March 2025 – Steps to Finding a Family Law Attorney in New Jersey

Family law covers a myriad of issues relating to family and personal relationships. These matters can be both emotional and complicated. Finding the right family law attorney to help you resolve these matters is the first step to ensuring your best interests are served.

For starters, you need to know what issues fall under the family law umbrella. In New Jersey family law includes, but is not limited to:

• Divorce / post-divorce issues
• Property settlements relating to divorce
• Prenuptial / postnuptial agreements
• Child / spousal support matters
• Child custody / parenting time
• Paternity issues
• Division of Child Protection & Permanency (DCP&P) matters
• Domestic abuse / restraining orders
• Adoptions

It’s important to understand that individual states handle family law matters differently. For example, when it comes to divorce, some states are “community property” states, meaning property is divided 50/50; whereas, other states, like New Jersey, are “equitable distribution” states where marital property is distributed according to what the court deems fair and equitable.

Finding the right representation in the sea of family law attorneys practicing in New Jersey can be daunting. To find the one best suited for your situation, consider the following:

Do your research – Online law directories list attorneys, their areas of specialty and their experience.

Seek referrals – Consult a trusted friend or relative who has gone through a similar experience.

Conduct interviews – Take advantage of free initial consultations offered by many family law attorneys. Ask about their experience, qualifications, success rate, how they would handle a case like yours, their fees and billing policies.

Assess communication – Can you speak freely with this attorney? How will they communicate with you throughout your case?

Trust your instincts – Sometimes the final decision just comes down to a feeling. Trust your gut!