MacElree Harvey, Ltd.

Initiative in Practice

Family Law

Pilar Diaz

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Pilar Diaz

Associate – Family Law

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Pilar is an associate attorney focusing her practice on family law matters, including divorce, custody, support, and related agreements. She represents clients through all stages of family law proceedings, from initial consultation through litigation, and regularly appears before hearing officers and judges in conferences, hearings, and trials.

Pilar brings experience from both boutique and large family law firms across Pennsylvania and New Jersey, where she independently managed complex caseloads and served as first chair in court. Her practice includes drafting pre- and post-nuptial agreements, marital and property settlement agreements, pleadings, and legal briefs, while counseling clients on the applicable law and setting realistic expectations during emotionally charged matters.

Earlier in her career, Pilar served as a staff attorney with a civil legal aid nonprofit, advocating for older adults in cases involving housing, protection from abuse, and property disputes. This background informs her thoughtful, client-centered approach and commitment to practical, compassionate advocacy.

Memberships and Associations

  • Montgomery Bar Association
  • Chester County Bar Association

PRACTICE AREAS

OFFICES

ADMISSIONS

  • Pennsylvania

EDUCATION

  • Duquesne University, School of Law
  • Millersville University of Pennsylvania

LANGUAGES

  • English
  • Spanish

ARTICLES

AWARDS

Lou Mincarelli

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Lou Mincarelli

Partner – Litigation

Partner in the Litigation Dept focusing on Criminal, Family and Commercial Litigation, working from the West Chester office.

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Judge Lou Mincarelli served as a respected Common Pleas Judge in West Chester, Pennsylvania, both before and after joining MacElree Harvey, and returned to the firm following his most recent judicial service through 2025. He originally joined MacElree Harvey in January of 2024.

Joining MacElree Harvey’s Litigation Department, Judge Mincarelli focuses his practice on criminal, family, commercial litigation, as well as the firm’s mediation and arbitration practice. His diverse legal skill set was shaped by decades of experience as a practicing attorney and years on the bench, where he presided over complex matters across Civil, Criminal, Family, and Juvenile Court.

While serving as a Judge, Judge Mincarelli presided over numerous jury and bench trials in both civil and criminal court and successfully handled dozens of settlement conferences. His experience facilitating resolutions spans both his judicial service and private practice, giving him a practical, balanced perspective on litigation strategy and alternative dispute resolution.

Judge Mincarelli is a certified Civil Mediator, having received his certification from the National Judicial College in 2024. His mediation experience, combined with his extensive trial background, allows him to guide parties toward efficient, informed, and durable resolutions, whether through litigation, mediation, or arbitration.

Judge Mincarelli was nominated by then-Governor Tom Wolf and confirmed by the Pennsylvania Senate to fill a vacancy on the Chester County Court of Common Pleas. He was later reappointed by Governor Josh Shapiro and again confirmed by the Pennsylvania Senate, continuing his judicial service through 2025.

Earlier in his career, Judge Mincarelli served as a Victim Advocate in the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, where he gained first-hand insight into the impact of crime on victims and their families. After graduating from Temple University Beasley School of Law, he became a prosecutor in the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office under former District Attorney Lynne Abraham.

Notable Representations

  • Presided over Criminal, Family and Juvenile cases as a judge.

Community Service

  • Committee Chairman for Cub Scouts Hopewell Pack 8

Memberships

  • Temple Law School Alumni Association
  • Member of the Sons and Daughters of Italy, St. Anthony’s Lodge in Downingtown

PRACTICE AREAS

OFFICES

ADMISSIONS

  • Pennsylvania

EDUCATION

  • Temple University Beasley School of Law

ARTICLES

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IN THE NEWS

AWARDS

Jaycie DiNardo

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Jaycie DiNardo

Associate – Family Law

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Jaycie DiNardo graduated from the University of Delaware in 2019 with an Honor’s Degree in Political Science, with a concentration in Politics and Theory. She also graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Law and Society. She also holds minors in Legal Studies, Forensic Science and Sociology. Jaycie was a founding member of her sorority, Pi Beta Phi at University of Delaware and is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha International Sociology Honor Society and Pi Sigma Alpha National Political Science Honor Society.

During the summer of 2020, Jaycie interned with Judge Vivian Medinilla in the Delaware Superior Court. She went on to graduate from Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law in 2022, was barred in Delaware in January 2023, then clerked for Judge Jennifer B. Ranji in the Delaware (New Castle County) Family Court from September 2022-August 2023.

