Helping You Navigate the Legal System
If you need help through a complicated legal process, we are here to guide you.
“What a wonderful team of people at Beacon. They truly feel like family after our adoption case.”
Areas of Practice
We know that family law matters are deeply personal and our firm is dedicated to properly representing you and your loved ones during the legal process.
Adoptions
We will help you grow your family through adoption, or help defend you should you be faced with termination of parental rights.
Children/Youth Dependency
We can advise and represent you through Child Protective Services (CPS) investigations and dependency proceedings, to protect you and your family.
3rd-Party/Grandparent Custody
We’ll help you legally obtain guardianship or custody over a grandchild, step-child, or child that is special to you, and advise you on your rights.
Child Support
We can help you through the process of filing for or defending against a case for support, whether spousal support, alimony, or child support.
Custody
We can help you with complex, high conflict custody cases, representing you at trial, or in simple matters, assist you in negotiating a resolution through an agreement.
Divorce
Our attorneys help you through a divorce, whether you’d prefer mediation or litigation, advising you on your rights so that you can make the best decisions for you.
Expungements
We’ll guide you through the process of requesting records, and then expunging or limiting access to your criminal history.
Protection from Abuse (PFA)
We’ll help you obtain a Protection from Abuse Order to protect you from immediate danger, or provide counsel when a PFA has been filed against you.
Wills/Estate Planning
We’ll help you establish a will, craft advance health care directives and power of attorney documents, so that you and your family have peace of mind in time of need.
Criminal Defense
Our attorneys are experienced in negotiating or litigating complex criminal defense matters involving children and youth or homicides, as well as simple traffic tickets or summary offenses. If you are facing an investigation or criminal charges, we are here to help you.
DUI
If you’ve been charged with driving under the influence, we can help guide you through a first offense with ARD or multiple offenses which may require drug court. Our hope is to get you legally on a path of recovery.
Juvenile Delinquency
If your child is facing an investigation, being charged with a crime, or going through probation as a minor, we can assist you through the process. We are here to help you protect your rights and your future.
School Discipline & Special Education
We represent parents and children who are facing children improperly disciplined or expelled by the public education system. We guide you through the process of obtaining appropriate assistance from the school and setting your child up for success.
We’re here to guide you
Life can be complicated. You can trust the lawyers at Beacon Law with your legal matters.
Contact UsMeet Our Team
When you need a beacon in the darkness, the experienced lawyers at Beacon Law will be your trusted counselors and advocates.
Alina M. Dusharm, Esq.
Attorney
Attorney Dusharm has a wide range of knowledge and experience in numerous areas of practice, but currently concentrates her work on family law matters, with a specific focus on child custody, and children and youth cases in York County, with additional experience in divorce, support, and Protection from Abuse matters.
She particularly enjoys complex custody matters that often involve various other “problems” including PFAs, criminal charges, children and youth investigations, and dependency matters. Attorney Dusharm is dedicated to finding a good result no matter how bleak the circumstances.
In 2019, Attorney Dusharm opened Beacon Law with a vision to help those who are in dark situations in their lives. As the owner, she has seen her vision continue to be fulfilled and now manages an amazing team that is dedicated to the same goal.
Attorney Dusharm spends a lot of her free time with her church and her family, and loves to play board games with her husband and children.
Kara M. Kucherich, Esq.
Attorney
Attorney Kucherich brings nearly a decade’s worth of family law experience to Beacon Law, as well as an enthusiasm to help children and families in need. Attorney Kucherich has a particular interest in representing families involved with Children & Youth, as well as serving as guardian ad litem for children in custody and dependency cases.
From her first job out of college as a site supervisor for Big Brothers/Big Sisters, to working alongside orphanages in Moldova, Attorney Kucherich has always had a passion for restoring joy in children’s lives. This continues to motivate her in her legal work to find the best solutions for children who are going through difficult circumstances as a result of broken families or a broken system.
Originally from the Lehigh Valley, Attorney Kucherich moved to the area in 2007 to attend York College, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in psychology and minor in sociology. She then attended Dickinson Law where she received a CALI Excellence for the Future Award in International Law. Attorney Kucherich gained experience clerking in York County, followed by working in private practice in various roles. She has now joined the team at Beacon and shares the vision to help families who need guidance during a difficult time in their lives.
In her free time, Attorney Kucherich enjoys traveling with her family, trying out new recipes, and watching her children grow and explore their own areas of interest.
Sonia M. Wise, Esq.
Attorney
Attorney Wise brings a wealth of knowledge to the firm in the areas of criminal law, family law, children and youth matters, and special education and school discipline. Attorney Wise began her legal career before law school working as a crime analyst for the federal government and serving in the United States Army.
Since then, she has concentrated her experience in learning criminal defense and family law matters, but also has handled matters such as immigration, as well as legal ethics.
