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Jeffrey Moore Williams

Family Attorney at Doylestown, PA

4.9   7 reviews
  • Licensed for 41 years
    State PA
    Acquired 1981
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

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

About Jeffrey

Learn Jeffrey’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas
  1. Child custody
    20%

  2. Child support
    20%

  3. Divorce and separation
    20%

  4. Family
    20%
    PRACTICE AREAS: Alimony ● Child Support ● Custody ● Divorce ● Domestic Partnership and Cohabitation Agreements ● Equitable Distribution ● Grandparents’ Rights ● Marital Settlement Agreements ● Matrimonial Taxation Issues ● Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements ● Separation Agreements ● Spousal Support

  5. Alimony
    10%

  6. Other
    5%

  7. Marriage and prenuptials
    4%

  8. Domestic violence
    1%

EXPERIENCED GUIDANCE. COMPASSIONATE ADVICE. POWERFUL ADVOCACY. LOCAL KNOWLEDGE.

Jeffrey M. Williams, the founder and managing partner of Williams Family Law, P.C., concentrates his practice on domestic relations, primarily handling complex high asset divorce, high income alimony/spousal support, complex child support, and high-conflict child custody cases. Having been named annually among the Best Lawyers in America, Mr. Williams is widely regarded as one of the top high-net-worth divorce attorneys in Bucks County and one of the leading family law attorneys in Pennsylvania. Mr. Williams’ courtroom instincts and honed litigation skills have made him a fixture in Philadelphia area high-net-worth divorce law for more than three decades.

He is a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), a prestigious honor reserved solely for skilled negotiators and experienced litigators in family law; there are just 1, nationwide. He is also a past president of AAML’s Pennsylvania chapter and is called to share his expertise at AAML conferences around the country each year. He is a diplomate of the American College of Family Trial Lawyers, whose membership is limited to 100 attorneys nationally. He has been selected by his peers as one of the “Ten Leaders of Greater Philadelphia for Matrimonial & Divorce Law" annually since 2004.

As the legal representative for a non-birth mother, Mr. Williams successfully litigated one of the first significant same-sex child custody cases in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. While serving as the chair of the Pennsylvania Bar Association Family Law Section, Mr. Williams played an instrumental role in a 10-year-long effort to improve and implement new child custody laws in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Prior to establishing his own family law practice in 2004, Mr. Williams was a partner of an established Bucks County law firm. Two of his former law partners went on to become judges in the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas. Having served as both an assistant and deputy district attorney in Bucks County from 1981-1985, Mr. Williams has gained outstanding courtroom experience and litigation skills.

Mr. Williams is an active member of several professional organizations. Having previously served as the secretary, first vice president, and chair of the Pennsylvania Bar Association Family Law Section, Mr. Williams is currently a member of the association’s executive committee. In 2011, he received a special achievement award from the Pennsylvania Bar Association for his work on the New Custody Act.

He is an active member of the Bucks County Bar Association and formerly served as treasurer and chairman of the association’s Family Law Section, as well as a member of its board of directors. He is a frequent speaker for various continuing legal education programs, particularly on matters related to domestic relations litigation and trial strategy.

Since 2005, Mr. Williams has been consistently named to the list of Super Lawyers in Pennsylvania, an honor bestowed on just 5% of lawyers in the commonwealth. Additionally, Mr. Williams has also been named to the list of the Top 100 Super Lawyers in Philadelphia. He also maintains an AV “Preeminent” rating with Martindale-Hubbell, the highest legal ability and ethical standards rating. In addition, Mr. Williams has been repeatedly featured in Suburban Life magazine as one of the region's Awesome Attorneys.

On a community level, Mr. Williams has held several leadership positions in the Bucks County region: he is a past chair and member of the Doylestown Township board of supervisors, a past director of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Bucks County and a past director of A Woman’s Place Domestic Violence Shelter of Bucks County.

Mr. Williams represents military veterans through his participation in the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Lawyers Saluting Veterans Program, which is coordinated through the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Mr. Williams is also currently working pro bono for the People's Justice Center, interviewing and representing asylum-seeking families detained by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Mr. Williams is a graduate of The Haverford School. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from Dickinson College and a Juris Doctor from Emory University School of Law.

In addition to his legal career, Mr. Williams is the proud father of a daughter and two sons.

 

 

Observations & Perspectives

From Jeffrey M. Williams, Esquire

 

One of the first things I tell people is that equitable distribution in divorce does not necessarily translate into equal distribution. In fact, most divorce settlements in Pennsylvania do not result in equal distribution of property. There are many factors, but the distribution often favors the income-dependent spouse. Having said all that, it is very important to be realistic about the outcome. Some attorneys make promises they cannot possibly keep just to “sign up the case.”

