skip to main content

Divorce

Ending a marriage is often an extremely challenging experience marked by emotional upheaval and significant legal complexities. Our family law attorneys are dedicated to providing comprehensive legal guidance and representation to individuals navigating divorce in New Jersey. We understand that every divorce is unique, and we are committed to achieving outcomes that protect our client’s rights and help them build a stable future by addressing all critical aspects of marital dissolution in New Jersey.

New Jersey is an "equitable distribution" state, meaning that marital property and debts acquired during the marriage are divided fairly, though not necessarily equally. Assets subject to equitable distribution generally include real estate holdings, retirement accounts and other investments, businesses, and personal property that are legally and/or beneficially acquired by the parties during their marriage.  

There is no set formula for calculating alimony or spousal support in New Jersey. Instead, a multitude of factors are taken into consideration, including the length of the marriage, the parties' age and health, their earning capacities, and the standard of living established during the marriage. We represent clients seeking to obtain or defend against alimony awards in the divorce process, including various types of awards such as open duration, limited duration, rehabilitative, and reimbursement alimony.

When minor children are involved in a divorce, determining child custody and developing a parenting time schedule is paramount. New Jersey law emphasizes frequent and continuing contact with both parents, prioritizing the child's best interests. We assist in establishing both legal custody (decision-making) and physical custody (where the child lives), as well as creating parenting plans that address daily routines, holidays, vacations, and communication between parents.

Both parents have a legal obligation to financially support their children. Child support in New Jersey is determined by established guidelines that factor in parental incomes, parenting time, health insurance costs, and childcare expenses. Our family law attorneys help clients establish initial child support arrangements and handle modifications and enforcement of existing orders as circumstances change.

For high-net-worth individuals with substantial assets, complex financial portfolios, or business interests, divorce can be particularly intricate. Our firm has targeted expertise in high-net-worth divorce cases, which often involve sophisticated asset valuation, forensic accounting, and strategic planning to protect significant wealth.

Our family law team explores all avenues for resolution, from amicable negotiations and mediation to vigorous litigation when necessary. In all divorce matters, we are committed to guiding our clients through each step of the divorce process with empathy and professionalism in order to achieve the best possible outcome.

Published Cases

  • In Lombardi v. Lombardi (2016), successfully represented the plaintiff securing a precedential New Jersey Appellate Division decision establishing that regular savings is a component of marital lifestyle and must be considered in calculating alimony. The ruling created statewide uniformity and is routinely cited in contested alimony matters throughout New Jersey. 
  • In Leonard v. Leonard (2012), represented the defendant in a New Jersey Chancery Division decision addressing the valuation and equitable distribution of complex marital assets, providing guidance on how courts should analyze and allocate business and investment interests in high-asset divorce proceedings. 
  • In Isaacson v. Isaacson (2012), defended the obligor and obtained a precedential New Jersey Appellate Division decision confirming that child support, regardless of parental affluence, is subject to reasonable limits. The decision articulated the widely cited “three pony rule,” affirming that a parent is not required to fund unlimited luxuries as part of child support. 
  • In Ciasulli v. Ciasulli (2004), represented the non-titled spouse in a landmark New Jersey divorce case, securing a trial and New Jersey Appellate Division ruling recognizing that, where significant delay occurs between complaint and trial, even an “active” business may experience passive appreciation subject to equitable distribution. Following a period of nearly 10 years, the court awarded the firm’s client millions of dollars in additional distributive share based on post-complaint passive growth. 
  • In Sculler v. Sculler (2001), represented the defendant in a New Jersey Chancery Division decision addressing the burden of proof for equitable distribution of appreciation in premarital and inherited assets, providing guidance on treatment of “active” immune property in divorce proceedings. 
  • In Rolle v. Rolle (1987), represented the plaintiff in a New Jersey Chancery Division decision resolving contested financial and equitable distribution issues, contributing to the development of New Jersey case law governing the treatment of marital property in divorce matters. 
  • In Kelly v. Kelly (1986), represented the plaintiff in a New Jersey Chancery Division decision affirming his right to overnight parenting time in the presence of an unrelated partner, clarifying standards for post-judgment visitation restrictions. 

Of Interest