Practicing Family Law Since 1998

Immediately following her graduation from law school, Cara quickly discovered she enjoyed representing clients in domestic law matters and helping her clients through some of their darkest moments. In 1998, she immersed herself completely in the practice of family law, while continuing to assist clients with will preparation and estate probate and administration.

Throughout her 28 years of practice, Cara has represented her clients in a myriad of domestic law matters, including but not limited to, divorce, custody, support, equitable distribution, alimony, step-parent adoptions, and name changes.

Cara always listens intently to her clients’ fears, expectations, and future life plans and then adjusts her representation and negotiation skills to tailor to the needs of her client. Cara believes all of her clients deserve her undivided attention, compassion, and dedication, no matter the size of their marital estate or the complexity of their matrimonial issues.

Membership and Leadership at the Bar Association

Cara is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association and the Dauphin County Bar Association.  She chaired the Dauphin County Bar Association Family Law Section from 2002 – 2007 and worked on the subcommittee to draft mediation rules and recommendations. Cara has served as both a panel member and a panel chair for the Dauphin County Arbitration Board.

Cara has presented on a variety of family law issues for the Dauphin County Bar Association, the Coalition Against Violence, the National Business Institute, and the Pennsylvania Bar Institute.  She has penned numerous family law articles and blogs for Woman’s Magazine and ORMH Family Matters.

Contribution to the Local Community

In her community, Cara has chaired the Heinz-Menaker Senior Center Board since 2010 and served as a District Director for Region 2 of the Central Dauphin School District (2015 – 2019).  Additionally, she has served on the planning committee for the “Go Red Luncheon” of the American Heart Association. Cara is a life-long member of Saint Catherine Laboure parish.

Personal Interests

In her free time, Cara enjoys traveling to exotic places, reading, spending time with her three fur-babies, attending musicals (both on and off Broadway), gardening, and driving her convertible on a warm, sunny day.

Cara is central Pennsylvania, born and bred. She often jokes she was unable to travel more than 1 ½ hours north from her hometown for her undergraduate degree and no more than 1 ½ hours south for her law degree. Any more distance was just too far!

Education

Cara skipped her senior year of high school at Central Dauphin East High School to get a head start on her law school journey. Cara graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Lycoming College, Williamsport, PA, in 1990, and from Widener University School of Law, Wilmington, Delaware in 1993.

Our Team

• Maria P. Cognetti Esq.
• Cara Boyanowski Esq.
• Support Team

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