In Memoriam

A graduate of Yale College, Stephen J. Anderer earned a dual law-psychology degree at the Villanova University School of Law and at Hahnemann University (now the Drexel University College of Medicine), completing his law degree in 1992 and his doctorate in clinical psychology in 1997.  Stephen anticipated the growing importance of mental health as a factor in child custody adjudication.  He was considered by his peers as one of the Commonwealth’s most formidable cross-examiners of expert witnesses in the context of child custody litigation, and this opinion was shared by the many mental health professionals who served as custody experts in Stephen’s cases.

A two-sport varsity athlete at Yale, Stephen guarded his family law clients in much the same way that he protected quarterbacks while playing the offensive line.  In high school in South Carolina, he played in an All-Star game with William “The Refrigerator” Perry, and after graduating from Yale, he spent six weeks cycling across the northwestern United States and Canada.  Whether it was the annual Philadelphia Triathlon or the Philadelphia Bar Charity Run, Stephen’s extraordinary athleticism was matched only by his trial advocacy.  His favorite motto was “take the high road.”  Invariably, his clients followed his advice, knowing that if their case were not settled, Stephen would bring an unmatched professionalism to protect and advance the best interest of their children.

Stephen believed in the importance of resolving custody disputes amicably, and he was a champion of alternative dispute resolution aimed at reducing the stress associated with litigation.  He was among the early proponents of parenting coordination in Pennsylvania—a form of dispute resolution for high-conflict custody cases—and advocated for a state rule on the subject, which was ultimately adopted by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in 2018.

Stephen was a dedicated family law practitioner and psychologist, legendary for his passionate representation of his clients as well as for his zealous advocacy on behalf of neglected and abused children.

Stephen passed away too soon on August 28, 2016—leaving behind his wonderful wife of 24 years, Dr. Susan E. Anderer, and three remarkable children, Arielle, Meredith and Samantha.  Stephen was a Master in the Nicholas A. Cipriani American Inn of Court, serving on its Executive Committee for nine years, beginning in 2007 (the year of the Inn’s founding).  The Inn of Court has established an annual lecture in Stephen’s memory on important topics in family law.