I remain available during the national emergency regarding COVID and can make arrangements to meet with clients virtually, by phone or in person. I am also available to serve as a mediator. Please do not hesitate to contact me during this challenging time. Stay safe!
About Carla
I am often asked what led me to become a divorce attorney. After working at one of Atlanta’s largest law firms doing tobacco litigation and then working for the U.S. Court of Appeals, I questioned whether I wanted to continue to practice law. I then thought about what inspired me to become a lawyer in the first place: my parents’ divorce. I was in college at the time of their divorce. I remember how both of my parents were thankful for the counsel they received to help them through a very difficult time for our family.
In 2001, I joined Stern and Edlin, P.C., Atlanta’s leading family law firm. In 2013, I relocated to Pittsburgh and joined the the law firm of Gentile, Horoho & Avalli. P.C. I became a Principal of the firm three years later in 2016.
I devote 100% of my practice to family law.
I focus my practice on divorce and custody and have expertise in and experience with complex issues related to both. I sometimes take over cases from other attorneys when the cases have become too high conflict or complex for the prior attorney to handle.
I have handled numerous international divorce cases. I also specialize in preparing and negotiating prenuptial and postnuptial agreements.
I represent both men and women equally.
While I focus on win-win solutions, I am an experienced litigator who is thorough and tenacious.
I am committed to protecting children in custody and divorce cases. I have served as a Guardian ad Litem for children and was recently trained as a parent coordinator. I am a participant in the Children’s Issues Sub-Committee of the Family Law Section of the Allegheny County Bar Association and the Children’s Rights Committee of the Pennsylvania Bar Association (PBA).
I believe in approaching family law cases with a win-win mindset and have represented clients in more than 100 mediations. I am a trained mediator and can conduct mediations in person or virtually. That said, when an amicable resolution is not possible, I am an experienced litigator who is thorough and tenacious.
My Mission
You have difficult decisions to make about your future. Family law issues can be daunting. My mission is to provide men and women with straightforward information and advice to empower them to make good decisions. Sometimes, that decision is to go to court. That is when skilled advocacy and tenacity are most important. I approach family law matters with compassion, practicality and integrity to take your case in the best direction to protect you, your children and your property.
Recently, I have appeared on the radio talking about divorce. Listen in:
- Your Divorce Questions Answered
- Getting Started with Your Divorce
- Waiting Periods, Support and Initial Consultations
Education
- Lehigh University, BA 1990
- Emory University School of Law, JD 1995
Awards and Honors
- Family Law Attorney of the Year 2018 – Western Pennsylvania, 3rd annual Influential Businesswoman Awards
- Rated AV Preeminent –a peer ranking indicating the highest level of professional excellence
- Martindale-Hubbell Bar Register of Preeminent Women Lawyers 2013 Edition
- Rising Star by Super Lawyers Magazine (multiple years)
- One of “Georgia’s Legal Elite” by Georgia Trend Magazine
Professional Associations & Memberships
- Pennsylvania Bar Association
- Family Law Section, Council Member 2018-2021 term
- Commission on Women in the Profession, Council Member
- Children’s Rights Committee
- House of Delegates (2015-2016)
- Allegheny County Bar Association
- Family Law Section, Council Member
- Butler County Bar Association
- Georgia Bar Association (inactive)
Publications
When Custody of the Grandkids is at Issue, The Pennsylvania Lawyer Magazine, November/December 2014 (initial publication revised on GHA website May 2017);
Back-To-School Tips For Divorcing Parents, The Huffington Post, August 9, 2017.
Five Reasons to be Thankful for Divorce, The Huffington Post, November 20, 2017.
Don’t Get Stuck With the Wrong Lawyer: 6 Steps to Avoid the Most Common Divorce Mistake, The Huffington Post, September 30, 2013;
5 Custody Myths Separating Parents Should Know, The Huffington Post, June 5, 2014;
Cheating Spouse? 5 Things You Need to Do Now, The Huffington Post, July 24, 2014;
7 Tips for Helping a Friend Through Divorce, The Huffington Post, December 14, 2015;
Divorce: Should I Stay or Should I Go? The Huffington Post, July 24, 2013
female divorce attorney