Family law attorney Gerald (Jerry) Shoemaker concentrates his practice in domestic relations issues including equitable distribution, alimony, custody, and complex support matters. He has also handled a variety of issues arising out of same-sex relationships, partition of real property and civil unions. Sensitive to his clients’ needs, Jerry is settlement-oriented but ready to litigate when necessary.

Jerry works with individual parents, guardians, caregivers, trustees and other key parties to resolve differences over issues ranging from school placement to medical decisions to distribution of property. He understands the complexities of separation, divorce and custody, and he prioritizes understanding and advocating for what matters most.

Litigation is often a last resort in these kinds of cases, and Jerry regularly uses arbitration, mediation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution to prevent individuals from going through protracted litigation. He also offers guidance, and works with other professionals, to ensure that if there are children involved, their best interests are protected. When matters are not resolved, he is a fierce advocate in the courtroom.

A committed member of the legal community, he is active in both the Pennsylvania Bar Association and ABA Family Law Section. He serves in the PBA House of Delegates (HOD) as a Zone 9 delegate and was appointed to the Credentials and the Admissions Committee of the HOD. Jerry is past-chair of the PBA GLBT Rights Committee and serves as second vice chair of the PBA Family Law Section, which he will chair in 2026.

He was selected to be one of 11 editors of the ABA Family Law’s quarterly publication, Family Advocate, and regularly speaks on topics such as finding foreign assets in divorce and dealing with third parties in divorce actions. Jerry serves as a judge for The Schwab Essay Contest and is a member of the Nominating Committee.

He offers free legal clinics at the Women’s Center of Montgomery County, an organization that focuses on freedom from domestic violence and other forms of abuse. He also volunteers at Philly VIP (Volunteers for the Indigent). Jerry sits on the Board of Directors of the Regional Center for Women in the Arts.

 

Honors & Awards

AWARD METHODOLOGIES

Listed in Best Lawyers in America for family law, 2022-2024

Listed in Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list for family law, 2015-present; listed on the Rising Stars List, 2008, 2010-2014

Greater Philadelphia Region’s “Ten Leaders in Divorce Law, 45 & Under,” Ten Leaders Cooperative, 2011

 

News

Finding Hidden Income and Assets,”  2023 ABA Section of Family Law Spring CLE Conference, April 21, 2023

Should I Do Custody Exchanges During the COVID-19 Emergency?,” Hangley Aronchick Ampersand Alert, March 24, 2020

“Same-sex Marriage: Now What?”, The Pennsylvania Lawyer, September/October 2015

“Recognition of LGBT Rights Increases Business Opportunities for Attorneys,” ABA Law Practice Today, July 14, 2015

Ferko-Fox v. Fox,” Casenote, Pennsylvania Family Lawyer, Fall 2013

In re Adoption of SP,” Casenote, Pennsylvania Family Lawyer, Spring 2011

Robinson-Austin v. Robinson-Austin,” Casenote, Pennsylvania Family Lawyer, Fall 2007

Ramer v. Ramer,” Casenote, Pennsylvania Family Lawyer, Spring 2007

Colonna v. Colonna,” Casenote, Pennsylvania Family Lawyer, Fall 2004

Diament v. Diament,” Casenote, Pennsylvania Family Lawyer, November 2003

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Memberships & Community

American Bar Association, Family Law Section

Doris Jonas Freed American Inn of Court
President, 2007 – 2008
Executive Director, 2005 – 2007

Montgomery Bar Association
Chair, 2020
Board of Directors, 2014 – 2020
Family Law Section, 2004 – present

Pennsylvania Bar Association
House of Delegates, 2015 – present
Family Law Section, 2000 – present

 

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