Brian C. Vertz

Attorney Profile

Top Rated Family Law Attorney in Pittsburgh, PA

Pollock Begg Komar Glasser & Vertz LLC
 | 437 Grant Street, Suite 501
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Visit: www.pollockbegg.com
Phone: 412-471-9000
Fax: 412-471-9001
Selected to Super Lawyers: 2005 - 2018
Licensed Since: 1992
Practice Areas:
  • Family Law (80%),
  • Tax: Consumer (10%),
  • Appellate (10%)
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Attorney Profile

Brian C. Vertz is one of Pittsburgh's top divorce lawyers, with more than 25 years of experience in a full range of difficult and complex family law cases.  As a partner of Pollock Begg Komar Glasser & Vertz LLC, Brian is effective in resolving family law issues through skilled negotation and drafting of settlement agreements, powerful courtroom skills, and persuasive advocacy in the appeals court. His clients feel confident because Brian dedicates himself completely to meeting their needs and objectives.

With an MBA degree and business valuation training in his background, Brian combines big-firm experience with the personal service of his focused boutique firm. He has a demonstrated aptitude for financial analysis, and has used his knowledge to benefit clients in divorce cases involving complex assets, professional practices, executive compensation, international custody, and matrimonial tax issues.  He is trained in mediation and arbitration to resolve disputes out of court, and he is creative and tenacious in pursuing favorable settlements.

Brian C. Vertz is the author of a nationally-recognized legal treatise on divorce taxation, Frumkes & Vertz on Divorce Taxation.  He has developed a tax consulting practice for high net worth family law cases.  He shares the most recent developments about divorce tax and financial strategy on his legal blog at FamilyLawTaxAlert.com.

Brian has received frequent recognition of his experience and knowledge in the family law sphere. He is listed in every edition of The Best Lawyers in America since 2010, and is one of the four family lawyers named in the "Top 50 Lawyers in Pittsburgh" on Super Lawyers.  Martindale Hubbell has awarded its AV-Preeminent, the highest rating. 

Brian was elected as a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers in 2003 and now serves as the President-Elect of the Pennsylvania Chapter.  He is active at the national level as the co-chair of two committees and a lifetime member of the AAML Foundation.  The Pennsylvania Bar Association has elected Brian to the Family Law Council and its Executive Committee. He is also a Certified Valuation Analyst, a designation conferred by the National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts (NACVA) for proficiency in business valuation.

Brian has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to public service. He volunteers for Neighborhood Legal Services Association and donates to the Fellows Program of the Allegheny County Bar Foundation. He writes prolifically and his articles have appeared in legal publications for the Pennsylvania Bar Institute. He is also a broadcast presenter and author for the annual Family Law Update (since 2006), and he has written legal education materials on business valuation, tax, child support, executive compensation, equitable distribution and marital settlement agreements.

 

*AV Preeminent is a certification mark of Reed Elsevier Properties Inc., used in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell is the facilitator of a peer review rating process. Ratings reflect the confidential opinions of members of the Bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell ratings fall into two categories, legal ability and general ethical standards.

 
Practice Areas
Lawyer Practice Area Pie Chart

Family Law (80%): Alimony & Spousal Support, Child Support, Custody & Visitation, Divorce, Prenuptial Agreements, Marital Property

Tax (10%): Tax Law

Appellate (10%): Appeals

Focus Areas

Alimony & Spousal Support, Child Support, Custody & Visitation, Divorce, Prenuptial Agreements, Marital Property, Tax Law, Appeals

Selections

Selected to Super Lawyers for 14 yearsbottom-image

Super Lawyers: 2005 - 2018

Certificates and Credentials

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To: Brian C. Vertz
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White Papers

