Bergen County, NJ Family Law Lawyer Supports You In All Family Law Matters
Most of us don’t expect to require a New Jersey judge to intervene in our private family matters, but in some cases, when the legal relationship between family members changes, the courts must get involved. Family law covers the legal responsibilities of family members toward one another, including divorce, child custody and support, spousal support, adoption, marriage and pre-nuptial agreements, and helping victims of domestic violence seek the protections they need. Our Bergen County, NJ family law lawyer handles all family law-related matters, from the simple to the most contentious and complex.
Having professional advice during a change in your legal relationship with someone else can help protect your rights. And sometimes, having an experienced, cool-headed legal guide can help you focus on what you need to accomplish and make good choices for your future. At Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman, P.C., we advocate for you and help make sure that you get the best possible outcome in your family law matter. Please contact us today for a personalized consultation.
Types Of Family Law Matters We Handle
We tailor our advice to your specific needs, explaining what is possible under New Jersey state law and giving you options you may not have considered. We can help you with:
- Divorce and Separation: New Jersey has no legal separation, but we can help you with a written agreement dividing your responsibilities while your divorce is pending. We can also represent you in a divorce, helping you secure your fair share of marital assets, spousal support as appropriate, and a child custody and support schedule that works best for your child and your needs.
- Annulment: There are some grounds under which you can make it so that the marriage never legally happened. Our attorneys can help you understand your options for annulment or divorce.
- Enforcement of Court Orders: If one spouse isn’t complying with their responsibilities for paying alimony, or if you’re having trouble with your child’s other parent complying with the custody and child support orders, we can take legal action.
- Post-Judgement Modifications: Sometimes life changes, and your alimony or child custody arrangements must change. We can petition the court if one parent moves away, loses their job, or if the child wants to live exclusively with one parent.
- Facilitating Adoptions: While we cannot vet prospective adoptive parents or adoption agencies, we can help you with the legal side of growing your family. We can also advise you of common scams in the adoption industry.
- Domestic Violence: If you are unsafe in your home or being abused by a spouse, roommate, or another family member, we can help you with restraining orders and other court actions to help you escape and find safety.
Protecting Your Family As It Grows And Changes
No matter how contentious or complex your family law matter appears, the attorneys at Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman, P.C., can handle it. In our decades of combined experience, we’ve seen just about everything. This experience, plus our considerable insight into New Jersey family law statutes, means your concerns are in good hands. We draft the right legal protections for you to move forward after a change and defend your interests and rights at every turn. Contact us today for a consultation with a Bergen County family law lawyer.
Common Family Law Issues
Whether dealing with a divorce, custody battle, or support modifications, our Bergen County, NJ family law lawyer can help individuals understand their options and rights. Family law cases impact many aspects of life, from personal relationships to financial stability. Our team is committed to providing knowledgeable and compassionate assistance to those facing family law matters.
Divorce And Legal Separation
Divorce and legal separation impact many aspects of life, from finances to living arrangements. We work closely with our clients to address concerns about asset division, spousal support, and child custody. Each case is unique, requiring careful attention to details like shared property, debts, and agreements that impact the future.
Child Custody And Parenting Time
Determining custody and parenting time is often a priority for parents going through a separation. Courts consider the best interests of the child, including factors like stability, living conditions, and the ability of each parent to provide care. We help our clients present clear, well-supported cases to protect their parental rights and maintain strong relationships with their children.
Child Support And Modification Requests
Financial support for children is essential to their well-being, and legal guidelines determine how payments are calculated. However, circumstances change over time, leading to the need for modifications. Whether establishing initial support or adjusting existing agreements, we assist in presenting accurate financial information to support fair outcomes.
Spousal Support And Alimony
When one spouse requires financial assistance following a divorce, courts may award spousal support based on factors like income disparity, duration of the marriage, and future earning potential. Our Bergen County family law lawyer works hard to secure fair arrangements that reflect each party’s financial needs and responsibilities.
Prenuptial And Postnuptial Agreements
A well-drafted prenuptial or postnuptial agreement can clarify financial expectations in a marriage. These agreements outline how assets and debts will be handled in the event of divorce, reducing uncertainty and potential disputes. With over forty years of legal experience, we help clients create legally sound agreements that align with their goals.
