Thomas O'Shea is the head of the CGA Law Firm's Family Law practice. He has been specializing in all family law matters for more than 25 years. Tom always knew he would not focus on a transactional type of law, because his primary motivator for practicing has always been about working closely with people. He also enjoys working through complex matters. His practice in family law developed naturally out of these two desires. In his own words, "It doesn't get any closer or more complex. Family law is intense."
Tom believes many traditional family law attorneys allow an emotionally debilitating and difficult situation to escalate into highly contentious litigation resulting in long term emotional stress and substantial financial loss. His philosophy has always been to focus on resolving the divorce and family conflict sensibly and efficiently minimizing stress and financial burden for the parties. Resolution is rarely simple and litigation cannot always be avoided. Tom has litigated hundreds of cases in his 25 years. More importantly, he has resolved thousands more, sparing his clients the expense and uncertainty of trial.
Through his many years of experience, Tom has been able to draw on the expertise of other attorneys in the firm to develop a strong practice focusing on businesses and business owners. Divorce and conflict resolution become far more complicated legal issues when businesses and similar assets are involved. He is able to draw on the experience of our business, bankruptcy, tax and estate planning practices to protect his clients interests. He formulates plans for equitable division of businesses and professional practices, counsels clients with respect to difficult financial situations during divorce proceedings and locates undisclosed assets and concealed income. Tom is also a certified divorce mediator.
Additionally, Tom handles a multitude of family and domestic matters for business owners outside of dissolution. He has considerable experience in:
- Adoption, including both agency and private adoption matters
- Pre-marital agreements
- Custodial agreements, support and visitation matters
- Spousal maintenance and support
- Name changes
- Paternity matters
- Annulments
- Mediation services
Sensitivity and communication are key elements needed to successfully navigate emotionally charged family law matters. Tom is gifted with both of these attributes and as such has distinguished himself in his craft. In 2003 he served as President of the York County Bar Association. He previously served as Chairman of the Family Law Section of the Bar Association. He is active in numerous civic and charitable organizations focusing on youth in our community, including the York Little Theater and Children and Youth Services. He is President of the Board of Directors of the York County Bar Foundation, the charitable arm of the Bar Association. He has been recognized for his commitment to provide pro bono legal services to the citizens of York. His gift for communicating extends into the creative realm, as well; Tom writes and produces The Bar Stools, a local comedic production with a cast of attorneys that spoof on politics and their profession.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
- American Bar Association
- Pennsylvania Bar Association
- York County Bar Association - Past President and Past Chairman, Family Law Section
- Board of Directors, President - York County Bar Foundation
- Pennsylvania Bar Association, House of Delegates
- Instructor - Penn State University - Legal Documentation and Presentation
- Master and Counselor of Herbert B. Cohen Inn of Court
- President and Board of Governors - York Little Theater
- Advisory Board - York County Children and Youth Services
Thomas D. O'Shea
717.848.4900 ext. 106 
717.843.9039
toshea@cgalaw.com