During the summer of 2020, Jacycie interned with Judge Vivian Medinilla in the Delaware Superior Court. She went on to graduate from Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law in 2022, was barred in Delaware in January 2023, then clerked for Judge Jennifer B. Ranji in the Delaware (New Castle County) Family Court from September 2022-August 2023.

Memberships

  • Alpha Kappa Alpha International Sociology Honor Society
  • Pi Sigma Alpha National Political Science Honor Society

PRACTICE AREAS

OFFICES

ADMISSIONS

  • Delaware

EDUCATION

  • University of Delaware, 2019
  • Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law, 2022

ARTICLES

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IN THE NEWS

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AWARDS

Michael C. Rovito

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Michael C. Rovito

Partner – Family Law

Michael is a Partner in the West Chester office’s Family Law Practice and a member of the Litigation Group. Michael’s practice focuses on family law specific areas of divorce, equitable distribution of property, alimony, marital agreements, child custody, and support.

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Michael possesses the skill, knowledge, and experience to represent and navigate clients through the complex and emotional realms of family law. He is a compassionate and zealous advocate, who maintains a practical and results-driven approach to the issues at hand. He represents clients in family law matters ranging from the routine to the highest levels of complexity.

Michael is a Partner in the West Chester office’s Family Law Practice and a member of the Litigation Group. Michael’s practice focuses on family law specific areas of divorce, equitable distribution of property, alimony, marital agreements, child custody, and support.

Prior to joining MacElree Harvey, Michael was an associate in the firm Rovito Law, LLC, from 2011 through 2021, where he concentrated in family law matters.

Michael is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University’s Smeal School of Business, where he attained a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance.

Michael is also a graduate of Widener University School of Law located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. While at Widener, Michael was a member of the Trial Advocacy Honor Society and earned a Certificate of Merit in the study of Corporate Finance. While in law school, Michael clerked for a private practice, the Northumberland County Office of the Solicitor, and as a summer clerk in the Chester County Court of Common Pleas.

Notable Representations

  • Counseled spouse involved in complex divorce matter with significant multi-level business interests, requiring the utilization of forensic accountants and business evaluators for resolution of equitable distribution and spousal and child support.
  • Advised client and worked with client’s future spouse’s counsel to reach an amicable and comprehensive prenuptial agreement, which provided protection of premarital assets and ensured financial security and stability
  • Advised and represented aunt and grandmother, in obtaining standing and ultimately an order awarding primary custody of a child.
  • Represented a client to bring to conclusion a near decade long contentious divorce process

Memberships

  • Pennsylvania Bar Association
    • Member of Legislative Committee
  • Chester County Bar Association
    • Family Law Section – Co-Chair
  • Doris Jonas Freed American Inn of Court
    • Community Outreach Committee – Co-Chair

Speaking Engagements

  • Older Adults & Divorce – Chester County Bar Association
  • Grey Divorce – Doris Jonas Freed Inn of Court
  • Guide to Alternative Dispute Resolution, Mediation, Collaboration, and Arbitration

Video

PRACTICE AREAS

OFFICES

ADMISSIONS

  • Pennsylvania

EDUCATION

  • Widener University School of Law, Juris Doctorate
  • The Pennsylvania State University, Finance

ARTICLES

AWARDS

Brian J. Forgue

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Brian J. Forgue

Partner – Family Law

Brian is a Partner in the Firm’s family law practice group. He represents clients in a broad range of family law matters including divorce, pre and post marital agreements, custody, support, and adoption. Brian also advises clients on a variety of legal issues including real estate litigation, contract, and business disputes.

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Brian is a Partner in the Firm’s family law practice group. He represents clients in a broad range of family law matters including divorce, pre and post marital agreements, custody, support, and adoption. Brian also advises clients on a variety of legal issues including real estate litigation, contract, and business disputes.  For his work since joining MacElree Harvey, Brian has consistently been selected as a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer – Rising Star and a Main Line Today Top Lawyer.

Active in the community, Brian is a graduate of Leadership Chester County, a program that trains and prepares community leaders to serve on the Board of Directors for non-profit organizations.  Brian serves on the Board of Directors for a local non-profit organization, the Youth Mentoring Partnership, which helps serve under-privileged youth through sports and physical fitness programs.  Brian also serves on the Business Improvement District (“BID) Board for downtown West Chester and serves on the Committee to Restore Rail Service to West Chester.

