Family Law

Our law firm provides compassionate, experienced, family law counsel to clients in the areas of adoption, prenuptial agreements, divorce, marital settlement agreements, child custody and visitation, child support, alimony, property division (division of assets and debt,), contribution to college expenses, modification and enforcement of court orders, and domestic violence.

Divorce

We provide legal advice based upon each client’s individual needs so that the client is able to make informed decisions throughout the divorce process. This includes alimony, child support, and division of assets and debt.

Marital Settlement Agreements

Parties are encouraged to negotiate a marital settlement agreement that addresses custody, child support, alimony, and equitable distribution of assets and debt. When parties negotiate their own agreement, they can address their specific needs, which a judge deciding the case, is often unable to consider.

Child Support

Child support is calculated by utilizing a number of factors, set forth in detail, in the NJ Child Support Guidelines. We will determine the appropriate amount of child support to be paid by applying the relevant child support factors to each individual case.

Contribution Towards College Expenses of Children

In New Jersey, both parents are required to contribute towards college related expenses of their children. The children are also responsible to contribute towards the costs of their college education. The court will consider several factors in determining how much the children, and their parents should contribute.

Child Custody

Custody involves both legal custody, (whether one or both parties are responsible for decisions involving the health, education, and welfare of the children), and physical custody(where the children will reside). The courts look to what is in the best interests of the children, and it is their belief that children should have as much contact as possible with both parents. We will work towards establishing a custody arrangement that is in the best interests of the children, while taking into consideration the individual circumstances of each client, and the children.

Modification and Enforcement

Modification and Enforcement applications address a wide range of issues. For example, enforcement applications are necessary when one party does not abide by a custody agreement or order or child support or alimony agreement or order. Modification applications are filed when there has been a substantial change in circumstances necessitating an application to change a court order.

Prenuptial Agreements

Parties sometimes ask that attorneys prepare Premarital Agreements in anticipation of their upcoming marriage, when one or both parties have children from a prior relationship, or one or both parties have acquired significant assets before the marriage.

Adoptions

The decision to adopt a child or place a child for adoption is one of the most important decisions you will make. There are many types of adoptions including domestic adoptions such as through an agency, private adoptions, stepparent and foster adoptions as well as international adoptions. Adoptions often involve a complex and bureaucratic process, especially in unusual and non- traditional situations. Laws for adoptions differ from state to state, making it vital to be represented by a knowledgeable attorney to help navigate the process.

Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence is a term used to describe acts of abuse that are committed by certain people such as family, household members or significant others. A final Order from the Court can be obtained after a hearing forbidding contact when abuse has occurred. These Orders can last for several years and may have employment consequences. Our office will assist the accuser convincing a Judge that domestic abuse has taken place.

At times, when parties are going through a divorce or a child custody battle, false accusations of abuse may arise. Our office will listen to your side of the story and help you through this complicated process. Its important that you obtain an experienced lawyer who will stand up for your rights if you are being falsely accused of abuse.