 

Outcomes are based on many variables. For instance, say a husband has filed for divorce, leaving for a younger woman. In such instances, guilt can be the great deal-maker. The husband may put a sizeable settlement offer on the table that the court would never mandate. I’ve been in that situation - on several occasions - in which I’ve had to urge my client to accept an offer, even if the client’s initial reaction is to try to continue litigation simply because he or she is angry. In terms of my practice, I probably do more custody-related work than many of my peers, and the contested custody cases can be the most difficult cases. 

 

One of the biggest problems I’ve seen related to so-called earning capacity - how much is a spouse projected to earn going forward, based on his or her education and experience. For example, if someone once made $350,000 per year in a job and that job is eliminated, how realistic is it to assume that he or she will have a similar-paying job in the years ahead? This is a difficult question to answer, especially for a family law court. Interestingly, the outcome can vary greatly from judge to judge.

 

I went through my own divorce. I think that in many respects it has made me better at what I do. In my work I get a chance to help people at a time when they most need it. I literally deal with good people at their worst. That is what makes this field of law both very challenging and very satisfying.

                       

 

Awards

Client's Choice 2014
Client's Choice
2014

Photos and videos

Contact Jeffrey

Williams Family Law, PC

Reviews

4.9 / 5.0
  7 customer reviews
5 Star
 
86%
4 Star
 
14%
3 Star
 
0%
2 Star
 
0%
1 Star
 
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Client's Choice 2014
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 Richard | April 27, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Satisfied Client
Jeff has the perfect personality for his job. He is confident without being pompous. Very much a regular guy but with great knowledge of his subject and years of experience.
Posted by anonymous | August 4, 2014
Divorce is difficult - Jeff made it less so
My divorce process began with much heated rhetoric, which I directed toward my spouse. Jeff Williams listened well and empathized with my feelings. As things played out, however, I decided to make the proceedings more simple and take my overreactive emotion out of the equation. Jeff made the procedure much more civil by carrying out all of my wishes and making a difficult situation more palatable at a pretty reasonable cost.
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Posted by anonymous | May 4, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent family attorney and law practice
I have found Jeff and his team to be top notch. They are always well prepared and their reputation among their peers is sterling. Jeff is excellent in explaining situations and the pros and cons of different approaches. His associates show the same attention to detail, and he is able to manage complex cases.
Posted by Jim | October 14, 2014
The Best
Mr. Williams is simply the best attorney I've ever hired regardless of field of expertise. Mr. Williams handled my divorce, but more importantly he was responsible for me winning custody of my son, who was absconded with to Florida. Mr. Williams orchestrated the return of my son to PA and the necessary motions to keep him in the state of PA during trail. Every step of the way I was informed, involved and directed of the actions that were to take place during this unpleasant event. Mr. Williams, as well as his staff were dogged, but yet professional every step of the way. A fierce advocate of my fatherly rights. Mr. Williams stood tall for me, as well as my son's future, when faced with difficult and stressful times.
Read less
Posted by anonymous | July 31, 2014
"Bucks Family Lawyers - Jeffrey Williams: Best Divorce Lawyer in Bucks County"
Jeffrey M. Williams represented me in my divorce, support and custody matters. He is definitely the best family law attorney in Bucks County. His knowledge, experience and expertise in negotiating a settlement or litigating in court are what make Mr. Williams stand out as a ‘force’ in family law. I have worked with lawyers for years and Mr. Williams’ excellent quality of work, professionalism, strong advocacy, and innovative ideas are what make him and his team at Williams Family Law the top divorce attorneys in Bucks County. Mr. Williams strategically counseled me on all aspects of my case and always kept me informed of all developments in a timely fashion. He is trustworthy, honest and direct in his approach. I would recommend Jeffrey Williams and Williams Family Law to any potential client who is seeking the top family law firm in Bucks County.
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Posted by anonymous | July 28, 2014
The best of the best!
Jeff Williams is the best custody attorney in PA - hands down. He changed my life and our family's life and I will be forever grateful for his attentiveness to our needs.
Posted by anonymous | May 4, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Almost delighted
This was a difficult divorce that should not have been but, because the respondent failed month after month to respond, took years. Jeff did everything possible, I believe, and the eventual division was fair but I wish it could have been expedited. He was always available and genuinely interested.
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Cost

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Contact for Details

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Founder & Managing Partner
  • Williams Family Law, P.C.
  • 2004 - Present
  • Partner
  • Baldi, Cepparulo & Williams, P.C.
  • 1985 - 2003

Education

  • Emory University School of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1981
  • Dickinson College
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1978
  • The Haverford School
  • High School
  • 1974

