Best Divorce Lawyers Bergen county nj
Galit Moskowitz
Divorce Lawyers
If you’ve made the difficult decision to divorce, you may be angry or feel betrayed. You may even feel like seeking revenge. As a child of a complicated divorce, I felt my parents’ pain and carried my own heartbreak and confusion. Ever since that experience, I knew that one day I would dedicate my life to helping families who also face this challenging circumstance. I determined that I would assist them in easing the divorce process and beginning a new life.
Galit Moskowitz, Esq. is proud to be certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Matrimonial Law Attorney, an accreditation earned by less than 1% of attorneys in the state of New Jersey. To qualify for matrimonial certification a New Jersey attorney must: be a member in good standing with the New Jersey state bar for five (5) years or more; fulfill ongoing continuing legal education requirements; demonstrate a substantial level of experience in matrimonial law and be favorably evaluated and recommended by other attorneys and Judges who can vouch for their work. The applications are scrutinized and must be approved by the board on attorney certification. Only after all these criteria are met is the attorney eligible to take the written examination in matrimonial law, which they must pass in order to be Certified as a Matrimonial Law Attorney. Supreme Court certification is a rare designation that sets attorneys apart as experts in their field. This shows clients that their attorney has mastered their area of practice, thus providing clients with comfort that they are in good hands by being represented by a certified attorney. Galit has met the rigorous standards for qualification and is honored to be recognized by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Certified Matrimonial Lawyer.
Peter F. Van Aulen
Divorce Lawyers
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.
J.D., New York Law School, 1990
New Jersey Institute for Continuing Legal Education
- Completed Family Mediation Training
- Qualified AOC Mediator
B.S., Ramapo College, 1987
- Double Major in Political and Business and Administration
- Commencement Speaker
- Recipient of Dean’s Award
- Student Government President
- UN Debate Team Won Best Justice
- Distinguished Alumni Award
U.S. District Court of New Jersey, 1991
U.S. Court of Appeals Third Circuit, 2008
Supreme Court of the United States, 2008
New Jersey Association for Justice
Family Law Section
Owner
- Law Offices of Peter Van Aulen, 1996-current
Adjunct Professor
- Ramapo College of New Jersey, 1993-2006
- Seton Hall University, 1997
Member of Bergen County Family Law Early Settlement Panel
Associate
- Williams & Puglisi 1991-1996
Co-Chaired Meadowlands Matrimonial Law Section Seminar for Lawyers
- New Jersey Association for Justice 2018
- Designed and moderated two sessions on alimony and assisted in the planning of other sessions in family and divorce law
Secretary of Matrimonial Committee
- New Jersey Association for Justice
- 2018 – Current
JOSH A. FREEMAN
Divorce Lawyers
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.
Howard B. Leopold
Divorce Lawyers
Howard B. Leopold extensively focuses on matters relating to all family law matters and issues. These include: adoption, custody, child support, alimony/maintenance, visitation, equitable distribution, and tax related issues. He also handles post-divorce judgment matters such as enforcement and modification of orders. Originally from Brooklyn, New York, he has obtained admission to the New Jersey and New York Bars. Mr. Leopold received his B.A. from the State University of New York at Albany and his J.D. from Albany Law School. He has more than 25 years of experience practicing law, starting with his work in the litigation department of a New York City law firm. Before founding Leopold Law, he also worked for four years at a New Jersey firm.
Mr. Leopold recognizes that family law proceedings may take an emotional toll on a family, particularly if children or significant assets are involved. He can advocate for you in disputes involving child custody, child support, alimony (spousal support), property division, and more. A New Jersey court will determine custody according to the best interests of the child, but there are many factors that go into its analysis. Thus, it is important to retain a child custody attorney who can present your position in a persuasive manner and make sure that your child’s future is protected.
Similarly, the laws governing the division of assets and debts following a divorce provide for significant discretion and flexibility. Rather than automatically dividing a couple’s marital property exactly equally, as some states do, New Jersey allows courts to use a principle called “equitable distribution.” Marital property is divided in a way that is fair, but this may not result in an even division in some cases. The process may be particularly complex when a couple has substantial assets, such as real estate, investments, or businesses. To safeguard your interests and build a sturdy financial future, you should consult an equitable distribution lawyer who can identify all of the marital assets and explain why they should be divided in the manner that you propose.
Jeffrey B. Hodge
Divorce Lawyers
Originally from Massachusetts, Jeffrey studied economics at Harvard before moving to New Jersey to attend law school. Throughout his career, Jeffrey has practiced exclusively in the area of family law, and is certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a family law attorney. Jeffrey began his career in family law by serving as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Diane Pincus, Judge of the Superior Court, Family Part, Middlesex County, New Jersey. Jeffrey has also served as a panelist for the Bergen County Early Settlement Panel Program, and has lectured in the area of family law.
Since he began his private practice, Jeffrey has represented clients at both the trial court and appellate level, in diverse matters involving:
- Divorce
- Child Custody and Parenting Time
- Equitable Distribution of Marital Assets and Debts
- Child Support
- Alimony
- Domestic Violence Matters
- Prenuptial Agreements
- Grandparent Rights
Education
- Harvard College- Bachelor of Arts, Economics (2002)
- Rutgers Law School (Camden) – Juris Doctorate (2006)
Bar Admissions
- New Jersey
- New York
District Court Admissions
- U.S. District Court, District of New Jersey
Gale B. Weinberg
Divorce Lawyers
Gale B. Weinberg is the senior partner of Weinberg & Cooper’s family law practice. Ms. Weinberg has extensive experience in complex matrimonial litigation and focuses her practice on all aspects of family law, including but not limited to, divorce, custody, parental rights, child support, alimony, equitable distribution, the protection of assets and domestic violence.
