How much does it cost to hire Deirdre for a family law case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Deirdre walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Deirdre offer a free consultation?

Deirdre charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Deirdre's office. Some family law attorneys offer free consults — check Deirdre's current terms during booking.

How long do family law cases in Pennsylvania typically take?

Simple family law matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Deirdre gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Deirdre take my case if I'm outside West Chester?

Deirdre is licensed in Pennsylvania. Matters governed by Pennsylvania law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Deirdre will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with Deirdre?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Deirdre will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Deirdre accepting new family law clients right now?

Deirdre's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Deirdre A. Agnew, Family Law Attorney in West Chester

Quick answer

Deirdre A. Agnew is a member based in West Chester, PA. The practice focuses on Family Law, Litigation, and Personal Injury. Deirdre has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at The Law Offices of Deirdre A. Agnew. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.

Based in: West Chester, PA
Experience: over 35 years
Known for: Family Law · Litigation · Personal Injury

Handles Family Law, Litigation, and Personal Injury matters from West Chester, PA.
Over 35 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Deirdre takes on

Deirdre concentrates on family law, litigation, personal injury, real estate, and trusts. Each area below outlines the kind of case Deirdre handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Family Law cases in West Chester, Pennsylvania

Deirdre takes family law matters in West Chester, Pennsylvania. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Deirdre agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in West Chester, Pennsylvania

Deirdre takes litigation matters in West Chester, Pennsylvania. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Deirdre agrees to represent you.

Personal Injury cases in West Chester, Pennsylvania

Deirdre takes personal injury matters in West Chester, Pennsylvania. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Deirdre agrees to represent you.

Real Estate cases in West Chester, Pennsylvania

Deirdre takes real estate matters in West Chester, Pennsylvania. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Deirdre agrees to represent you.

Trusts cases in West Chester, Pennsylvania

Deirdre takes trusts matters in West Chester, Pennsylvania. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Deirdre agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Deirdre A. Agnew — family law lawyer in West Chester

Deirdre A. Agnew is a member based in West Chester, PA. The practice focuses on Family Law, Litigation, and Personal Injury. Deirdre has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at The Law Offices of Deirdre A. Agnew. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.

Born in Philadelphia and raised in Chester County, Deirdre Agnew graduated cum laude from Dickinson College in 1988 with degrees in History and English. After earning her law degree cum laude from Widener University School of Law in 1991, she served as law clerk to the Honorable Charles B. Smith, Common Pleas Court, Chester County until 1992. From 1992 until 1994, Deirdre was law clerk to the Honorable U.S. Magistrate Judge Charles B. Smith. She joined the Fireman's Fund Insurance Company as associate counsel in 1994, a position she retained until 1996. Deirdre founded the Law Offices of Deirdre A. Agnew in December 1996.

Notable cases

Family Reunited- In 2011, Deirdre helped reunite a Mexican couple with their U.S.-born daughters after the parents were deported to Mexico and Chester County Children Youth and Families sought to terminate their parental rights. Since the parents could not travel to the United States to testify, Deirdre arranged for them to appear in court via Skype™ (online conferencing). The case was widely covered by the media as the first use of such technology for testimony in U.S. courts. In July 2011 the parents were awarded custody of their daughters. The children were brought to Mexico where they were reunited with their parents.

BROWN v. MUHLENBERG TOWNSHIP, Kim BROWN; David Brown, H/W, Appellants, v. MUHLENBERG TOWNSHIP - Deirdre brought suit on behalf of the dog owners against a Muhlenberg Township police officer who shot and killed a family dog in an unprovoked incident. This was the first appellate level case in Pennsylvania that ever recognized intentional infliction of emotional distress for the death of a pet. The court also recognized a civil rights case against the officer under the 4th Amendment for seizure of property.

