John C. Howett, Jr.

John C. Howett, Jr. is the senior partner of Howett, Kissinger, Holst & Bell-Jacobs, P.C., a matrimonial law firm based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and he has been named Matrimonial Lawyer of the Year in Pennsylvania at the Corporate INTL Global Awards 2025. He has led the practice since 1974, building a firm that concentrates on family law and, in particular, on the complex and high-stakes disputes that can accompany the breakdown of a marriage. The award recognises a career of long standing in one of the most personally demanding areas of legal practice.

The firm focuses exclusively on matrimonial law, handling divorce, child custody and support, marital agreements, the distribution of assets and the evaluation of pensions. It also manages interstate and international disputes, matters that add layers of jurisdictional complexity to what are already sensitive proceedings. This concentration allows the firm to develop the specialised knowledge that family law disputes frequently require, particularly where significant or intricate financial interests are involved.

Central Pennsylvania has been the firm's home throughout its history, and from its Harrisburg base it serves clients across the region and beyond. Under John C. Howett, Jr.'s leadership, the practice has assembled a team of experienced attorneys whose names the firm carries, reflecting a settled partnership built over many years. That continuity provides clients with a stable and experienced source of counsel during periods of considerable personal upheaval.

The firm is known for representing individuals who have complex cases and who need a high level of protection. Many family law matters turn not only on legal principle but on detailed financial questions, such as the valuation and division of assets and the assessment of pension entitlements, where careful analysis can materially affect the outcome. The firm's experience in these areas positions it to act for clients whose circumstances demand more than routine handling.

Much of the firm's work comes through referrals from other attorneys, professionals and former clients across the United States and internationally, a pattern that speaks to the regard in which the practice is held. The firm is prepared to litigate when necessary, combining a willingness to advocate robustly in court with the judgement to resolve matters efficiently where that better serves a client's interests. In an emotionally charged field, that balance of firmness and pragmatism is a valuable quality.

Over a career spanning five decades, John C. Howett, Jr. has established a reputation for sophisticated representation in demanding matrimonial matters. Leading a firm dedicated to family law and trusted by clients and referring professionals alike, he continues to guide individuals through some of the most difficult transitions of their lives. His recognition as Matrimonial Lawyer of the Year in Pennsylvania at the Corporate INTL Global Awards 2025 affirms the standing he has earned within the state's family law community.