  • Divorce - Your First Legal Strategy Decisions (2011) - The initial weeks of a marital separation are probably the most turbulent, uncertain part of the divorce process. The first few choices that spouses must make when they are contemplating divorce are important legal strategy decisions that require thoughtful consideration. Your divorce lawyer can help to assess the risks and possible consequences of those initial decisions. 1.   Move out or stay put? Pennsylvania doesn’t recognize a legal separation as some states do. Still, it is possible to be separated in the eyes of the law while living together under the same roof. A spouse who moves out must decide where to move, whether to take the children or property, and how the move might affect finances and custody arrangements. Spouses who stay put must be prepared to pay expenses for the marital residence during the separation period, as well as the possibility that the other spouse might refuse to move away, creating an uncomfortable standstill. 2.  File divorce or wait? Filing a divorce action is important in some cases where there is a need for the court’s assistance in freezing bank accounts or credit cards, obtaining financial records, or seeking exclusive possession of the marital residence. On the other hand, there may be a financial advantage in simply collecting support during the separation period without starting a divorce battle. 3.  Attempt reconciliation or stay apart? Repairing a broken marriage isn’t easy, but some have done it. Still, attempting to reconcile may have unintended legal consequences that must be considered. Reconciliation might delay the official separation date, which affects the value of marital property and the ability to finalize a divorce. The law generally does not permit spouses to have it both ways by preserving a separation date while attempting to reconcile. Some couples sign post-nuptial agreements to settle their financial disputes in case their reconciliation does not work out. 4.  Withdraw funds or leave them? Joint bank accounts and credit cards are common battlegrounds in the initial phase of divorce. Making withdrawals from joint accounts or charges on joint credit cards might be viewed as a hostile tactic, but a spouse who would otherwise be penniless might have no other choice. Conversely, raiding a joint account might deplete the good will needed to work out a settlement. 5.  Who to trust? Trust is one of the first casualties of divorce, so you need to find reliable allies. Consider supportive friends and family members who are able to keep your confidences and empathize with your feelings. Physical activities like exercise can reduce stress more effectively than alcohol or junk food. Hire a family lawyer that you feel comfortable with. It is important to understand what your lawyer is saying and to be heard when you speak to your lawyer. Consider lawyers who concentrate their practice in divorce and know the nuances of this complex area of legal practice.

    • About Brian Vertz

    Admitted: 1992, Pennsylvania

    Professional Webpage: http://www.pollockbegg.com/team-brianvertz.html

    Honors/Awards:

    • AV-Preeminent Rating, Martindale Hubbell Law Directory, 2017
    • Chosen by judges and legal peers,, Best Lawyers In America, Naifeh and Smith, 2017
    • Chosen by judges and legal peers, , Best Lawyers in America, Naifeh and Smith, 2016
    • Fellow, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, 2003 - Present

    Special Licenses/Certifications:

    • American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers - President-Elect, Pennsylvania Chapter, 2017
    • Pennsylvania Bar Association - elected to Family Law Section Council and Executive Committee, 2017
    • Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA) - National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts (NACVA), 2006
    • American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Arbitration Certification, 2013

    Bar/Professional Activity:

    • U.S. Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit, 2005
    • U.S. Supreme Court, 1999
    • U.S. Circuit Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, 1992
    • Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, 1992
    • Supreme Court of Georgia, 2006

    Pro bono/Community Service:

    • Area 12 Governor - Toastmasters International (Pittsburgh), 2009
    • Mellon Toastmasters, VP-Education, 2008
    • Kiwanis Club of Pittsburgh, 2002
    • ACLU Legal Committee, 1994
    • National Chair of the Amicus Committee, AAML, 2013-Present
    • Former Area Governor, Toastmasters International
    • Board of Trustees, Crafton Public Library

    Scholarly Lectures/Writings:

    • Complicated rules can slow down your progress as you work your way through the taxation pitfalls and opportunities that abound in divorces. Frumkes and Vertz on Divorce Taxation quickly guides you through trouble spots and alerts you to potential tax savings in property distribution, support, and more. It offers on-target explanations, examples, specimen clauses, forms, checklists, tables, and other practical planning tools—all designed to reduce the work in divorce tax planning.This plain English manual walks you step-by-step through the most commonly arising trouble spots in property distribution, support, and more. It is intelligently organized and indexed, well supported with citations, and most important, loaded with practical advice., Author, Frumkes & Vertz on Divorce Taxation, James Publishing, 2015
    • Mr. Vertz wrote and presented "Support Law Update 2011" before a live audience in Pittsburgh and more than 500 lawyers at 24 remote locations via satellite TV broadcast., Course Planner, Family Law Update 2011, Pennsylvania Bar Institute, 2011, Author / Lecturer, Family Law Update, 2011
    • Brian C. Vertz recently spoke before the Pennsylvania Conference of State Trial Judges on the topic of “Creating Custody Orders that Meet the Developmental Needs of Children.” Judges Kathleen R. Mulligan, Lisette Shirdan-Harris (Philadelphia), and David Workman (Lancaster), and Dr. Eric Bernstein were also speakers for the conference., Lecturer, Pennsyvlania Conf. of State Trial Judges, 2011
    • Brian Vertz is an author of a chapter of the PBI book "Slicing the Pie: Equitable Distribution in Pennsylvania.", Author, Slicing the Pie: Equitable Distribution in Pennsylvania, 2010
    • This half-day program will discuss hot topics in divorce and business valuation, with Bob Grossman CPA and Melissa Bizyak CPA, Author, Broadcast Presenter/Host, Business Valuation and Divorce, PBI, Business Valuation, Divorce, 2009
    • Mr. Vertz wrote and presented "Child Support Provisions" for this hands-on seminar teaching lawyers to write marital settlement agreements., Author, Lecturer, Drafting Marital Settlement Agreements , Pennsylvania Bar Institute, 2008
    • Mr. Vertz wrote and presented "Support Law Update 2008" before a live audience in Pittsburgh and more than 500 lawyers at 24 remote locations via satellite TV broadcast., Course Planner, Family Law Update 2008, Pennsylvania Bar Institute, 2008
    • Author/Lecturer, Pennsylvania Bar Institute, "Slicing the Pie: Equitable Distribution in Pennsylvania." 2010
    • Speaker, Pennsylvania Bar Institute, "Valuing the Small Business in Divorce: Practice - Pointers – Pitfalls." 2012
    • Lecturer, Pennsylvania Bar Association, Family Law Section Winter Meeting, "Hot Tips Regarding Ethical Dilemmas for the Family Law Attorney," and "Difficult Cases - Difficult Issues." 2012.
    • Author, Pennsylvania Family Lawyer, Volume XXXIV, No. 3. "Restrictive Custody Order Does Not Terminate Child Support Obligation." 2012.
    • Tax Traps for the Unwary!, National Constitution Center, 2007
    • Drafting Marital Settlement Agreements, Pennsylvania Bar Institute, 2003
    • Drafting Marital Settlement Agreements, Pennsylvania Bar Institute, 2008
    • Tax Consequences in Divorce: Avoiding the Pitfalls, Pennsylvania Bar Institute, 2005
    • Co-Author, "Child Support, Spousal Support and Alimony Pendente Lite," Fundamentals of Family Law, PBI, 1994
    • Co-Author, "Child Support, Spousal Support and Alimony Pendente Lite," Fundamentals of Family Law, PBI, 1996
    • Co-Author, "Child Support, Spousal Support and Alimony Pendente Lite," Fundamentals of Family Law, PBI, 2002
    • Co-Author, "Child Support, Spousal Support and Alimony Pendente Lite," Fundamentals of Family Law, PBI, 2004
    • Co-Author, "Child Support, Spousal Support and Alimony Pendente Lite," Fundamentals of Family Law, PBI, 2006
    • Author, "Equitable Distribution," Fundamentals of Family Law, Pennsylvania Bar Institute, 2004
    • Author, "Equitable Distribution," Fundamentals of Family Law, Pennsylvania Bar Institute, 2006
    • Author, "Equitable Distribution," Fundamentals of Family Law, Pennsylvania Bar Institute, 2009
    • Author/Lecturer, Business Valuation and Divorce, Pennsylvania Bar Institute, 2009
    • Co-Course Planner and Statewide Broadcast Presenter, Family Law Update, Pennsylvania Bar Institute, 2006 - 2011

    Verdicts/Settlements:

    • Mackay v. Mackay (2009) - Superior Court of Pennsylvania - college support, 2009

    Educational Background:

    • University of Michigan, B.A. in English Language and Literature, Minor in Economics, 1988
    • Katz School of Business, University of Pittsburgh, M.B.A. in Management Economics and Law, 1992

    Industry Groups

    • Business Owners
    • Executives
    • Family Wealth
    • High Net Worth
    • Professional Practices
    Office Location for Brian C. Vertz

    437 Grant Street
    Suite 501
    Pittsburgh, PA 15219

    Phone: 412-471-9000

    Fax: 412-471-9001

     

    Brian C. Vertz:

    Last Updated: 1/4/2018

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