Associations

  • Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
  • President
  • 2017 - Present
  • American Bar Foundation
  • Member
  • 2012 - Present
  • American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
  • Member of Board of Examiners
  • 2012 - Present
  • Pennsylvania Bar Association
  • Member of Family Law Section Executive Committee
  • 2011 - Present
  • American College of Family Trial Lawyers
  • Diplomate
  • 2009 - Present
  • American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
  • Fellow
  • 1997 - Present
  • American Bar Association
  • Member
  • N/A
  • Bucks County Bar Association
  • Member
  • N/A
  • Pennsylvania Bar Association
  • Member of Family Law Section
  • N/A
  • Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Bucks County
  • Past Director
  • N/A
  • A Woman's Place Domestic Violence Shelter - Bucks County
  • Past Director
  • N/A
  • Doylestown Township Board of Supervisors
  • Former Chair
  • N/A
  • Doylestown Township Board of Supervisors
  • Member
  • N/A
  • Bucks County Bar Association
  • Former Chair
  • N/A
  • American Bar Foundation
  • Fellow
  • N/A
  • Ten Leaders of Greater Philadelphia - Matrimonial & Divorce Law
  • Leader
  • N/A
  • American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers - PA Chapter
  • Secretary
  • 2013 - 2014
  • Pennsylvania Bar Association
  • Former Chair of Family Law Section
  • 2010 - 2011
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Super Lawyer
  • Pennsylvania Super Lawyers
  • 2019
  • Best Lawyer
  • Best Lawyers in America
  • 2018
  • Super Lawyer
  • Pennsylvania Super Lawyers
  • 2018
  • 2017 Pennsylvania Super Lawyer
  • Thomson Reuters
  • 2017
  • Lawyer of the Year
  • Best Lawyers in America
  • 2016
  • Lawyer of the Year
  • Best Lawyers in America
  • 2015
  • AV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2014
  • Super Lawyer
  • Pennsylvania Super Lawyers
  • 2014
  • Best Lawyers in America
  • U.S. News & World Report
  • 2014
  • Super Lawyer
  • Pennsylvania Super Lawyers
  • 2013
  • AV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2013
  • Super Lawyer
  • Pennsylvania Super Lawyers
  • 2012
  • AV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2012
  • Pennsylvania Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2011
  • AV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2011
  • Special Achievement Award
  • Pennsylvania Bar Association
  • 2011
  • Pennsylvania Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2010
  • AV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2010
  • Pennsylvania Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2009
  • AV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2009
  • Pennsylvania Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2008
  • AV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2008
  • AV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2007
  • Pennsylvania Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2007
  • Pennsylvania Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2006
  • AV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2006
  • Pennsylvania Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2005
  • AV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2005
  • AV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2004
  • AV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2003
  • AV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2002
  • AV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2001
  • AV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2000
  • AV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 1999
  • AV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 1998
  • AV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 1997
  • AV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 1996
  • AV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 1995
  • AV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 1994
View all awards

Publications

  • Pennsylvania Bar Association
  • "Third Party Custody Litigation: An Overview of Case law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania"
  • N/A

Speaking Engagements

  • Family Law Practice In Bucks, Chester, Delaware & Montgomery Counties
  • Family Law
  • 2013
  • Family Law Practice In Bucks, Chester, Delaware & Montgomery Counties
  • Family Law
  • 2012
  • Family Law Practice In Bucks, Chester, Delaware & Montgomery Counties
  • Family Law
  • 2011
  • Family Law Practice In Bucks, Chester, Delaware & Montgomery Counties
  • Family Law
  • 2010
  • Update on New Guidelines
  • Family Law/Support
  • 2010
  • Family Law Practice In Bucks, Chester, Delaware & Montgomery Counties
  • Family Law
  • 2009
  • Custody Trial, Appeals & Case Law
  • Custody
  • 2009
  • Family Law Practice In Bucks, Chester, Delaware & Montgomery Counties
  • Family Law
  • 2008
  • Family Law Practice In Bucks, Chester, Delaware & Montgomery Counties
  • Family Law
  • 2007
  • High Rollers Support Cases
  • Support
  • 2007
  • All You Need to Know About Trying a High Income Case
  • Support
  • 2007
  • Family Law Practice In Bucks, Chester, Delaware & Montgomery Counties
  • Family Law
  • 2006
  • Equitable Distribution Update
  • Equitable Distribution
  • 2006
  • Family Law Practice In Bucks, Chester, Delaware & Montgomery Counties
  • Family Law
  • 2005
  • Family Law Update
  • Family Law
  • 2005
  • Family Law Practice in Bucks, Chester, Delaware & Montgomery Counties
  • Family Law
  • 2004
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (4)
Given (1)
Endorse Jeffrey
Child custody Attorney | May 05
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Top-notch attorney. Highly recommended."
Family Attorney | Jan 24
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Knowledgeable attorney in all family law areas."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Oct 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Unknown Attorney | Mar 08
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer."

Avvo Contributions

This attorney hasn't created any legal answers in Q&A or legal guides recently on Avvo.

Doylestown Family Lawyer Jeffrey Moore Williams
Jeffrey Moore Williams
Family Attorney
Doylestown, PA
Licensed for 41 years