How Is Child Custody Decided?n

Legal custody refers to the right to make major decisions, while physical custody determines where the child lives. Factors the court considers include:nnEach parent’s ability to care for the child.nThe child’s relationship with both parents.nAny history of domestic violence.nThe stability of each home environment.nThe child’s specific needs and, in some cases, preferences.

How Does Alimony Work?n

Alimony, or spousal support, is designed to ensure financial stability for the lesser-earning spouse during or after a divorce. Alimony depends on factors such as:nnLength of the marriage.nEach spouse’s income and earning potential.nAge and health of both parties.nStandard of living during the marriage.

Bergen County Family Law Lawyers

Family law covers a wide range of legal matters involving spouses, parents, children, and domestic partners. In New Jersey, this area of law practice includes adoption, divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, domestic violence protection, property division, and more. Family law cases are often deeply personal, and the outcomes can affect your home, finances, and family relationships for years.

What Types of Family Law Matters Does Marotta Blazini Dunleavy LLC Handle?

Marotta Blazini Dunleavy LLC, our dedicated Bergen County family law attorneys have decades of experience, along with New Jersey-certified matrimonial attorneys. We provide comprehensive legal guidance in all aspects of family law legal matters, including but not limited to:

Alternative Dispute Resolution: Whenever possible, we help clients resolve divorce and family law matters outside the courtroom through mediation, arbitration, and other collaborative approaches designed to reduce conflict and save time.
Alimony: We provide clear guidance on spousal support and work to negotiate fair and reasonable terms that reflect each party’s financial situation and future needs.
Child Custody and Support: We assist in developing custody arrangements, parenting time schedules, and support plans that prioritize the well-being of your children and promote a stable, balanced co-parenting structure.
Divorce: Our experienced legal team supports you through every step of the divorce process, helping you navigate emotional and legal challenges while protecting your rights and long-term interests.
Domestic Violence: We are committed to protecting survivors of domestic abuse, offering strong legal advocacy to help you and your children stay safe before, during, and after divorce.
High-Asset Divorce: High-asset divorce cases involve complex financial issues such as property division, business valuations, and investment portfolios. These divorces often require careful legal guidance to ensure an equitable outcome while protecting long-term financial interests.
Post-Judgment Matters: When life circumstances change, we guide clients through the process of modifying existing court orders related to custody, support, or other divorce-related agreements.
Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements: We draft customized agreements that clearly define financial expectations and protect your assets in the event of divorce or separation.
Property Division: We help identify, value, and divide marital assets in a fair and equitable manner, following New Jersey’s laws on equitable distribution.

What Should I Expect When Filing for Divorce in Bergen County?

Divorce is never easy, but understanding the process can help reduce stress. In New Jersey, you may file for a no-fault or fault-based divorce. A no-fault divorce is based on irreconcilable differences, while fault-based grounds include adultery, cruelty, or abandonment.

The divorce process typically includes filing a complaint, exchanging financial disclosures, negotiating a settlement, and, if necessary, attending court hearings. If you and your spouse cannot agree on key issues like custody or support, a judge will decide for you.

Our lawyers help you navigate each step, whether you are pursuing a contested divorce or working toward a settlement outside of court.

How Is Child Custody Decided?

Child custody is often one of the most sensitive issues in family law. New Jersey courts aim to create custody arrangements that serve the child’s best interests, not one parent’s preferences. Legal custody refers to the right to make major decisions, while physical custody determines where the child lives. Factors the court considers include:

Each parent’s ability to care for the child.
The child’s relationship with both parents.
Any history of domestic violence.
The stability of each home environment.
The child’s specific needs and, in some cases, preferences.

Our attorneys can help you pursue a fair custody arrangement that reflects your role as a parent while prioritizing your child’s well-being and emotional security.

How Are Marital Assets Divided in Divorce?

New Jersey follows the principle of equitable distribution, which means that marital property is divided fairly, not always equally. Marital property includes most assets and debts acquired during the marriage, such as homes, retirement accounts, and business interests.

Separate property, such as gifts or inheritances received by one spouse, may be excluded, but disputes can arise over classification and value. For instance, if separate property, such as an inheritance, is used to acquire jointly owned property, then the court may classify it as marital property and subject to division during divorce.

Can Family Law Disputes Be Resolved Outside of Court?

Many family law matters can be resolved through alternative processes, such as mediation, arbitration, or collaborative law. Alternative processes often save time and expenses and reduce conflict.

In mediation, a neutral third party helps both sides reach an agreement on all issues. Arbitration is more formal, with an arbitrator making binding decisions. Collaborative law involves a commitment by both parties and their attorneys to resolve matters without litigation.

How Does Alimony Work?

Alimony, or spousal support, is designed to ensure financial stability for the lesser-earning spouse during or after a divorce. Alimony depends on factors such as:

Length of the marriage.
Each spouse’s income and earning potential.
Age and health of both parties.
Standard of living during the marriage.

Whether you are seeking support or challenging an unfair demand, we can help you pursue a fair outcome.

Can Family Court Orders Be Modified?

The court system recognizes that life’s circumstances change. If your financial situation shifts, your children’s needs evolve, or your custody schedule is no longer working, you can request a post-judgment modification. Common reasons for modification include:

A change in income or employment.
A parent’s relocation.
A child’s medical or educational needs.
Noncompliance with the original order.

We assist clients with filing modification requests and responding to enforcement actions, whether you are seeking a change or defending against one.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Family Law Case in Bergen County?

While it is possible to represent yourself in family court, having an experienced Bergen County family law lawyer can help you avoid costly mistakes. A family law attorney understands the legal system, filing deadlines, and how to build a strong case, whether negotiating a parenting plan, pursuing spousal support, or enforcing a court order.

Our attorneys can also help explore options such as mediation or collaborative divorce to resolve your family law matter more efficiently and with less conflict.

How Can Marotta Blazini Dunleavy LLC Help With My Family Law Matter?

At Marotta Blazini Dunleavy LLC, we know how personal and life-changing family law issues can be. Whether you are preparing for divorce, seeking custody, requesting support, or responding to a family court petition, our Bergen County family law lawyers provide steady, compassionate legal support from start to finish.

Marotta Blazini Dunleavy LLC: Bergen County Family Law Lawyers Who Handle Complex Cases

Whether you are navigating a divorce, negotiating child custody, or seeking modification of an existing agreement, our experienced Bergen County family law lawyers at Marotta Blazini Dunleavy LLC provide exceptional legal guidance and support. Call 201-368-7713 or complete our online form to schedule a free consultation. Located in Maywood, New Jersey, we serve clients throughout the surrounding areas.

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