Best Family Lawyer in New Jersey
Don F. Harris
Family Lawyer
Don has practiced law since 1990, and has received significant recognition for his reputation in the legal community and his service to clients. Don is an AV rated lawyer by Martindale Hubbell, the highest rating possible, and is one of a small percentage of lawyers selected by Southwest Superlawyers. He has received the Client Platinum Champion Award from Martindale Hubbell. Don is a former member of the Board of Directors of the Family Law Section of the New Mexico State Bar and is the Former President of the Bankruptcy Law Section of the New Mexico State Bar. He has been appointed several times to serve on judicial selection panels.
Don is a highly respected member of the community. He brings experience, dedication and a wealth of knowledge of the law and of the community to the table. He represents his clients in Family and Divorce Law, Bankruptcy Law, Probate Law, and Estate Planning matters
Don was a Special Assistant Attorney General representing the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department in state and federal court and before the Hearing Officer for the Department. Don’s experience and reputation within the State Taxation and Revenue Department enables him to assist clients to get the best possible result when there is a state tax dispute.
Don Harris graduated from the Hartt School of Music (saxophone) and with honors from the University of Connecticut Law School and scored in the top one percent on the national bar exam.
Jay Goodman
Family Lawyer
Jay Goodman is the Founder and Principal Shareholder in Jay Goodman & Associates Law Firm, P.C. In fulfilling his mission to provide reasonable cost highly effective representation to the public, he has also founded Lightning Legal Group and Life Leaf Legal Group. Mr. Goodman has been practicing law for more than twenty-seven years.
Mr. Goodman is licensed to practice law in New Mexico, Ohio, and Texas. He is admitted to practice law before the Supreme Court of the United States, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, the United States District Court of New Mexico, and the United States Court of Appeals, 6th Circuit. Mr. Goodman received his Juris Doctor from the Capital University School of Law in Columbus, Ohio and completed his undergraduate training at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor in 1983.
Mr. Goodman’s area of legal emphasis include: Family Law, Business, Real Estate, Collaborative Practice, Estate Planning, Probate, Elder, and Guardianship/Conservatorships
Jay Goodman is the Founder and Principal Shareholder in Jay Goodman & Associates Law Firm, P.C. In fulfilling his mission to provide reasonable cost highly effective representation to the public, he has also founded Lightning Legal Group and Life Leaf Legal Group. Mr. Goodman has been practicing law for more than twenty-seven years.
Mr. Goodman is licensed to practice law in New Mexico, Ohio, and Texas. He is admitted to practice law before the Supreme Court of the United States, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, the United States District Court of New Mexico, and the United States Court of Appeals, 6th Circuit. Mr. Goodman received his Juris Doctor from the Capital University School of Law in Columbus, Ohio and completed his undergraduate training at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor in 1983.
Mr. Goodman’s area of legal emphasis include: Family Law, Business, Real Estate, Collaborative Practice, Estate Planning, Probate, Elder, and Guardianship/Conservatorships.
Past and present professional affiliations and memberships include: State Liaison to Committee on Corporate Laws, ABA section of Business Law, New Mexico Collaborative Practice Group: President, Board of Directors; Galisteo Center Condominium Association: Vice President, Board of Directors; Children First, Co-Parenting Support Services, Inc.: Board of Directors; Santa Fe Rape Crisis Center: Board of Trustees; International Academy of Collaborative Professionals Member; Santa Fe Collaborative Practice Group Member; Oliver Seth American Inn of Court: Barrister; State Bar of New Mexico: Elder, Family, Real Property/Probate and Trust Sections; Santa Fe Estate Planning Council Member; State of New Mexico Health Care Partnership: Provider Representative; DUUC, Inc.: Board of Trustees, Finance Committee Member.
Mr. Goodman has also been Vice President & Executive Director and Corporate Counsel for The Foundation for Grand-parenting; Associate Attorney in Health Care Law with Geophrey Webster, Attorney-at-Law and at Goodman & Goodman
WILLIAM HOSKOVEC
Family Lawyer
William knows from experience that life’s journey can drift into uncharted and unknown territories. He understands the legal maze and guides his clients through the terrain. Commitment to protecting his client’s legal interests, as well as their present and future well-being, centers him on the case at hand.
