Best Family Lawyer in New Jersey
Shaunna L. Browne
Family Lawyer
Anthony Buono is among the leading domestic relations attorneys in New York’s Capital District with more than two decades of representing clients in the Supreme and Family Courts. His practice is concentrated on domestic relations matters, including divorce and family law matters.
Anthony Buono is a cum laude graduate of both Albany Law School and St. Michael’s College in Winooski, Vermont. After graduation from law school, he served as an Assistant District Attorney for Columbia County. In 1996, he started his own law practice.
Anthony Buono was the President of the Columbia County Bar Association in 2016 and 2017. He previously served as the Secretary of the Columbia County Bar Association from 1999 to 2011. He served five years on Committee on Character and Fitness for the Appellate Division Third Judicial Department. In 2015, he became the Coordinator of the Columbia and Greene Counties section of the New York State Bar Association High School Mock Trial Tournament, a program in which he had participated in 1987.
Anthony Buono is rated as Superb 10.0/10.0 by the national legal services website Avvo. This is the highest Avvo rating possible for an attorney. He is one of the few attorneys in the Capital District and the only attorney in Columbia and Greene Counties to have earned a 10.0 rating
Peter F. Van Aulen
Family Lawyer
Peter Van Aulen’s practice focuses on divorce, family law and mediation. He is one of a few attorneys who is certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a matrimonial attorney. This designation is given by the Supreme Court to lawyers who have demonstrated high levels of education, experience, skill and knowledge in family law. Peter Van Aulen is an experienced matrimonial trial attorney. He has been a practicing divorce and family law attorney for over 25 years. Through the years he has handled a wide range of divorce cases from the simple to the highly complex.
Also, Mr. Van Aulen is also a trained mediator. Mr. Van Aulen is dedicated to representing and fighting for his client’s interests. Mr. Van Aulen is a member of the Early Settlement Panel in Bergen County. Said panel is made up of experienced family law attorneys that listen to unresolved divorce cases and provide recommendations in order to produce settlements and avoid further litigation. As a panelist Peter Van Aulen has helped a number of attorneys and litigants settle their cases. He was also an adjunct professor. Peter Van Aulen has written or edited over three hundred articles on family law that can be found on this website. Further he has been a speaker at continuing legal education seminars for lawyers in areas of divorce and family law. He offers a free initial consultation to answer your questions.
Brian Freeman
Family Lawyer
Brian C. Freeman has practiced law for over 30 years including serving as a law clerk to the Hon. Samuel C. Scott of the Hudson County Superior Court and as a Deputy Attorney General for the state of New Jersey. He is admitted to the New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, and District of Columbia Bars (Inactive) and is also admitted to the United States Supreme Court. Attorney Freeman is a past president of the Garden State Bar Association and is a trustee for the Hudson County Bar Association, where he also is a member of the Family Law section. In addition Mr. Freeman is a life member of the National Bar Association, American Bar Association, New Jersey State Bar Association, and the American Association for the Justice.
Mr. Freeman is also a qualified civil mediator pursuant to New Jersey court rule 1:40 and a qualified family law mediator and serves as a panelist on the Early Settlement Panel Matrimonial Program for the Hudson County Superior Court Family Division.
JOSH A. FREEMAN
Family Lawyer
Josh has exclusively represented family law clients throughout his career, handling all aspects of matrimonial litigation, including divorce, child custody and parenting time, equitable distribution, child and spousal support, marital agreements, domestic violence, alternate dispute resolution, civil unions, and domestic torts.
He began his career as judicial law clerk for the Honorable William R. DeLorenzo, Jr., J.S.C. (ret.), of the Superior Court, Chancery Division, Family Part of Bergen County.
Prior to joining the firm, he was a member of several of the premier family law firms in New Jersey, gaining experience with statewide practices before forming his own law firm, and then joining us!