Adoption And Guardianship
Families grow in many ways, and adoption or guardianship provides legal recognition of new family relationships. Whether adopting a stepchild, relative, or through an agency, we guide families through the legal steps required for a smooth process.
Domestic Violence And Protective Orders
When safety is a concern, legal protections are available to help individuals secure restraining orders and other forms of legal relief. Our Bergen County family law lawyer supports clients seeking court orders to protect themselves and their loved ones from harm.
Name Changes And Parental Rights
Legal name changes and parental rights adjustments may arise for various reasons, including adoptions, custody modifications, or personal preference. We assist in filing the necessary paperwork and meeting legal requirements to complete these changes efficiently.
Call Us For Support
Family law matters affect relationships, finances, and the future. At Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman, P.C., we provide guidance tailored to each client’s needs. Whether you are facing a legal separation, custody dispute, or support modification, we are here to help. Contact our award-winning team today to discuss your situation and take the next steps toward a resolution.
Important Considerations In A Divorce Case
Divorce involves legal and financial decisions that can impact both parties long after the process is finalized. Understanding key factors can help make informed choices about property division, child custody, and financial obligations.
Our Bergen County, NJ family law lawyer is here to assist you through every step of your divorce. Since 1975, our attorneys have brought a wealth of legal knowledge, sound strategies and client commitment to individuals, families and consumer interests statewide, regionally and nationally. We are dedicated to helping people — at their jobs, at their homes, at businesses they own, and at institutions they trust.
- Division of Assets and Debts
Marital property includes assets and debts acquired during the marriage. Courts consider factors such as the length of the marriage, each spouse’s financial contributions, and future earning potential. Some assets, such as inheritances or gifts, may be excluded from division if they were kept separate. Having a clear understanding of financial records can help when determining a fair division. Our Bergen County family law attorney can help you quantify your assets and protect your rights and interests throughout the entire process.
If children are involved, custody and parenting arrangements must be decided. Courts prioritize the best interests of the child, considering factors like stability, parental involvement, and each parent’s ability to provide care. Parenting plans outline schedules, responsibilities, and decision-making authority. Working toward an arrangement that benefits the child can help minimize conflict and provide consistency.
Financial support may be a factor in divorce, whether through child support, spousal support, or both. Child support is typically based on state guidelines, considering income, expenses, and parenting time. Spousal support depends on factors such as the length of the marriage, financial disparity between spouses, and future earning capacity. Understanding how these payments are calculated helps set realistic expectations.
- Legal Requirements and Timelines
Each state has specific divorce laws, including residency requirements and waiting periods. The timeline for a divorce depends on factors like the complexity of the case, whether there is agreement on key issues, and court scheduling. Filing the necessary paperwork correctly and meeting deadlines can prevent unnecessary delays, and having our experienced New Jersey family law lawyer on your side is invaluable in doing so.
- Alternative Dispute Resolution Options
Divorce does not always require litigation. Mediation and collaborative divorce offer alternative ways to reach agreements outside of court. Mediation allows spouses to work with a neutral third party to settle disputes, while collaborative divorce involves attorneys working together to resolve issues. These options may help save time and reduce legal expenses.
Contact Our Bergen County Family Law Lawyer Today
We help clients understand their legal options and work toward solutions that fit their needs. Whether addressing child custody, financial matters, or asset division, we provide guidance every step of the way. If you need legal support, contact Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman, P.C. today to discuss your case.
Bergen County Family Law Infographic
Bergen County Family Law FAQs
Our Bergen County, NJ family law lawyer is committed to helping clients make informed decisions. Family law cases often come with a lot of confusion and misinformation. Whether it’s divorce, custody, or support, several widely held beliefs don’t match what happens in court. We believe it’s important to clear up some of the most common myths surrounding these types of cases.
Child Custody Always Goes To The Mother
It’s a common belief that mothers automatically receive full custody of the children, but this isn’t accurate. Courts look at many factors before deciding on custody, focusing on what’s best for the child. This can mean joint custody, or in some cases, the child may even live primarily with the father. The court considers each parent’s involvement, the child’s relationship with each parent, and the stability of each home. Gender does not decide the outcome.
Assets Are Always Split 50/50 In Divorce
Many people assume that all assets are automatically split down the middle in a divorce. While that may happen in some cases, the reality depends on the laws of your state and the specific details of your situation. Factors like each spouse’s income, contributions to the marriage, and future financial needs can influence how property is divided. In equitable distribution states, the goal is a fair—not necessarily equal—division.
