divorces.

Posted by Erin | March 03, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Heather is a exemplary attorney with a heart of gold

How can I begin to express my gratitude to the woman who saved my children and I? Heather is brilliant and a true fighter, but I think the best part is that she genuinely cares, most importantly, about the children involved. She will do everything to protect and defend children. She took a terrible d...ivorce and custody situation that other attorneys told me was hopeless and she defended my little family until we got the best result for my children. Every time I celebrate a holiday and my babies are there with me, healthy and thriving I thank God for getting me in contact with Heather. She is not intimidated by bully ex-spouses or their aggressive attorneys. Even when my ex and his attorney were unethical, Heather said it was important to remain “above board.” This was difficult for me when my ex was trying to taint me in the eyes of the legal system, but ultimately, Heather was right. It’s also the little things, like when I was testifying at the custody hearing and was extremely nervous, Heather smiled and winked at me throughout my time on the stand to let me know I was doing well. That seemingly simple gesture allowed me to get through a very challenging process. If you want the best, most compassionate and brilliant legal mind, definitely call Heather. I will forever be grateful for her!

Posted by Joni | July 08, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

divorce

I hired this firm for a divorce matter. They went above and beyond my expectations! Dana Turk provided me with realistic advice as soon as I requested it. She was very thorough in explaining how the process would occur and was very considerate of my requests to the best that the law allows. My time t...hat was spent consulting with Dana was very productive and efficient. My divorce was moved along as quickly as possible. I felt that the firm was very fair in their billing for legal services also. I would without a doubt recommend this firm to anyone going through a divorce.

Posted by Erin | June 03, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Erin Kramer

Heather Scmidt is the absolute most amazing attorney I have ever hired. She has been my attorney since 2014 and she has gone above and beyond for the demands that I needed when it came to custody of my son. I would recommend her to everyone that I know. She will fight for the right of you and your fa...mily. She has gotten my child back for me twice and once was an emergency. She answers your calls and gets results immediately. If you are having trouble with custody, Heather is the one to call.

See All Client Reviews

Heather Schmidt Bresnahan's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Heather
Alexandra Elizabeth Cabonor headshot
Alexandra Cabonor

Unknown lawyer | Oct 20

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I cannot say enough about the civility of Heather and her associate in court. Very impressive and a pleasure to deal with."

Christopher Shawn Welch headshot
Christopher Welch

Family lawyer | Oct 22

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Heather is very knowledgeable and professional and has been pleasant to deal with."

Lisa M. Standish headshot
Lisa Standish

Family lawyer | Sep 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Heather is an excellent family law attorney. She is a pleasure to work with."

John J. Zagari headshot
John Zagari

Family lawyer | Aug 25

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Honest, works hard, does what it takes to get case to a conclusion, while advocating for her clients. I would recommend clients to her."

Abby De Blassio headshot
Abby De Blassio

Family lawyer | Aug 25

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Heather takes a practical approach to resolving family law matters, in a manner that avoids unnecessary conflict and litigation. In doing so she remains a diligent and effective advocate for her clients."

Steven Carl Townsend headshot
Steven Townsend

Family lawyer | Aug 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. She is professional, thorough and always does what is needed for her clients."

Carol A. Behers headshot
Carol Behers

Family lawyer | Aug 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Heather is an excellent advocate for her clients. She works diligently on their behalf. She is knowledgable of the law, and is not afraid to make novel arguments that will impact the interpretation of family law statutes and case law. Heather is always very professional."

Julian E. Neiser headshot
Julian Neiser

Family lawyer | Aug 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Heather is a tremendous advocate and a real problem solver. I have known her for 15 years and recommend her without reservation."

Michael J. DeRiso headshot
Michael DeRiso

Family lawyer | Aug 24

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"She is very knowledgeable and a very good trial attorney."

Michael Patrick O'Day headshot
Michael O'Day

Family lawyer | Aug 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Heather is a preeminent lawyer in her field. She is respected by both her peers and the Bench. I regularly refer my clients to her and I've never heard anything but glowing reviews. She's hard working, smart, tuff and a great lawyer! A litigant who's lucky enough to have Heather has a huge advantage over their opponent!!!!"

Phillip Pane DiLucente headshot
Phillip DiLucente

Family lawyer | Aug 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Heather makes time for the client to meet and discuss the situation. I have and continue to refer cases to her."

Laurel Brandstetter headshot
Laurel Brandstetter

Family lawyer | Jul 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Heather is extremely knowledgeable and easy to talk to. She knows the law and has excellent relationships with the judges of the family division. An easy choice to guide families through difficult times."

Frederick Baer Goldsmith headshot
Frederick Goldsmith

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jul 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Heather is hard-working, diligent, and passionate about her work. I regularly recommend her to clients seeking a family law specialist."

View All Endorsements
Lisa M. Standish headshot
Lisa Standish

Family lawyer

John J. Zagari headshot
John Zagari

Family lawyer

Abby De Blassio headshot
Abby De Blassio

Family lawyer

Jeffrey Pollock headshot
Jeffrey Pollock

General practice lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2022

Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell

2014

BV Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell

2011

Rising Star, Pennsylvania Super Lawyers

2006

Pennsylvania Super Lawyers "Rising Star" 2006, Pennsylvania Super Lawyers

2006

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2005

Pittsburgh's "50 Finest" Young Professionals, Pittsburgh Magazine

Work Experience

2016 - Present

Owner, Schmidt Bresnahan Law Group, LLC

2010 - Present

Shareholder, Fiscus & Ball, P.C.

2009 - 2010

Partner, Voelker, Gricks & Schmidt, L.L.P.

2002 - 2006

Associate, Goldberg, Gruener, Gentile, Horoho & Avalli, P.C.

1992 - 1998

Law Clerk to Head of Homicide, District Attorney's Office

Associations

2009 - Present

Brehon Law Society

Secretary

Education

2001

Duquesne University School of Law

Juris Doctorate

Speaking Engagements

2012

Pennsylvania Bar Institute

Your First Divorce Case

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution