Going through a divorce can feel overwhelming. You’re worried about your children, your financial future, and how everything will change. These concerns are completely normal, and you don’t have to face them alone. At Atkins & Tafuri, our divorce lawyers in New Jersey spent years helping Closter families navigate the complexities of divorce with compassion, clarity, and skilled legal representation.
When you’re standing at this crossroads, you need more than just a lawyer—you need someone who understands what’s at stake. Our firm has deep roots in Bergen County, and we’ve helped countless neighbors in Closter work through the same questions you’re facing right now. Whether you’re just beginning to consider divorce or you’re ready to move forward, we’re here to provide the guidance and support you deserve.
New Jersey’s divorce laws apply throughout Bergen County, but the way cases move through the local court system has its own rhythm and nuances. Our familiarity with the Bergen County Family Court in Hackensack means we know how to navigate the process efficiently, and we understand what local judges typically consider when making decisions about custody, support, and property division.
Closter families have unique considerations. Many of our clients own homes in established neighborhoods like Harrington Park borders or near the Northern Valley Regional High School district, and protecting those assets requires careful attention. Parents worry about maintaining stability for their children, especially when schools and community connections matter so much. We help you think through these details and build a strategy that protects what matters most to you.
Not every divorce looks the same. Some couples are able to reach agreements on their own and simply need help finalizing the legal paperwork—this is called an uncontested divorce. These cases typically move faster and cost less, which can be a relief when you’re ready to start the next chapter of your life.
However, when disagreements arise over important issues like custody arrangements, division of retirement accounts, or spousal support, the process becomes contested. That’s when having an experienced attorney becomes critical. We’ve handled countless contested divorces, and we know how to advocate effectively while still working toward reasonable solutions whenever possible.
For most parents, nothing matters more than protecting their relationship with their children. New Jersey courts make custody decisions based on what’s in the child’s best interest, considering factors like each parent’s ability to provide stability, the child’s relationship with siblings, and the proximity to schools and community activities.
We help you understand the difference between legal custody (decision-making authority) and physical custody (where your child lives). We also work with you to create parenting time schedules that actually work for your family’s reality—considering work schedules, school activities, and the logistics of getting kids between homes in Closter and surrounding areas.
Financial support is often one of the most contentious issues in divorce. New Jersey uses specific guidelines to calculate child support, taking into account both parents’ incomes, the number of overnights each parent has, and other factors like health insurance and childcare costs. We make sure these calculations are accurate and fair.
Alimony, or spousal support, is more discretionary. Courts consider the length of your marriage, each spouse’s earning capacity, contributions to the marriage, and the standard of living you established together. Whether you’re seeking support or believe a request is unreasonable, we provide clear guidance on what you can expect and how to present your case effectively.
New Jersey is an equitable distribution state, which means marital property gets divided fairly—though not necessarily equally. This includes your home, retirement accounts, investments, businesses, and even debts accumulated during the marriage. Figuring out what counts as marital property versus separate property can get complicated, especially when you’ve been married for many years.
Many Closter residents have significant assets tied up in real estate or retirement plans. We work with financial experts when necessary to ensure accurate valuations and help you understand the tax implications of different settlement options. The decisions you make now will affect your financial security for years to come, so getting this part right matters tremendously.
Life changes, and sometimes the terms of your divorce agreement need to change too. Maybe you’ve lost your job, or your ex-spouse has gotten a significant raise. Perhaps your teenager wants to live primarily with you now, or your work schedule has shifted and you need different parenting time arrangements. New Jersey courts can modify child support, custody, and alimony orders when there’s been a substantial change in circumstances.
We help clients understand when modification is appropriate and how to present evidence that supports your request. We’ve successfully helped many clients adjust their arrangements to reflect current realities.
The first step is simply sitting down and talking about your situation. During your initial consultation, we’ll discuss the facts of your case, your goals, and any immediate concerns you have. This is your opportunity to ask questions and get a sense of what lies ahead. There’s no pressure—just honest conversation about your options.
To start the formal process, we file a Complaint for Divorce with the Bergen County Superior Court. New Jersey offers both fault-based and no-fault grounds for divorce. Most people file on no-fault grounds, citing irreconcilable differences or separation for at least 18 months. We handle all the paperwork and ensure your spouse receives proper legal notice.
Both sides need to exchange financial information—bank statements, tax returns, retirement account statements, and so on. This process, called discovery, ensures everyone has the facts needed to negotiate fairly. We guide you through gathering the necessary documents and reviewing what your spouse provides.
With all the information on the table, we work to negotiate terms for custody, support, and property division. Many cases resolve through direct negotiation between attorneys. Others benefit from mediation, where a neutral third party helps facilitate discussions. We’re with you throughout this process, advising you on what’s reasonable and protecting your interests.
