Skip to main content

James R. Demmel

Divorce and separation Attorney at New Cumberland, PA

5.0   12 reviews

also known as James R. Demmel, Esquire, Jim Demmel

Licensed for 19 years Virtual consultation available
Licensed for 19 years Virtual consultation available

About James

Learn James’s areas of practice.

EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT HELP FOR YOUR FAMILY LAW & ESTATE NEEDS! CONTACT OUR OFFICE FOR A FREE TELEPHONE CONSULTATION.

I represent individuals experiencing a separation or divorce, including dividing assets, determining income and expense issues (support) and resolving parenting arrangements (custody). I prepare and review prenuptial agreements, midnuptial agreements and cohabitation agreements. I also prepare estate planning documents such as wills, powers of attorney, living wills and trusts; and administer estates. I represent clients as an attorney and I am also an experienced mediator, helping couples to resolve conflicts.

My goal is to address my clients’ needs in the most effective and efficient manner to maximize the benefit and control the costs. I want my clients to appreciate the work I have done for them and enthusiastically recommend my services to their friends and family who need legal help. If I cannot help you, I will do my best to refer you to another trusted attorney who can handle your situation.

I prefer to help my divorce and other family law clients resolve their problems in a private, respectful process that minimizes the negative effects of divorce or other relationship change on themselves and their children. I emphasize helping my clients maintain a positive relationship with their spouse or partner during and after my involvement. I strongly believe that individuals achieve the best outcomes by investing their time, money and energy in a purposeful way to reach win-win agreements without court intervention.

Divorce can cause great stress for families so I strive to minimize that stress for my clients, while offering creative solutions based on each family’s specific circumstances. I encourage communication between divorcing parents, which allows them to continue jointly raising their children in a cooperative way and helps them serve as positive role models to their children.

When you hire me to represent you, you are getting my services. Not an associate to whom I hand off your matter. I am in practice on my own by my choice. One important reason I established my own law office was to provide personalized services to my clients without the obstacles and limitations of a larger office.

I strive to help my clients while being paid fairly for my work. I enjoy the satisfaction of making my clients’ lives better while supporting their families and my family. I strongly recommend that my clients use the court process (litigation) as a last resort and make determined efforts to resolve conflicts by agreement if possible. At the same time, I am experienced in litigation and will use the court process effectively and efficiently if that is the only job is to help my divorce and other family law clients resolve their conflicts in the best way possible, not to carry on their conflicts as a surrogate in a never-ending battle.

I enjoy giving my estate planning clients the peace of mind associated with knowing that their instructions to surviving family and friends are clear, direct and precise through their Wills and that through powers of attorney and living wills they have provided another trusted individual with decision-making authority if they are unable to make their own healthcare or financial decisions.

My office is located in Cumberland County and I practice primarily in Cumberland, Dauphin and York counties.

Awards

Client's Choice 2016
Client's Choice
2016

Photos and videos

Licensed for 19 years
State PA
Status Active
Acquired 2003
Updated 05/23/2023

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Contact James

Demmel Law Office, LLC

Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  12 customer reviews
5 Star
 
