Bernadette M. Staroschuck

Pennsylvania

Margolis Edelstein
The Oliver Building
535 Smithfield Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Tel: (412) 281-4256

Email: bstaroschuck@margolisedelstein.com
Web: www.margolisedelstein.com

Professional Biography

Bernadette Staroschuck is a partner at Margolis Edelstein and a highly experienced family law attorney with decades of practice focused on matrimonial and domestic relations matters. Admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar in 1985, she has built a long-standing practice advising clients through high-stakes family law disputes.

Her practice centers on matrimonial and family law, including support, equitable distribution, and complex child custody matters. Over the past two decades, she has litigated a wide range of family law cases, including relocation disputes and economic claims such as child support, spousal support, and alimony pendente lite. She also has extensive experience handling complex equitable distribution cases involving marital assets as well as partnership and business interests. In addition to her trial work, she has experience representing clients in appellate courts across Pennsylvania.

Bernadette is trained in the collaborative law process and has successfully resolved disputes between spouses and parents through collaborative methods. She is also a trained mediator and is a strong advocate for alternative dispute resolution, encouraging clients to consider collaborative law and mediation as effective alternatives to litigation. She co-authored Developing a Collaborative Family Law Practice (2011), reflecting her commitment to advancing these approaches.

Beyond her practice, Bernadette is actively involved in the legal and broader professional community. She is a member of the Allegheny County Bar Association and its Family Law Section, as well as the Pennsylvania Bar Association. She is a founding member of the Collaborative Law Association of Southwestern Pennsylvania (CLASP) and a member of the International Association of Collaborative Professionals (IACP).

Bernadette frequently speaks on family law topics, including domestic violence and alternative dispute resolution, addressing audiences of legal professionals, financial advisors, mental health professionals, and community organizations. She has also participated in media discussions to help inform the public about the range of options available in family law matters beyond traditional litigation.

The firm’s family law practice, led by Pittsburgh-based partner Bernadette Staroschuck, provides comprehensive representation across the full spectrum of domestic relations matters. The team advises on issues including divorce, separation, property distribution, custody, support, and prenuptial agreements, combining practical guidance with a strong focus on achieving respectful, client-centered outcomes.

A key strength of the practice is its emphasis on collaborative law, using mediation and other alternative dispute resolution methods to help clients reach amicable solutions outside of court. Where appropriate, the team works alongside child specialists, counselors, and financial professionals to support families through transition while prioritizing the best interests of children.

The practice also covers a wide range of additional matters, including adoption, cohabitation agreements, paternity, protection from abuse, and same-sex family issues, delivering tailored and compassionate counsel at every stage.

Margolis Edelstein is a litigation-focused law firm founded in Philadelphia more than 65 years ago. With nine strategically located offices, the firm represents clients across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and West Virginia, providing regional coverage supported by deep litigation experience.

While maintaining a broad-based practice, the firm is particularly known for defending the interests of individuals, insurers, and commercial enterprises in complex litigation matters. Its attorneys handle a wide range of disputes, combining practical legal strategies with a strong focus on achieving efficient and effective outcomes.

Margolis Edelstein has earned the AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell, reflecting the highest level of professional excellence and legal ability. The firm is recognized for delivering cost-effective representation while maintaining a results-driven, client-focused approach.

With a longstanding reputation in the Mid-Atlantic legal market, Margolis Edelstein continues to provide strategic advocacy grounded in experience, efficiency, and a commitment to measurable results.

“With decades of experience in family law litigation, Bernadette is recognized for her comprehensive understanding of both the legal and practical aspects of domestic disputes. Clients appreciate her ability to manage difficult matters with professionalism and care, while her role as a founding member of a regional collaborative law organization underscores her leadership within the community.”
The Family Attorneys, 2025