In his free time, Brian enjoys traveling, spending time with family, and competing in triathlons.

Notable Representations

  • Successful negotiation of credit card debt settlements for less than the balance owed.
  • Successful defense of client sued by contractor despite contractor’s deficient remodeling of the home.
  • Successful representation of Homeowners Association in court for homeowners’ failure to pay fees owed.
  • Obtained favorable disposition for a commercial client with third-party and insurance company for payment of contract price and attorneys’ fees.
  • Obtained favorable settlement for a home-buying client where seller failed to disclose dangerous conditions prior to sale.
  • A successful outcome for a client in residential dispute for the return of personal property.

Memberships

  • Chester County Bar Association,  Young Lawyers Division
  • Pennsylvania Bar Association
  • Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry, Emerging Leaders Committee, Member

Community Involvement

  • Kennett High School, Coach Mock Trial
  • Leadership Chester County, a program of United Way of Chester County, Class of 2017
  • Youth Mentoring Partnership, Board of Directors

Speaking Engagements

  • November 2018: What to Do and Not to Do as you Enter a Business Dispute

Videos

Watch Brian J. Forgue’s video series on YouTube.

PRACTICE AREAS

OFFICES

ADMISSIONS

  • Pennsylvania
  • United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania

EDUCATION

  • The Pennsylvania State University, Dickinson School of Law, Juris Doctor
  • The Pennsylvania State University, Crime, Law, and Justice

ARTICLES

IN THE NEWS

AWARDS

Brian J. Forgue, Avvo Clients Choice Award 2019

Ashley B. Stitzer

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Ashley B. Stitzer

Partner – Family Law

Ashley is a partner in the West Chester office and a member of the firm’s Family Law Practice Group.  Her practice focuses on representing clients in all aspects of family law matters, including divorce, alimony/spousal support, equitable distribution of property, marital agreements, child support, and custody.

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Ashley is a partner in the West Chester office and a member of the firm’s Family Law Practice Group.  Her practice focuses on representing clients in all aspects of family law matters, including divorce, alimony/spousal support, equitable distribution of property, marital agreements, child support, and custody.  From custody and support disputes to complex divorce and property division, Ashley takes a direct, personal approach to resolve each client’s family law concerns and prides herself on being thorough, passionate and laser-focused on her clients’ needs.  Ashley also has significant experience from prior practice representing businesses in corporate bankruptcy matters, which she utilizes regularly in her representation of high net worth clients and divorce proceedings involving businesses.

Licensed to practice law both in Pennsylvania and Delaware, Ashley has received an “AV Preeminent” rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest level of professional excellence and ethical standards an attorney can receive from the national attorney peer review rating service, since the early 2000s.  This rating indicates that an attorney’s colleagues and the judiciary perceive her to be at the pinnacle of professional success.  Ashley has also been named to Main Line Today’s “Top Lawyers” list since 2017.

Ashley is a member of the American Bar Association, the Federal Bar Association, the Pennsylvania Bar Association, the Delaware State Bar Association, the Chester County Bar Association.  She is also a member of the Doris Jonas Freed Matrimonial American Inn of Court and the Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce.

Active in the community, Ashley serves as a volunteer attorney at the Office of the Child Advocate, a state agency charged with safeguarding the welfare of Delaware’s children, and Delaware Volunteer Legal Services, Inc., established to provide quality pro bono legal services to low-income Delawareans with meritorious civil legal problems.

Memberships

  • Chester County Bar Association, Family Law Section
  • Pennsylvania Bar Association
  • Delaware State Bar Association, Family Law Section
  • American Bar Association, Family Law Section
  • The Doris Jonas Freed American Inn of Court
  • Office of the Child Advocate

Community Involvement

  • Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce
  • Wings for Success Board of Directors

PRACTICE AREAS

OFFICES

ADMISSIONS

  • Delaware
  • Pennsylvania

EDUCATION

  • Temple University Beasley School of Law
  • St. Mary’s College of California, Business & Economics

ARTICLES

IN THE NEWS

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Centreville, DE

5721 Kennett Pike
Wilmington, DE 19807
302-654-4454
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Hockessin, DE

724 Yorklyn Rd #100
Hockessin, DE 19707
302-239-3700
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Kennett Square, PA

209 East State Street Road
Kennett Square, PA 19348
610-444-3180
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West Chester, PA

17 West Miner Street
West Chester, PA 19382
610-436-0100
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