Prior to law, he worked in construction where one important aspect for him was to create a good relationship with the homeowners to make sure they were comfortable with his presence before working on their homes.
While in college and through law school, he formed his own business, William’s Rain Gutter Solutions. It was this business that supported his family during his education and though passing the bar. Having gotten a taste of owning his own business and an understanding of the importance of identifying and meeting clients’ unique needs, he formed his own law firm, Law Office of William E. Hoskovec, in 2009.
Though born in Nebraska, William grew up in Santa Fe, NM. He has lived in the Albuquerque area for over 20 years and currently lives in Edgewood, NM. William and his wife, Shannon, are passionate about faith, family, and life. They have four children and are committed advocates for parental rights
JOYCE GENTRY
Family Lawyer
Having practiced domestic relations law for 35 years, Joyce is widely regarded among her peers as one of the best attorneys in the field. Joyce was recognized and voted the top divorce attorney in New Mexico in 2019 by the Albuquerque Journals Readers’ Choice. During her career, Joyce has tried hundreds of domestic relations trials and has represented thousands of clients in all aspects of domestic relations proceedings including divorce, child custody, complex property division, child support, alimony, prenuptial agreements. Joyce has taught multiple continuing legal education courses regarding family and mental health law.
Throughout her career, Joyce has advocated for children and the mentally ill. She established organizations to provide quality legal representation for children in abuse and neglect cases as well as children and adults in psychiatric facilities. Prior to becoming a member of the New Mexico Bar, Joyce was a university psychology professor. These experiences provide her with unique insight into the dynamics at play in family law cases.
Donna Trujillo Dodd
Family Lawyer
Areas of Practice:-
Family Law
DWI/DUI
Criminal Defense
Personal Injury
Civil
Bar Admissions:-
New Mexico Bar Association: 1993
US District Court District of New Mexico: 1994
US Court of Appeals 10th Circuit: 1997e
Education:-
University of New Mexico School of Law, Albuquerque, New Mexico: 1993 J.D.
University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico: 1990 B.S.
Honors: With Honors
Phsycology Honors
Phsycology Honor Society
Major: Psychology and Communications
Minor: Biology and Spanish
Kathryn Terry
Family Lawyer
Kathryn Terry practices family law with a passion for the welfare of children. Although she has handled all types of family law cases, Kathryn is at her best when she gives a voice to children – ensuring their best interests are fully considered during family law proceedings. She does this not only through the representation of parents in contested custody cases but in her role as Guardian ad Litem, where she is appointed to be the child’s attorney. She has been appointed in high conflict custody cases in Bernalillo, Sandoval, Valencia, and Doña Ana Counties. In addition to high conflict custody cases, Kathryn represents children in abuse and neglect proceedings.
Kathryn’s broad family law practice includes cases involving complex property division, custody, child support, spousal support, guardianship, and adoption. She has been appointed to serve as a Settlement Facilitator in various cases. Kathryn is an adjunct professor at the University of New Mexico School of Law, where she teaches Community Property. Kathryn was recognized by the New Mexico Board of Legal Specialization as a Certified Specialist in Family Law through 2017 when the board was discontinued. Kathryn is licensed to practice in both district and federal courts in New Mexico. Kathryn feels strongly about protecting the integrity and dignity of divorcing couples and has included Collaborative Practice as a part of her family law work. She has been the President of the New Mexico Collaborative Practice Group and is an active member on the Symposium Planning Committee. She is also a member of the Albuquerque Collaborative Practice Group.
Susan Barela
Family Lawyer
After serving in the United States Army, Susan moved to New Mexico and has called New Mexico home for over 20 years. Susan graduated from the University of New Mexico School of Law in May 2013. Susan’s education includes a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from the University of New Mexico (cum laude). She began her legal profession as an Assistant District Attorney for the Office of the District Attorney 2nd Judicial District.