100%
4 Star
 
0%
3 Star
 
0%
2 Star
 
0%
1 Star
 
0%
Client's Choice 2016
Client's Choice
Client's Choice is an Avvo award granted to attorneys with a significant number of client reviews over 4 stars in a given year.
Posted by Eric | April 10, 2015
A Trustworthy attorney who cares about your family
Attorney Demmel is a tremendous attorney. He is an advocate that will equitably weigh your needs and wants with what is legally feasible and attainable. Jim makes sure he understands the facts of your situation and explains the procedure of your legal route. His background in psychology allows him a unique ability to interact effectively with all parties involved. He made me feel like my case, and more importantly, my family, was important. He is worth EVERY penny. In my opinion, Jim is a trustworthy and kind man who genuinely cares about your interests, but also will ask guiding questions to help determine what’s best for ALL those involved (including children). If you wish to avoid the gauntlet of going to court, Jim will negotiate and attempt to find an equitable medium thus saving you a lot of money. However, if the need arises, as in my case, that you must go before a judge, Attorney Demmel will be there to defend your rights and present your case in a professional manner. I pass his office every day I go to work, and everyday I’m reminded of how he guided me through the most tumultuous and trying time of my life and protected my rights as a dad. Jim Demmel = an attorney who cares.
Read less
Posted by Kristin | April 27, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Hands down best Divorce Attorney in Central PA
I would HIGHLY recommend Attorney James Demmel for a divorce attorney to anyone. Jim made the awful experience of divorce much smoother. Jim was also always encouraging of trying to iron details out between my ex-husband and myself unless consulting with Jim was absolutely necessary. Jim cared about my needs as a client and was not just in it to make money as most Attorney's are. I felt an immediate comfort with Jim at the very first consultation I had. Again, I would definitely VERY HIGHLY recommend Jim Demmel.
Read less
Posted by Donna | October 4, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Fantastic Lawyer
James put together all of my and my husbands documents - wills, living wills, power of attorney, etc. He took the time to listen to our very complicated family situation, made suggestions and then put together all of the documents in a timely fashion. Would highly recommend him!
Response from James Demmel October 21, 2022
It was our pleasure to assist you with your Estate Planning matter. Thank you for your 5 star review!
Posted by Kim | August 2, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Review of Demmel Law services
Jim handled my divorce quickly and efficiently, and then wrote my will, set up a revocable trust, and did all of this with very fair and reasonable fees.
Posted by anonymous | July 30, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Steady reassurance
My divorce was unusually difficult, but James provided wonderful guidance. He was knowledgeable, provided clear options and in the end I was happy for him being in my corner!!
Posted by Michelle | November 1, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent family law attorney
Jim was a terrific resource as I navigated a rather lengthy divorce process. He always provided timely and informed advice on my specific questions and issues and ensured I got the resolution I was seeking in my settlement agreement. I highly recommend Jim for his exceptional representation in any family law matter.
Posted by anonymous | October 24, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Estate planning
Helped me bring my estate planning documents in order. Explained all that was needed and items that were current with new law changes, etc. His office followed up when needed items were not completed by myself. He kept me informed throughout the process. Jim was very helpful and professional. I would recommend.
Posted by Kelby | October 24, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Child Custody
I was looking for an ethical lawyer to help me with my child custody case and was referred to James Demmel by an attorney who knew him, and vouched for him being a good man who happens to also be a lawyer. I worked with James on securing custody of my son (I'm the father; he's lives with his mother 8 years). James listened to my case, agreed to work with me, did some paperwork and mailed it. He answered all questions expertly (he's been doing this a long time), always got back to me the same day or next day on calls and emails, and genuinely cared about my case. We were able to settle the issue without incident (never even went to court), and quickly, and I now have 100% custody of my son.
Read less
Posted by Matt | October 21, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Professional, fair, and understanding
Attorney Demmel represented me in a custody case. I was thoroughly impressed with his level of preparation, strategic decisions, timely communication, attention to detail, and knowledge of the law. He was able to assist me in an incredibly chaotic and stressful time and I cannot thank him enough. While I hope to not need his services again, if I ever do there is only one person I am calling.
Read less
Posted by Devon | April 12, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
5 Star Recommendation!
Jim was wonderful when I was going through my divorce. He walked me through every step of the process and made me feel very comfortable with everything. He was very easy to talk to about my situation and I felt that he genuinely wanted to do what was best for me. I would absolutely recommend him!
Posted by anonymous | December 13, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Very Thorough and Professional
Jim Demmel assisted me and provided legal counsel for my separation. He took the time to explain everything very thoroughly and gave me a whole folder of information about everything we discussed. I got all my questions answered and the process was simple and painless. I would recommend Jim Demmel very highly.
Posted by Greg | April 16, 2015
Just What and Who I Needed
Jim did an outstanding job in helping me through a very difficult time. He calmed me down when things got crazy and responded to my questions quickly. He provided me with options and suggestions on how to deal with the situation and basically held my hand while we worked through it. I felt very comfortable with him and felt confident that he knew what he was doing, knew what was going to happen next and how to avoid issues, mistakes and expense. I believe that I made a very good choice in choosing Jim to represent me. He was just what and who I needed.
Read less
View less reviews

Cost

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Contact for Details

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Adjunct Professor
  • Widener Commonwealth University School of Law
  • 2017 - Present
  • Owner
  • Demmel Law Office, LLC
  • 2013 - Present
  • Partner
  • Smigel, Anderson & Sacks, LLP
  • 2002 - 2013

Education

  • Widener University School of Law
  • JD
  • 2003
  • Pennsylvania State University
  • M.C.P.
  • 1996
  • Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1990

Associations

  • Cumberland County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2013 - Present
  • Collaborative Professionals of Central Pennsylvania
  • President 2012 - 2013
  • 2006 - Present
  • International Academy of Collaborative Professionals
  • Member
  • 2006 - Present
  • Dauphin County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2003 - Present
  • Dauphin County Bar Association, Family Law Section
  • Member
  • 2003 - Present
  • Dauphin County Bar Association, Family Law Section
  • Chair
  • 2012 - 2013
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • AV Preeminent Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2018
  • AV Preeminent Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2015
  • Rising Star
  • Super Lawyers Magazine
  • 2008
  • Rising Star
  • Super Lawyers Magazine
  • 2006
  • Rising Star
  • Super Lawyers Magazine
  • 2005
View all awards

Speaking Engagements

  • Pennsylvania Psychological Association Annual Conference
  • Role of Psychologists in Collaborative Law Process
  • 2013
  • Dauphin County Bar Association Continuing Legal Education Program
  • Family Law Updates
  • 2013
  • Dauphin County Bar Association Continuing Legal Education Program
  • Family Law Updates
  • 2010

Attorney endorsements

Received (7)
Given (4)
Endorse James
Family Attorney | Apr 07
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Jim provides effective, efficient and personalized representation to his clients. Jim offers a thoughtful and practical approach to resolving client issues with as little conflict as possible."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Aug 11
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"Jim is knowledgeable and conscientious, as well as a zealous advocate. He has a true passion for collaborative law and resolving legal issues for his clients."
Family Attorney | Nov 04
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I have had had the privilege of working as opposing counsel to Attorney Demmel in several matters. In my experience Attorney Demmel has been reasonable, professional, and responsive to opposing counsel, while also being competent, caring and a zealous advocate for his clients. I am pleased to endorse Attorney Demmel."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Jun 19
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Unknown Attorney | Apr 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."
Family Attorney | May 22
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
"Jim is an excellent, thoughtful lawyer who maintains the highest ethical standards in representing his clients. I endorse him without hesitation."
Family Attorney | Mar 14
Relationship: Friend
"I endorse this lawyer."
View more endorsements