Essex County Family Lawyer
Legal proceedings regarding family law issues are often contentious and overwhelming. Individuals dealing with these issues are strongly advised to seek the support and guidance of an Essex County family lawyer. A compassionate attorney can help you navigate all issues in a family law proceeding.
What Does a Family Law Lawyer Do?
A family law lawyer in Essex County assists individuals with nearly any type of case related to their spouse, coparent, or their children.
Divorce
Divorce may be the most common reason that people consult with a family law lawyer. An attorney can help an individual going through a divorce create a plan to address alimony, custody, parenting time, child support, and dividing property and debts.
Child Custody and Child Support Issues
Family law attorneys in Essex County can also help an unmarried parent with children create an agreement determining child custody, parenting time, and child support. If an agreement on these issues cannot be reached, a family law attorney can advocate for a parent in court to obtain a court order addressing these issues. If there are any violations of preexisting child support or child custody agreements or orders, a family law lawyer can also file a case in court to enforce them. This can include forcing a parent to make up for any missed child support payments.
Marital Contracts
Family law attorneys often draft marital contracts for parties who are about to marry or are already married. A prenuptial agreement is an agreement in which an engaged couple predetermines what will happen with their finances in the event of a divorce. A postnuptial agreement serves the same purposes, but is reserved for couples who are already married.
Other Services
Our attorneys at Moskowitz Law Group are exclusively focused on New Jersey family law. We bring more than 50 years of combined legal experience to every case. That means we have the knowledge and resources to assist with nearly any legal issue your case requires.
Some of the other family law matters that we handle are listed below
Domestic Violence and Restraining Orders
Family disputes can sometimes escalate beyond disagreements over finances or custody. When conduct within a household becomes threatening or harmful (whether between spouses, partners, or others sharing a residence), the consequences can extend far beyond the immediate situation. Under New Jersey law, domestic violence encompasses physical, sexual, psychological, and economic abuse, and allegations of this nature can significantly affect the outcome of related family law matters, including divorce proceedings, child custody arrangements, property division, and the awarding of alimony or child support.
When a domestic violence claim is filed, the court may issue a temporary restraining order against the accused, resulting in their immediate removal from the home and a prohibition on contacting the person who sought the order. The accused is then entitled to a hearing before a judge, at which they may present their defense before the court decides whether to make the order permanent or dismiss it entirely. The stakes on both sides of these proceedings are high. A Bergen County family attorney at Moskowitz Law Group can assist those seeking protection through every step of the process, as well as those facing allegations who need experienced counsel to ensure their rights and interests are properly represented in court.
Third-Party Adoptions
Adoption is one of the most meaningful and legally complex events in family law.
Third-party adoptions (including stepparent adoptions and other private family adoptions) require careful navigation of New Jersey’s adoption laws. For a stepparent adoption, for example, both biological parents generally must consent to the process, and the other biological parent is typically required to voluntarily terminate their parental rights. The adopting stepparent may also be required to complete a home study to demonstrate that they can provide a suitable environment for the child. Our attorneys can help prospective adoptive parents understand what is required at each stage, prepare and file the necessary court paperwork, and work to resolve any complications that arise.
Modifying Existing Family Law Agreements
Life circumstances change, and agreements that made sense at the time of a divorce or separation may no longer reflect the realities of either party’s situation. When there has been a substantial change in circumstances (such as a significant shift in income, a job loss, a remarriage, or a relocation), it may be possible to seek a modification of an existing court order governing alimony, child support, or child custody.
An attorney from our firm can evaluate whether the change in circumstances is sufficient to support a modification request and advocate for a revised agreement that reflects the current needs of the family. Similarly, if the ex-spouse or coparent has failed to comply with an existing order, our attorneys can take action to enforce the terms and pursue any remedies available under the law.
Why Hire an Attorney?
Family law issues are often intense and emotional. Many people hire a family law lawyer to help relieve some of their stress. Family law attorneys provide many other benefits, including providing crucial advice, gathering evidence, effectively presenting a case in court to protect their client’s interests, and ensuring all legal procedures are followed so that a case proceeds properly in court.
In case of divorce, a family law lawyer can properly calculate alimony and child support obligations and ensure that marital property is properly valued and divided..
s like a retirement account or an investment portfolio in case a marriage ends.
One of the most essential advantages an Essex County family attorney can provide is acting as a neutral third party to advocate for a person’s interests based on facts and evidence rather than emotions. Given that many people in family law cases have a difficult time talking to their former partner, having an attorney to act as a go-between may save an immeasurable amount of stress and conflict.
Talk to an Essex County Family Law Attorney
No matter what type of family law problem you are facing, speaking with a family law attorney can give you guidance about your options and next steps. If you are contemplating separating from your spouse, need help dealing with your children’s other parent, or want to create a marital contract that protects your interests, call now and schedule an appointment with an Essex County family lawyer.
