Cognetti Law Group

08/20/2026

We are proud to celebrate Mette attorneys who have been selected for recognition in the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®!
Congratulations to:

👏 Thomas A. Archer
👏 Maria P. Cognetti
👏 Adam J. Cohen
👏 Timothy A. Hoy
👏 James A. Ulsh
👏 James Beebe

This recognition reflects the experience, dedication, and professional excellence represented throughout the Mette team.

Best Lawyers selections are based on a rigorous peer review process, making this a meaningful acknowledgment of the respect these attorneys have earned from their peers in the legal profession.

We are honored to celebrate our 2027 Best Lawyers® honorees and grateful for the opportunity to serve our clients with the experience and commitment they deserve.

Congratulations to all of our recognized attorneys!

07/13/2026

At Cognetti Law Group, we know that exceptional legal work is a team effort, and Karen Sheriff exemplifies the professionalism, knowledge, and dedication that make our team so strong.

I couldn't be more proud of Karen for authoring "Raising the Bar: How Paralegal Certification Benefits Law Firms," recently published in The Pennsylvania Lawyer. The article reflects Karen's deep understanding of the paralegal profession and her unwavering commitment to advancing the standards of legal practice. She does an outstanding job explaining why paralegal certification is not only beneficial for paralegals, but also strengthens law firms, enhances client service, and promotes excellence throughout the legal profession.

Karen's leadership extends well beyond our office. She is a respected voice within the paralegal community, and this publication is a testament to the expertise, professionalism, and passion she brings to her work every day. We are incredibly fortunate to have her as a member of the Cognetti Law Group team.

Congratulations, Karen, on this well-deserved recognition and on publishing such an insightful and impactful article. Your dedication continues to elevate our firm and the legal profession as a whole.

07/01/2026

We are excited to announce that Cognetti Law Group is joining Mette Attorneys at Law, effective July 1, 2026. This partnership brings together two of Central Pennsylvania's most respected law firms, combining more than 100 years of legal excellence to better serve our clients and communities.

Our clients will continue working with the attorneys they know and trust, now with access to an even broader range of legal services and resources. We are proud to begin this next chapter alongside Mette and look forward to continuing to serve individuals and families throughout Central Pennsylvania with the same dedication, compassion, and advocacy that have defined Cognetti Law Group for more than 46 years.

https://www.cognettilaw.com/

05/26/2026

05/20/2026

Preparing for Your First Meeting with a Family Law Attorney

Walking into your first consultation can feel overwhelming—but a little preparation goes a long way. Here are a few things to bring (or at least be ready to discuss):

• Basic financial information – income, expenses, assets, and debts
• Recent tax returns and pay stubs
• Bank, retirement, and credit card statements
• A timeline of key events (date of marriage, separation, major changes)
• Any existing agreements (prenup, postnup, prior court orders)
• Information about your children – schedules, schooling, and any concerns

You don’t need to have everything perfectly organized—just come prepared to have an honest conversation. The more information you can provide upfront, the better your attorney can guide you from the start.

At Cognetti Law Group, we work with you to make this process clear, manageable, and focused on what matters most.

05/13/2026

A prenuptial agreement isn’t about expecting the worst—it’s about planning wisely for the future.

By setting clear expectations in advance, couples can protect assets they bring into the marriage, clarify financial rights and responsibilities, and reduce conflict and uncertainty if circumstances change in the future.

For those entering a second marriage or with children from a prior relationship, a prenup can also play an important role in protecting a first family and preserving intended inheritances.

The process encourages open, honest conversations about finances—something every strong marriage benefits from.

At Cognetti Law Group, we help clients approach these conversations thoughtfully and create agreements that are clear, fair, and built to last.

05/06/2026

One of the biggest risks we’re seeing right now? Clients treating AI output like it’s fact.

AI can sound confident—even authoritative—but it doesn’t know your case, your jurisdiction, or the full context. It pulls from patterns, not proof. When that information gets repeated as “fact,” it can quickly turn into something closer to gossip than reliable guidance.

And in a divorce case, that matters.

Relying on inaccurate or generalized AI information can lead to bad decisions, unrealistic expectations, and positions that ultimately hurt your credibility. We’ve seen it create unnecessary conflict, delay resolution, and complicate negotiations.

If something matters to your case, verify it with your attorney. Because in this process, accuracy isn’t optional—it’s critical.

At Cognetti Law Group, we help clients cut through the noise and focus on what actually matters—reliable guidance, sound strategy, and informed decisions every step of the way.