Memberships

Chester County Bar Association

Pennsylvania Bar Association

Doris Jonas Freed American Inn of Court, Master

Deirdre's approach to family law cases

Born in Philadelphia and raised in Chester County, Deirdre Agnew graduated cum laude from Dickinson College in 1988 with degrees in History and English. After earning her law degree cum laude from Widener University School of Law in 1991, she served as law clerk to the Honorable Charles B. Smith, Common Pleas Court, Chester County until 1992. From 1992 until 1994, Deirdre was law clerk to the…

The kind of cases Deirdre takes

Deirdre reviews new inquiries case-by-case for family law, litigation, and personal injury matters in West Chester and the surrounding Pennsylvania area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

Widener University School of Law J.D. cum laude Widener University School of Law J.D. 1991 Phi Delta Phi
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Dickinson College B.A. 1988 Delta Nu Sorority Dickinson College B.A. cum laude National Legal Honor Society
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Jurisdictions

Deirdre's state bar admissions

U.S. Supreme Court
2010 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1993 · ACTIVE
Pennsylvania
1991 · ACTIVE

Deirdre studied at — in Widener University School of Law J.D. cum laude Widener University School of Law J.D. 1991 Phi Delta Phi and — in Dickinson College B.A. 1988 Delta Nu Sorority Dickinson College B.A. cum laude National Legal Honor Society.

Law school and academic background

Deirdre completed — in Widener University School of Law J.D. cum laude Widener University School of Law J.D. 1991 Phi Delta Phi and — in Dickinson College B.A. 1988 Delta Nu Sorority Dickinson College B.A. cum laude National Legal Honor Society. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Deirdre runs in Pennsylvania is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

Deirdre has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Deirdre A. Agnew's office in West Chester

Deirdre's primary office is at Building 400A, 1450 E. Boot Road, West Chester, PA, 19380-5300. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

The Law Offices of Deirdre A. Agnew

Building 400A, 1450 E. Boot Road

West Chester, PA 19380-5300

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Deirdre A. Agnew — 4.6/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of Deirdre. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing family law attorneys in West Chester.

4.6

3 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Deirdre A. Agnew claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Deirdre A. Agnew — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new family law attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Deirdre usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Deirdre charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Deirdre's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Deirdre will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a family law attorney in West Chester, Pennsylvania

A short list to run through before you commit: How many family law matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Deirdre

Deirdre discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in family law practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every family law matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Deirdre confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Deirdre's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many family law practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Deirdre A. Agnew

How much does it cost to hire Deirdre for a family law case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Deirdre walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Deirdre offer a free consultation?
Deirdre charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Deirdre's office. Some family law attorneys offer free consults — check Deirdre's current terms during booking.
How long do family law cases in Pennsylvania typically take?
Simple family law matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Deirdre gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Deirdre take my case if I'm outside West Chester?
Deirdre is licensed in Pennsylvania. Matters governed by Pennsylvania law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Deirdre will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Deirdre?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Deirdre will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Deirdre accepting new family law clients right now?
Deirdre's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by Pennsylvania residents in the last few months, answered by family law attorneys like Deirdre A. Agnew. Each link opens the full answer thread.

Can I request a domestic violence restraining order in Hawaii?
I've been in an abusive relationship and I live in Hawaii. I’m terrified for my safety and need to know if I can file for a domestic violence restraining order. What steps do I nee
1 verified answer · Family Law · Hawaii
Are verbal agreements enforceable in New York custody cases?
I had an informal verbal agreement with my ex about custody arrangements for our son, but now she wants to change it. I live in New York, and I’m not sure if this verbal agreement
1 verified answer · Family Law · New York
How do I enforce a child support order in Michigan?
My ex-husband hasn’t paid child support in over three months, and I’m in Michigan. I’m at my wit's end trying to support our two kids and need to know how I can enforce our child s
1 verified answer · Family Law · Michigan
What is the process for adopting a child in Illinois?
My partner and I want to adopt a child in Illinois, and we’re excited but overwhelmed by the process. We’re unsure about what paperwork we need to file and how long the entire proc
1 verified answer · Family Law · Illinois
How is child custody determined in Ohio?
I’m going through a tough divorce in Ohio, and my ex and I are already arguing about custody of our 9-year-old daughter. I want to have a clear understanding of how custody is dete
1 verified answer · Family Law · Ohio
How does military divorce differ in Virginia?
My spouse is in the military and we’re starting the divorce process in Virginia. I’m concerned about how the laws differ from a civilian divorce and what unique factors I need to c
1 verified answer · Family Law · Virginia

Areas served

Family Law attorneys serving West Chester, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania

Deirdre handles family law matters throughout Pennsylvania. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified family law attorneys in that community.