Ms. Weinberg is Co-Chair of the Family Law Section of the Bergen County Bar Association. She is also a member of the New Jersey and New York State Bar Associations, the Barry I. Croland American Family Law Inn of Court (Past President and currently on the Executive Committee, Treasurer and Mentor), and Matrimonial Early Settlement Panel for Bergen County. She is also an experienced divorce mediator.
Ms Weinberg frequently lectures on family law matters and teaches Continuing Legal Education courses for the Bergen County Bar Association, New Jersey Certified Public Accounts of New Jersey-Bergen County Chapter, Barry I. Croland American Family Law Inn of Court, New Jersey Institute of Continuing Legal Education, Rutgers Institute for Professional Education, National Business Institute, and Fordham University, School of Law.
Victoria Tomasella
Divorce Lawyers
Victoria has practiced law for 30 years. She focuses her practice in Family Law, which includes issues involving spousal support, child support, division of assets, domestic violence, and issues in which the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP) is involved. In addition, she handles residential real estate closings. She is admitted to practice law in the State of New Jersey
Toni Ann Russo
Divorce Lawyers
Toni Ann Russo is Co-Founder and Manging Partner of the Russo Petrullo Law Group, LLC, formerly the Law Offices of Toni Ann Russo, LLC which she founded in 1991.
She has more than 32 years of legal experience. She graduated with Honors from St. John’s University in New York with a Bachelor of Science degree in Management & Marketing. She then went on to complete her Juris Doctor at Touro Law School, New York, where she held positions as Editor-in-Chief of the yearbook, and Secretary for the Student Bar Association. She received awards for Outstanding Contributions to Student Life.
Toni Ann is admitted to the Supreme Court of the United States, the Appellate and Superior Court of the State of New Jersey, Federal District Court, and Military Court.
She has more than 32 years of experience in Family Law Matters including Divorce, Custody, Support, Equitable Distribution, Separation Agreements, Mediation, Domestic Violence and DYFUS/DCPP matters. She has reputation of providing passionate and experienced legal representation to her clients. Formerly, Toni Ann is the former prosecuting attorney in Harrington Park and now defends municipal matters as well.
Toni Ann has fought hard for her clients over the years defining the term Passionate Representation. As the attorney for the appellant in the case State v. Mirakaj, Toni Ann made inroads for her client in the seminal case regarding criminal sentencing.
Toni Ann has also obtained a certificate in Mediation Training offering non litigated solutions for parties seeking to amicably resolve their matters.
Certainly! Let’s first discuss the benefits of having the best divorce lawyer in Bergen County, NJ:
Benefits of Having the Best Divorce Lawyer in Bergen County, NJ:
Expertise in New Jersey Divorce Laws: The best divorce lawyer in Bergen County will have a deep understanding of the specific divorce laws and regulations in New Jersey. This knowledge is crucial for ensuring that your rights are protected and that the legal process is followed correctly.
Local Court Knowledge: Experienced divorce lawyers in Bergen County will be familiar with the local court system, judges, and procedures. This familiarity can be instrumental in predicting how a case might unfold and in crafting strategies tailored to the local legal environment.
Specialization in Family Law Matters: Top divorce lawyers are well-versed in various aspects of family law, including child custody, visitation rights, child support, spousal support, and property division. They can provide expert advice and representation in these critical areas.
Strong Negotiation Skills: A skilled divorce lawyer is an adept negotiator. They can advocate on your behalf to achieve favorable settlements, ensuring that your interests are protected and that you receive a fair share of marital assets.
Emotional Support and Objectivity: Divorce can be an emotionally trying process. A divorce lawyer can offer objective advice and support, helping you make rational decisions that are in your best interest, even when emotions are running high.
Preventing Costly Mistakes: Without legal representation, individuals may make costly errors in their divorce proceedings. A skilled lawyer can help you avoid these pitfalls, potentially saving you money and stress in the long run.
Child Custody and Support Advocacy: If children are involved, a top divorce lawyer will work tirelessly to protect your rights as a parent. They’ll aim to establish custody arrangements that are in the best interests of the children and ensure that child support is determined accurately.
Asset and Property Division: Dividing assets and property can be a complex process. A skilled divorce lawyer will work to ensure that this is done fairly and that you receive an equitable share of the marital assets.
Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution: A top divorce lawyer can facilitate mediation or other alternative dispute resolution methods, which can lead to a more amicable and cost-effective resolution, especially in cases where a trial may be avoided.
Post-Divorce Support: Even after the divorce is finalized, a good lawyer can provide guidance and support, especially in situations where modifications or enforcement of court orders may be necessary.
Reducing Stress and Anxiety: Going through a divorce is inherently stressful. Having a skilled lawyer can alleviate some of that stress by handling the legal aspects, allowing you to focus on your emotional well-being and other important matters.
Difference Between Divorce and Separation:
Divorce:
Legal Status: Divorce is the legal termination of a marriage, resulting in the dissolution of the marital union. After a divorce is finalized, both parties are free to remarry.
Property and Asset Division: In a divorce, marital assets and debts are divided between the spouses through a court-approved agreement or order.
Custody and Support: Courts may determine child custody, visitation, and child support arrangements.
Separation:
Legal Status: Separation is an arrangement in which a married couple lives apart. However, they remain legally married and do not have the right to remarry.
Property and Asset Division: Separated couples can create a separation agreement outlining how assets, debts, and property will be managed during the separation.
Custody and Support: Custody, visitation, and support arrangements can be established during separation, but these are not legally binding until approved by a court.
It’s important to note that laws regarding separation vary by jurisdiction, and not all states recognize legal separation. Consulting with a family law attorney in your specific location is crucial to understanding your rights and options.