We Don’t Need A Lawyer If We Agree On Everything
Even if both sides agree on most or all issues, it’s still important to have legal support. What seems like an explicit agreement can include legal gaps or wording that leads to confusion or conflict later. Our Bergen County family law lawyer can help ensure all terms are written, legally valid, and protect both parties. It also avoids future legal expenses if something is challenged later.
You Can Deny Visitation If Child Support Isn’t Paid
Child support and visitation are treated as separate legal issues. If a parent stops making child support payments, the other parent cannot legally deny visitation as a form of punishment. The proper way to address unpaid support is through the court system. Withholding visitation can harm your own legal position, even if the other parent isn’t meeting their obligations.
Only Married Couples Deal With Family Law
While many people think family law only applies to married couples, that’s not the case. Unmarried parents may still deal with custody, child support, and visitation matters. Additionally, family law covers guardianship, adoption, and protection orders. Whether you’re married, separated, divorced, or never married, these laws still apply when children or family relationships are involved.
Family Law Glossary
When facing family law challenges, having a reliable legal partner matters. A Bergen County, NJ family law lawyer provides support in matters such as custody arrangements, divorce agreements, post-judgment changes, and legal protection from abuse. These issues often arise during emotionally charged periods, and our role is to help you understand your rights and make informed decisions based on the law and your goals.
Below are five key legal terms that often come up in family law cases. Each one plays a crucial role in determining how families resolve legal issues and plan for the future.
Post-Judgment Modification
A post-judgment modification refers to a legal request to change an existing court order after the initial judgment has been finalized. This typically applies to child support, alimony, or custody arrangements. A parent may seek a modification if they lose a job, relocate, or if a child’s needs change significantly. The court requires proof of a substantial change in circumstances to approve the request. Post-judgment modifications are not automatic and must be formally submitted through the court for review and approval.
Parenting Time Schedule
A parenting time schedule outlines when a child spends time with each parent following a separation or divorce. It includes regular routines, holidays, vacations, and any special arrangements. New Jersey courts focus on the best interests of the child, so a clear, balanced schedule helps provide stability and minimize confusion. Parenting time differs from legal custody, which concerns decision-making authority. This schedule can be agreed upon by the parents or ordered by the court if parents cannot come to an agreement.
Legal Custody
Legal custody refers to a parent’s right to make major decisions about a child’s life, including those involving education, healthcare, and religion. In New Jersey, parents may share joint legal custody or one parent may be granted sole legal custody, depending on the circumstances. Courts generally prefer arrangements that promote cooperation and the child’s welfare. It is important to distinguish this from physical custody, which deals with where the child resides. Legal custody decisions should focus on communication between parents and the child’s long-term needs.
Enforcement Of Family Court Orders
Enforcement actions are necessary when one party does not follow an existing court order. This can involve unpaid child support, missed alimony payments, or violations of custody agreements. If informal efforts to resolve the issue fail, the court can take formal steps, including wage garnishment, license suspension, or even jail time in serious cases. Enforcement ensures that all parties uphold their legal responsibilities, and seeking court help is often the most efficient path when compliance issues arise.
Domestic Violence Restraining Order
A domestic violence restraining order is a court-issued document that provides legal protection from a family or household member who poses a threat. This order may restrict contact, remove the abuser from a shared home, or address custody and financial arrangements. Victims may request a temporary restraining order, which can later become final after a court hearing. In New Jersey, family court judges handle these cases promptly to help protect victims and restore safety. Accurate documentation and legal representation are essential in these situations.
Our team at Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman, P.C. has spent decades helping clients in Bergen County protect their rights and family relationships. Whether you’re seeking a custody change, enforcing an order, or responding to a legal challenge, we’re here to assist with clear advice and effective legal strategies.
If you’re dealing with a family law issue, contact our office to speak with a Bergen County, NJ family law lawyer today. We’re ready to listen and help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Moving Forward
These myths can lead to poor decisions and misunderstandings if taken at face value. At Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman, P.C., we have over forty years of experience helping clients. Our team is here to provide clear, honest answers so you can move forward with confidence. If you have questions about your situation, don’t rely on rumors or outdated advice—reach out to our award-winning Bergen County family law lawyer today for a free consultation.