Divorce is an unfortunate reality of modern society. The failure of a marriage creates uncertainty and anxiety for both spouses and children. Our Matrimonial and Family Law team is prepared to handle your divorce by negotiating or mediating a cohesive, detailed Property Settlement Agreement or vigorously pursuing your interest and goals at trial if an agreement is not possible. Effective legal representation can and should promote your interests and address your concerns.
Let our experienced, respected and informed Matrimonial Family Law attorneys zealously represent your legal interests and know that you will receive closure of your matter in the most expeditious and cost effective manner possible; and, that while you are dealing with your present marital difficulties, we will be working to protect your future and the future of your children.
The manner in which a divorce action is handled by legal counsel can make all the difference in a tenuous emotional climate, when your lives and your children's lives must continue on a day to day basis while you wade through an overburdened court system. We offer not only legal advice but practical advice based upon substantial experience handling divorce actions. We successfully meet challenges presented by other experienced adversaries and can confidently advise you of the likelihood of success and failure on the merits of the issues, and formulate the most beneficial approach tailored to your particular situation.
Regardless of what you hear from friends, family, and neighbors or in the media, NO TWO DIVORCE SITUATIONS ARE ALIKE. Every divorce requires independent evaluation of the facts under New Jersey law taking into account the emotional climate, personalities and goals of the parties. Our creative approach can make all the difference.
Whether the issue arises during a divorce case, after a divorce is final, or when an unmarried partnership yields children, no area of family law is more emotionally volatile and fact sensitive than a custody dispute. "The best interest of the children" is the applicable yet nebulous standard that the court will use in custody proceedings. That standard is extremely fact sensitive and moldable by experienced counsel. In custody determinations, perception of the Court is everything. We can effectively advise you every step of the way and will prepare you for every important step of pursuing or defending a custody action.
In addition, we represent complainants and defendants in domestic violence actions, which often result in restraining orders and even greater legal consequences which some parties are unaware of until they end up at a final hearing in court. There is minimal time to prepare for a final hearing (usually less than 14 days) yet preparation is critical. Domestic violence protections extend not only to married couples but also to unmarried cohabitants and dating relationships. An order entered in a domestic violence action can affect occupancy of real estate, time with your children, and can address emergent support issues. Do not go to a final domestic violence hearing unadvised as that decision may have a long term and potentially irreparable effect on your future.
We handle other aspects of Matrimonial and Family law including non-marital partnerships, prenuptial agreements, marital torts and post judgment motions.
Matrimonial and Family Department Chair David K. Ansell is past President of the New Jersey Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. He is a past president of the Monmouth Bar Association and past trustee of the New Jersey State Bar Association, as well as a former chair of the New Jersey State Bar Association Family Law Section.
The Department is supported by Partner, Allison Ansell Ryan, who served a judicial clerkship with the presiding Family Judge; Partner, Donna L. Maul, a Certified Family Law Mediator, who has contributed to several national legal publications; of counsel Honorable Raymond A. Hayser, J.T.C. (RET); and Associates, Douglas A. Davie, and Molly S. Turpin.
