
Peter E. Kratsa, Adoption Attorney in West Chester, Pennsylvania
Over 33 years of legal practice · focused on Adoption, ADR, and Alimony · 4.8/5 rating from 31 verified client reviews
PartneratMacElree Harvey, Ltd.
West Chester, PA
Practicing adoption in West Chester since 1993.
- 33+
- Years practicing
- 4.8 ★
- 31 client reviews
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Peter E. Kratsa?
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Quick answer
Peter E. Kratsa is a partner based in West Chester, PA. The practice focuses on Adoption, ADR, and Alimony. Peter has over 33 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at MacElree Harvey, Ltd.. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 31 client reviews.
- Based in
- West Chester, PA
- Experience
- over 33 years
- Known for
- Adoption · ADR · Alimony
- Handles Adoption, ADR, and Alimony matters from West Chester, PA.
- Over 33 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Peter E. Kratsa: Peter E. Kratsa is a partner based in West Chester, PA. The practice focuses on Adoption, ADR, and Alimony. Peter has over 33 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at MacElree Harvey, Ltd.. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 31 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Peter E. Kratsa
Peter concentrates on adoption, adr, alimony, business, and child custody. Each area below outlines the kind of case Peter handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Adoption
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ADR
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Alimony
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Business
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Child Custody
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Child Support
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Criminal Defense
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Divorce
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Drug Crimes
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DUI/DWI
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Family Law
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General
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Juvenile
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Prenup
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Sex Crimes
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White Collar
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Adoption cases in West Chester, Pennsylvania
Peter takes adoption 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 Peter agrees to represent you.
ADR cases in West Chester, Pennsylvania
Peter takes adr 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 Peter agrees to represent you.
Alimony cases in West Chester, Pennsylvania
Peter takes alimony 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 Peter agrees to represent you.
Business cases in West Chester, Pennsylvania
Peter takes business 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 Peter agrees to represent you.
Child Custody cases in West Chester, Pennsylvania
Peter takes child custody 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 Peter agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Peter E. Kratsa — Over 33 years of Pennsylvania adoption experience
Peter E. Kratsa is a partner based in West Chester, PA. The practice focuses on Adoption, ADR, and Alimony. Peter has over 33 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at MacElree Harvey, Ltd.. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 31 client reviews.
Peter E. Kratsa is a lawyer practicing post-nuptial agreements, prenuptial agreements, marital settlement agreements and 20 other areas of law. Peter received a B.A. degree from University of Richmond, and has been licensed for 33 years. Peter practices at MacElree Harvey, Ltd. in West Chester, PA.
Working with Peter on a adoption matter
Peter E. Kratsa is a lawyer practicing post-nuptial agreements, prenuptial agreements, marital settlement agreements and 20 other areas of law. Peter received a B.A. degree from University of Richmond, and has been licensed for 33 years. Peter practices at MacElree Harvey, Ltd. in West Chester, PA.
Clients Peter works with
Peter reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adoption, adr, and alimony matters in West Chester and the surrounding Pennsylvania area.
Credentials
Peter E. Kratsa's legal education and bar admissions
Villanova University School of Law
J.D. · 1993
University of Richmond B.A. English University of Richmond B.A. with History minor
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Jurisdictions
Peter's state bar admissions
Pennsylvania United
1993 · ACTIVE
Peter studied at J.D. in Villanova University School of Law and — in University of Richmond B.A. English University of Richmond B.A. with History minor.
Law school and academic background
Peter completed J.D. in Villanova University School of Law and — in University of Richmond B.A. English University of Richmond B.A. with History minor. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Peter runs in Pennsylvania is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Peter E. Kratsa
Peter has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Peter's professional memberships and bar associations
Memberships •Chester County Bar Association •Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
PACDL) •National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL · membership
Locations
Peter E. Kratsa's office in West Chester
Peter's primary office is at 17 West Miner Street, West Chester, PA, 19382. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Peter E. Kratsa — 4.8/5 rating from 31 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Peter. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing adoption attorneys in West Chester.
4.8
31 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Peter E. Kratsa claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Peter E. Kratsa — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new adoption attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Peter usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Peter charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Peter'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; Peter will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a adoption attorney in West Chester, Pennsylvania
A short list to run through before you commit: How many adoption 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 Peter
Peter discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in adoption practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every adoption 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. Peter confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Peter's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many adoption practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Peter E. Kratsa
How much does it cost to hire Peter for a adoption case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Peter walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Peter offer a free consultation?
Peter charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Peter's office. Some adoption attorneys offer free consults — check Peter's current terms during booking.
How long do adoption cases in Pennsylvania typically take?
Simple adoption 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. Peter gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Peter take my case if I'm outside West Chester?
Peter 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 — Peter 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 Peter?
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. Peter will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Peter accepting new adoption clients right now?
Peter's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Adoption attorneys serving West Chester, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania
Peter handles adoption matters throughout Pennsylvania. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified adoption attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated adoption attorneys in Pennsylvania
If Peter's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these adoption attorneys in West Chester handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