If settlement proves impossible, your case goes to trial. A judge will hear evidence from both sides and make decisions about all contested issues. While trial can feel daunting, our experience means you’ll be well-prepared. We know what judges in Bergen County look for, and we present your case clearly and persuasively.
Once all issues are resolved—either through agreement or trial—the court issues a Final Judgment of Divorce. This document is legally binding and sets out all the terms regarding custody, support, and property division. You’re officially divorced, and you can begin moving forward with certainty about your legal rights and responsibilities.
The timeline varies significantly based on whether your divorce is contested or uncontested. An uncontested divorce where both parties agree on all terms can sometimes be finalized in just a few months. Contested divorces involving disputes over custody, assets, or support typically take longer—often between nine months and two years, depending on the complexity of the issues and the court’s schedule. New Jersey does have a mandatory economic mediation requirement for divorces involving financial disputes, which can add time to the process but often helps resolve cases without trial.
New Jersey law requires courts to focus solely on the child’s best interest. Judges consider many factors, including the parents’ ability to communicate and cooperate, each parent’s relationship with the child, the child’s preference (depending on age and maturity), stability of the home environment, any history of domestic violence, the child’s educational needs, and the fitness of each parent. Courts also consider the proximity of the parents’ homes and how a custody arrangement affects the child’s relationship with siblings. No single factor determines custody—judges look at the complete picture of what will best support the child’s wellbeing and development.
It depends on your specific circumstances. New Jersey courts consider several factors when deciding on alimony, including the length of your marriage, each spouse’s financial circumstances and earning capacity, the standard of living established during the marriage, and each spouse’s contributions (both financial and as a homemaker). Short marriages rarely result in alimony awards, while longer marriages are more likely to involve support. The type and duration of alimony varies—it can be temporary (during the divorce), limited duration (for a specific period after divorce), or in rare cases involving long marriages and significant disparities in earning capacity, open duration. The 2014 alimony reform law in New Jersey also affects awards, particularly for marriages under 20 years.
New Jersey follows the principle of equitable distribution, meaning property is divided fairly rather than necessarily equally. The court identifies which assets are marital (acquired during the marriage) and which are separate (owned before marriage or received as gifts or inheritance). Marital property gets distributed based on factors like the length of your marriage, each spouse’s contributions, the economic circumstances of each party, and the age and health of both spouses. The division isn’t always 50-50—a judge might award 60-40 or another split based on what’s fair given all the circumstances. Many couples reach their own agreement on property division rather than leaving it to a judge’s discretion.
Relocating with children after divorce is one of the most legally complex issues in family law. If you have a custody arrangement in place, you generally cannot move more than a certain distance (often defined as out of state or significantly far within New Jersey) without either your ex-spouse’s consent or court approval. The court applies specific factors established in case law, examining whether the move serves a legitimate purpose, how it impacts the child’s relationship with the non-relocating parent, whether a realistic visitation schedule is possible, and the child’s preference depending on age. These cases require careful preparation and strong evidence. If you’re considering relocation, you need to consult with an attorney before making any concrete plans or telling your children about a potential move.
You don’t have to navigate this process alone. Whether you have specific questions about custody, you’re worried about protecting your assets, or you simply need clarity about what divorce will look like, we’re here to help. Reach out to Atkins & Tafuri today to schedule your free consultation. We’ll sit down with you, listen to your story, and provide honest guidance about the path forward.
Call us today at 201-967-5060 or contact us through our website to set up your consultation. Your family’s future is too important to leave to chance—let us help you protect what matters most.
Here’s what clients have shared about their experience with our divorce team:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “The attorneys at Atkins, Tafuri, Minassian, D’Amato, Beane & Miller guided me through one of the hardest times of my life. They were tough in court but compassionate with me. I’m grateful for how they protected my children’s best interests.” – Former Divorce Client
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I hired the firm for a highly contested divorce in Bergen County. My ex tried to hide assets, but their team uncovered everything and fought for a fair settlement. I can’t thank them enough.” – J.S., Closter, NJ
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Professional, responsive, and strategic. They knew the local courts inside and out, which gave me confidence at every stage of my case.” – M.K., Bergen County Divorce Client
To schedule a consultation with one of our New Jersey lawyers, call us at 201.967.5060 or contact us online. We serve clients in Wyckoff, Hackensack, Ridgewood, Paramus, Tenafly, Teaneck, Englewood, Closter, Cresskill, Demarest, Fairlawn, all of Bergen County, New Jersey. We are conveniently located at 887 Kinderkamack Road, #3, River Edge, NJ 07661.
Request a Consultation