Susan was admitted to the State Bar of New Mexico in 2013. She has gained extensive trial experience from serving as an intern to both district and appellate state judges to representing clients in complex interstate environmental litigation before the Supreme Court of the United States. Susan has served as an Assistant District Attorney, Assistant Attorney General, and has represented clients in civil, criminal, and commercial litigation in government and the private sector.
Susan has earned Basic Mediation Training and Mediation in Practice Certifications, and has participated in numerous mediations before Santa Fe, Bernalillo, and Valencia Counties.
While in law school, Ms. Barela served on the New Mexico Natural Resources Journal and served as Vice-President of the Student Bar Association. Additionally, Ms. Barela served as a teaching assistant for the first-year legal writing course. As a 3L, Ms. Barela was recognized by the Mexican American Law Student Association with the Outstanding 3L Award.
Tamara Couture
Family Lawyer
Tamara Couture is the Senior Attorney at Couture Law. She has a Juris Doctor from the University of New Mexico School of Law and a Master of Arts in Community Counseling from the University of New Mexico. She matriculated into Occidental College for her Bachelor’s degree and received her Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Psychology and Professional Writing from the University of New Mexico, magna cum laude.
Tamara is a highly trained and experienced mediator. She is a recipient of the Judge Oliver Seth Award for Excellence in Alternative Dispute Resolution. Before becoming an attorney, her professional career included work as a substance abuse counselor in Kotzebue, Alaska, a mental health therapist in Kotzebue and Albuquerque, a school counselor at Manzano High School, and the Director of the First Offender’s Program in Albuquerque.
A lawyer in New Jersey, as in any other jurisdiction, plays a crucial role in ensuring justice, protecting rights, and navigating the complexities of the legal system. Here are some key reasons highlighting the importance of lawyers in New Jersey:
1. Legal Expertise: Lawyers possess extensive knowledge of the law, including statutes, regulations, and case precedents. They understand the intricacies of the New Jersey legal system, enabling them to provide accurate legal advice, interpret laws, and determine the best course of action for their clients.
2. Protecting Rights: Lawyers serve as advocates for individuals, businesses, or organizations in various legal matters. They help protect their clients’ rights and interests by representing them in negotiations, hearings, trials, and other legal proceedings. Lawyers ensure that their clients receive fair treatment and due process under the law.
3. Legal Documentation: Lawyers are skilled in drafting and reviewing legal documents such as contracts, agreements, wills, and other important legal paperwork. They ensure that these documents are legally binding, enforceable, and protect their clients’ rights and interests.
4. Representation in Court: When legal disputes escalate to court proceedings, having a lawyer is crucial. Lawyers are trained in courtroom procedures, rules of evidence, and persuasive argumentation. They present their clients’ cases before judges and juries, employing legal strategies to support their arguments and protect their clients’ rights.
5. Legal Advice and Counseling: Lawyers provide valuable guidance and advice to individuals, businesses, and organizations. They help clients understand their legal rights and obligations, navigate complex legal matters, and make informed decisions. Lawyers can anticipate potential legal issues and offer preventive measures to avoid problems in the future.
6. Negotiation and Settlements: Lawyers are skilled negotiators who can represent their clients’ interests in settlement discussions and negotiations. They work towards favorable resolutions, protecting their clients’ rights and ensuring fair outcomes. Lawyers possess the legal knowledge and negotiation skills necessary to reach agreements that are in their clients’ best interests.
7. Specialized Knowledge: Lawyers often specialize in specific areas of law, such as criminal law, family law, real estate law, corporate law, or personal injury law. Their specialized knowledge allows them to provide tailored advice and representation based on the specific legal issues their clients are facing.
8. Legal Compliance: Lawyers assist individuals and businesses in complying with the laws and regulations applicable in New Jersey. They help ensure that clients meet their legal obligations, such as filing taxes correctly, following employment laws, or adhering to industry-specific regulations.
In summary, lawyers in New Jersey play a vital role in upholding justice, protecting rights, and providing legal guidance and representation. Their expertise, advocacy skills, and knowledge of the law are essential for individuals and businesses navigating the complexities of the legal system in New Jersey.