Over her years in practice, both in public service and as a partner in a local firm, Attorney Wise has gained a passion for representing clients in tough situations who are facing criminal charges. No matter how bleak the circumstances, she will make sure her clients receive a fair trial. She honestly evaluates each case to prepare her clients to receive their best resolution. Attorney Wise handles cases from as small as traffic offenses to as severe as homicides. She has experience handling many cases in York as Defense Counsel for the Veterans, Drug, and Mental Health Wellness Courts. Attorney Wise also litigated and negotiated many cases in custody, divorce, and support matters, while also taking on court appointed cases for children and youth and juvenile cases, as well as post-conviction relief appeals.
At Beacon Law, Attorney Wise will focus her practice on criminal defense, children and youth, and family law matters, utilizing her experience and skills to help people when facing some of their bleakest circumstances.
Aaron Tate
Legal Assistant
Aaron Tate is a dedicated and empathetic legal assistant at Beacon Law, bringing a unique blend of legal expertise and community engagement to the firm.
With a degree in Western Legal Traditions from Liberty University, Aaron assists with legal research, document preparation, and case management, ensuring clients receive the highest level of support and care. Aaron is often the first point of contact when reaching out to the firm, and he enjoys being able to assist clients through their intake process.
Beyond his legal role, Aaron is the Head Coach for Central York Aquatics, where he fosters a strong sense of family, community and personal growth among athletes. His dual passions for law and coaching reflect his commitment to helping others achieve their best, making him an invaluable and compassionate member of the Beacon Law team.
Michelle Orchard
Paralegal
Michelle is originally from Monmouth County, New Jersey, where she first came to the legal field as an administrative assistant/paralegal for 8 years.
In 1997 Michelle relocated to Dover, Pennsylvania, with her husband and three daughters where she has been a paralegal for over 20 years focusing primarily on civil litigation, social security disability, and employment. For the past several years, Michelle has focused on mainly civil litigation and family law matters. With over 30 years of experience, she brings a great deal of skills and knowledge to Beacon Law. Michelle assists in all client matters relating to civil litigation, divorce, custody, and support. She works closely with our attorneys to ensure that all clients’ needs are met and discussed to help reach a successful outcome in the case.
Outside of work, Michelle enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She enjoys traveling, working outside, baking, and crafts.
Cynthia R. Dennes
Paralegal
Cindy has worked as a paralegal for two decades and is familiar with York, Lancaster, Dauphin, Adams and Cumberland counties.
Although her current position focuses primarily on family law, she has experience in real estate, estate administration and estate planning
Outside of work, Cindy is a mom to Meghan, who is studying forensic psychology and continually makes her Mother proud. Cindy also has an elderly pitbull, a year-old beagle mix puppy and a very self-absorbed black cat. Cindy is an avid Philly sports fan and usually attends at least one live game per season.
Cindy has been a member of the Lancaster Area Paralegal Association since 2007, including holding the officer positions of Secretary and Vice-President. Cindy has co-chaired Membership and Special Events but was elected President in April of 2024. Cindy loves the challenge of carrying on LAPA’s mission connecting paralegals in the Lancaster and York County area. Cindy has been a notary public since 2004, and since 2012, holds a Pennsylvania Certified Paralegal designation with the Keystone Alliance of Paralegals.
Cindy is proud to work for Attorney Dusharm, Attorney Kucherich, Attorney Wise and alongside Michelle Orchard to provide quality legal services to all Beacon Law clients. A client recently posted a review: “Cindy is very knowledgeable and helped tremendously! I made countless calls to Cindy, and she was always willing to listen, always gave great advice and always treated my case as if it were her own.”
Ryan Dusharm
Administrative Assistant
Ryan Dusharm joined the firm in 2020, making Beacon Law a family endeavor as he helps his wife Attorney Alina Dusharm lead the staff and manage the business.
Ryan brings experience from years of customer service allowing Beacon Law to better support its clients.
Ryan also is able to bring in a unique perspective from his time working with youth in difficult circumstances, including those in residential facilities and those going through the justice system. The staff at Beacon Law rely on him to keep the office running with updated technology and daily administrative needs.
Ryan attends church with his family, loves listening to audiobooks, and playing board games with his children.
Daisy
OFFICE DOG
Daisy joined the firm in 2019, and has been trained as an office dog exclusively at Beacon Law.
She concentrates her efforts on office security and welcoming new clients. Despite being shy, she’s a bundle of energy and joy who loves to offer her warm presence and friendly nuzzles to anyone who might need it.
Daisy’s favorite activities include sharing doggie kisses, giving high-fives to her human friends, and finding the sunniest spots to nap. In her free time, she loves playing and snuggling with her owners and their five children.
Contact Us
When you need experienced legal guidance through a family law matter, our firm can assist you. Serving clients in York and Lancaster counties.
55 W Canal St, Dover, PA 17315
Mon-Fri, 8:30am – 5:00pm
Phone: 717-931-0111 ~ Fax: 717-308-4113 ~ info@thebeaconlaw.com