Josh earned his undergraduate degree from Syracuse University as an All-American goalkeeper for the Men’s Soccer Team, and subsequently enjoyed a five-year professional career in the United States and England (before coming out of retirement to represent Team USA in the 2017 Maccabi Games in Israel and 2019 Pan Am Games in Mexico City). He thereafter returned to his alma mater and graduated from the Syracuse University College of Law in 2005, with a Specialty Certificate of Study from the school’s Center for Family Law & Social Policy.
Josh is a member of the Family Law Section of the Bergen County Bar Association and New Jersey Bar Association, as well as the Barry Croland Family Law American Inn of Court.
LAURA RUVOLO LIPP
Family Lawyer
Laura Ruvolo Lipp is certified by the New Jersey Supreme Court as a Matrimonial Law Attorney. She is also a family law mediator and trained family law Collaborative Divorce attorney. She has dedicated her entire legal career to the practice of family and matrimonial law.
Prior to attending law school, Laura taught kindergarten and first grade. Although she did not want to stay in teaching long-term, she loved working with children and families and decided to redirect her career to help them in a different way.
As the mother of two children with an assortment of “invisible” disabilities, Laura has a deep understanding of the realities of raising kids with special needs, the complexities and stresses of their families’ lives, and the special considerations such cases require.
After practicing family law for several years in other firms, Laura formed The Law Offices of Laura Ruvolo Lipp, LLC in February 2012. She was later joined by her sister, Melissa Ruvolo and Family Focused Legal Solutions, LLC was officially formed in June 2013. Laura loves the team and “family” she and Melissa have formed to comprise today’s Family Focused Legal Solutions.
Although Laura takes her role as her client’s trusted advocate extremely seriously, she makes it clear to her clients that she will not take or support a position that will harm the child involved, whether that harm be physical, emotional or psychological. She sometimes has to tell her clients to “love your kids more than you hate each other” and reminds them that this principle should be evidenced in all their behaviors, decisions and words when co-parenting with their ex. Although some family situations are far too complex for effective co-parenting to be successful simply through compromise, maturity and improved communication, it is absolutely possible in most families if both parties are committed to the best interests of their child.
Steven M. Cytryn
Family Lawyer
Steven M. Cytryn is the Managing Member of The Law Office of Steven M. Cytryn, LLC, and primarily focuses his practice on divorce and family law matters.
Divorce and family law matters often present challenges that can impact many aspects of your life and your family’s life. Finding an attorney who provides you with individual attention, carefully explains the various aspects of your case and works with you to develop practical goals is an important part of achieving success.
Steven provides effective and diligent representation and advice to individuals and families, with a particular focus on the unique circumstances of each case. Complementing his experience with divorce and family law, Steven also handles estate matters, including estate planning, administration and probate, estate litigation and will contests, municipal court defense of traffic violations, DUIs and disorderly persons offenses and real estate transactions.
Steven’s passion for providing assistance to individuals and families began in college, where he mentored inner-city youth and taught a conflict-resolution program for students. After college, Steven taught fifth grade at a high-need, low-income school in Las Vegas, Nevada as part of Teach for America, during which he received a Master of Education.
During law school, Steven sought out public service internships with various legal services organizations, including the Center for Family Representation, the Legal Aid Society, and the Center for Appellate Litigation. Additionally, Steven had the honor of serving as Editor-in-Chief of the Cardozo Journal of Law and Gender, and also participated in the Intensive Trial Advocacy Program.
Together, these experiences allow Steven to provide dedicated, reliable and well-rounded legal representation to his clients.
Steven welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your case.
ALAN EHRLICH
Family Lawyer
For over 35 years Alan Ehrlich has counseled clients in tax planning strategies in the areas of individual and corporate partnership, estate taxation, estate planning, probate matters, sales and purchases of business, family law, shareholder and partnership agreements, and tax controversies.
Mr. Ehrlich’s Estate Planning experience includes Basic Wills, Credit Shelter / Bypass Trust Wills, Powers of Attorney, and Living Wills. In addition to the essentials, Mr. Ehrlich specializes in more sophisticated planning techniques such as Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts, Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts, Qualified Personal Residence Trusts, Charitable Trusts, Private Foundations, Family Limited Partnerships, and Retirement Planning Strategies. Mr. Ehrlich represents estates, handles the estate administration process and prepares estate tax returns.
