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Papers Due Before an Early Settlement Panel

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Kantrowitz, Goldhamer, Graifman, Perlmutter & Carballo, P.C.

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Written/Reviewed By:

Barry S. Kantrowitz, Esq.

Last Updated: Oct 23, 2026

Read Time: 4 mins

A judge can send a New Jersey divorce case to the Early Settlement Program before it reaches trial. Families in Bergen County should know what that involves. This post covers how the program works and what a party needs to have ready.

Judges Can Refer Divorce Cases to Early Settlement

According to the New Jersey Courts Early Settlement Panels page, the program is a mediation service for divorcing couples, meant to help them agree on terms as an alternative to trial. Professional settlement coordinators run the program in each county. Settlement is encouraged because it can shorten litigation, reduce costs, and ease the strain of a trial.

Participation Becomes Mandatory After a Referral

A judge makes the referral under Court Rule 5:5-5, and once a case is referred, taking part is required. The court’s page says that if the program is recommended, participation is mandatory. A party can’t treat the session as optional or skip it because the other side seems unwilling to agree.

Papers Are Due Before the Session

Each party submits papers to the program coordinator and the panelists at least five days before the session. Those papers give the panel the facts of the case and the issues in dispute. A late or incomplete submission leaves the panel with less to work from.

Missing the Deadline Carries Consequences

Failure to meet the paperwork deadline can lead to dismissal or an order to pay the other party’s legal fees. Both outcomes are costly, and early preparation can avoid them. Parties can ask a Bergen County family law lawyer to set a timeline that puts the submission well ahead of the date.

Preparation Strengthens a Settlement Position

A party who arrives organized has more room to negotiate. Useful items to prepare include:

A clear list of the issues in dispute, such as custody, support, and property
Current financial records, including income, expenses, and accounts
A summary of what outcome the party hopes for on each issue
Notes on points where compromise is acceptable

Panelists work from what is placed in front of them, so organized information helps them see where agreement is possible.

Early Settlement Resembles Mediation, Not a Trial

The program aims for agreement rather than a ruling, which is how mediation works. The difference between mediation versus arbitration shows how settlement-focused processes differ from ones where a neutral decides.

A session also differs from a hearing in front of a judge. The panel reviews the case and discusses possible terms.

Issues in Dispute Should Be Identified in Advance

Custody, support, and property are the issues a party should sort out before a session. The overview of four main divorce issues helps a party see which of them apply.

Custody disputes involve children directly. Learning what not to do in a custody dispute can keep a session productive.

Custody and Support Questions Deserve Early Attention

Parents preparing for a session may have specific questions about their situation. They can ask a Bergen County child custody lawyer how parenting time is treated in the case.

Financial support is also on the table. A parent can ask a Bergen County child support lawyer how support figures are presented to a panel.

Our Firm’s Involvement With Early Settlement

At Kantrowitz, Goldhamer, Graifman, Perlmutter & Carballo, P.C., the family law team includes Partner Randy J. Perlmutter, who volunteers as an Early Settlement Panelist in Bergen County, where he reviews pending family law cases and advises on settlement possibilities. Mr. Perlmutter joined the firm in 2002 and became a partner in 2007. Associate Brandon W. Rothstein focuses on matrimonial law, custody, and equitable distribution.

Planning for a Referral

A referral can follow the filing of a case, so it helps to have records and priorities in place early. If your case has been referred or may be, you can get in touch with us about what the panel will expect, and a Bergen County family law lawyer can help you meet the deadline and set realistic goals.

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   LWelsh 
 35 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Clever and efficient.
  
 
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   Kenny Perlow 
 56 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. KGG Law, and Barry Kantrowitz in particular, set the bar high for what a thorough, practical, strategic, compassionate and smart lawyer can be. Everything about Barry's advice and representation was exemplary and the stress mitigation that resulted was invaluable. On top of that, the ultimate result Barry achieved was beyond what was reasonable to expect and we are forever grateful. Often, people say that you hire a lawyer to prevent a problem. Sometimes, unfortunately, you need an attorney to solve a problem and I could not recommend Barry and his firm any more highly in that regard.
  
 
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   Aliza Ali 
 120 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My dad had a great experience with this law firm. From the very beginning, the team was professional, knowledgeable, and always willing to answer our questions. They kept us informed throughout the entire process and made what could have been a very stressful situation much easier to handle. We truly appreciated their dedication, honesty, and hard work. Thanks to their support, my dad felt confident every step of the way. We are very grateful for everything they did and would highly recommend this firm to anyone looking for reliable legal representation.
  
 
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   Jana Montero 
 123 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a wonderful experience working with Sam Smith. He was very responsive, thorough, and easy to work with from start to finish. He walked me through everything clearly and made what started as a very stressful situation for me into something completely manageable. I would not hesitate to recommend him and the firm!
  
 
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   Mike Sakmann 
 129 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I sought legal advice regarding an employment matter and had an excellent experience working with Sam Smith, Esq. at KGG Law. Sam was thorough, attentive, and took the time to listen carefully to my concerns before providing clear, thoughtful guidance. I appreciated the professionalism and care shown throughout the process, and I would confidently recommend KGG Law to anyone in need of legal assistance.
  
 
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   Liz Hecker 
 135 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can't say enough about this firm. They manage to comfort you during the whole legal process while staying professional and doing what is right. I would recommend them to anyone and also hire them again if I need legal help.
  
 
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   Brandy Miller 
 158 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kate is the best. She helped me very quickly, and was very attentive with all of my needs. So thankful for her
  
 
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   Mike Greenspan 
 171 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kate Carballo is a dedicated, passionate, and creative attorney whom I had the pleasure to lecture with at a state trial lawyer's conference. Kate's lecture demonstrated how she uses her innovative and "out-of-the-box thinking" to achieve outstanding results for her injured clients. That Kate is certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a civil trial attorney is a testament to her skills, experience and commitment to excellence.
  
 
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   Jonathan Sampson 
 178 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Was referred to KGG law by a friend and could not have asked for better legal representation. They walked me through every step of the process after my accident and began every call with “ how are you feeling” which was just one example of how much they care about their clients. They handled my case very efficiently, professionally and courteously. My attorney Kate Carballo was a rock star! So clearly experienced, she consistently made me feel at ease with the process. Highly recommend
  
 
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   Vinnie Kung 
 181 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a great experience with the team at KGG Law. While it was a traumatic time for our family, they made it very easy for us and explained all of our options. They even performed due diligence to make sure that after our settlement, there would be no further issues which I think is even more important than the settlement itself. Thank you!

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