Mr. Ehrlich has extensive experience in the handling of Tax Controversies before the Internal Revenue Service, the New Jersey Division of Taxation, and the New York Tax Department. His services in this area include representation at the audit level, filing administrative appeals, litigating tax matters in Tax Court, resolving collection matters with the IRS, requesting abatements of penalties and interest, and processing offers in compromise.Along with the Tax and Estate Planning matters outlined above, Mr. Ehrlich has wide ranging experience in Corporate Law. He has counseled clients on commercial transactions such as mergers and acquisitions, tax free exchanges, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and sales of businesses. Mr. Ehrlich provides solutions and strategies for transferring the family business, the creation of family partnerships and family liability companies, structuring shareholders, partnership and limited liability company agreements, negotiating lease and sale agreements for commercial property, and financing of the purchase of property or a business venture.
Adam C. Brown
Family Lawyer
Mr. Brown completed a prestigious internship for Congresswoman Nydia M. Velazquez in the wake of the Great Recession. His work in the Financial Services Committee of the United States House of Representatives gave him an intimate understanding of how the law affects every American. Inspired to make a change himself, he enrolled in Rutgers Law School here in his home state of New Jersey. He became the school’s Tax Law Society President and interned for the renowned accounting and tax services firm Mitchell Titus.
After receiving his law degree, attorney Brown served as a judicial law clerk for Essex County’s Hon. James R. Paganelli, J.S.C. in the Chancery Division, Family Part. He learned firsthand just how large of an impact a quality family attorney can have on generations. Mr. Brown was unsatisfied with simply learning about the power of the law. He wanted to help the public himself. He became a Rutgers Law Fellow, leading to work assisting ex-offenders with legal issues so that they could properly rebuild their lives.
There are several reasons why you may need the services of the best family lawyers in New Jersey:
1. Expertise in New Jersey Family Law: Family law in New Jersey has its own set of laws, regulations, and court procedures. The best family lawyers in New Jersey have in-depth knowledge and understanding of the state’s family law system. They stay updated with any changes in the law and can provide accurate legal advice specific to New Jersey.
2. Effective Representation: Family law matters often involve significant emotional and financial stakes. The best family lawyers in New Jersey can provide effective representation, advocating for your rights and interests. They have the experience and skills to negotiate on your behalf, handle court proceedings, and present your case effectively to achieve the best possible outcome.
3. Guidance Through Complex Processes: Family law cases can involve complex legal procedures, paperwork, and deadlines. Engaging the services of the best family lawyers in New Jersey ensures that you have professional guidance throughout the process. They can help you navigate through divorce proceedings, child custody disputes, adoption processes, property division, and other family law matters, ensuring that you meet all legal requirements and deadlines.
4. Objective and Rational Advice: Family law matters can be emotionally charged, making it difficult to make clear-headed decisions. The best family lawyers in New Jersey can provide objective and rational advice. They can assess your situation, provide a realistic assessment of your rights and options, and help you make informed decisions that are in your best interests and the best interests of your family.
5. Protection of Your Rights: Family law cases involve important rights related to child custody, visitation, support, and property division. The best family lawyers in New Jersey work to protect your rights throughout the legal process. They can ensure that your rights are respected, advocate for fair and equitable outcomes, and help you secure the best possible resolution in your case.
6. Access to Resources and Networks: Experienced family lawyers in New Jersey often have access to a network of professionals, including mediators, forensic accountants, therapists, and other experts who can provide valuable insights and support for your case. They can leverage these resources to strengthen your position and provide comprehensive assistance.
Engaging the services of the best family lawyers in New Jersey ensures that you have skilled legal representation, guidance through complex processes, protection of your rights, and access to the expertise necessary to navigate family law matters effectively.