Family Law Attorney in Hackensack, NJ
Matrimonial and Divorce Counsel for Bergen County Families
If you are facing a divorce, custody dispute, child support issue, or post-judgment matter, the choices ahead can shape your family’s stability for years. Our matrimonial attorneys help individuals and parents understand how New Jersey law applies to their situation and move forward with a clear path.
I highly recommend this law firm. They are extremely knowledgeable, straight to the point, and truly get the job done
Trusted by Families Across Bergen County
Family Law Matters We Handle
Our attorneys assist individuals and families with a wide range of family law matters under New Jersey law. Matters we regularly handle include:
What to Expect Regarding Fees and Consultations
Cases vary in cost depending on whether the matter resolves through negotiation, mediation, or contested litigation. During the initial consultation, we discuss retainer structure, hourly rates, and a realistic budget range for your matter, along with which parts of your case are most likely to settle versus require court time. Clients who plan for these costs early tend to make better strategic decisions as the case moves forward.
How Family Law Matters Typically Move Forward
Every situation is different, but most family law matters follow a general path once legal guidance is involved. Understanding how cases typically progress can make the process feel more manageable.
- Initial consultation and case overview: Discussing your situation, reviewing any court paperwork, and identifying the most immediate legal concerns.
- Document and information review: Financial records, prior agreements, custody arrangements, and court filings are reviewed to understand the full scope of the issue.
- Strategy and negotiation planning: A clear strategy is developed based on the facts and the legal standards applied in New Jersey courts. Many disputes are resolved through negotiation or mediation before trial.
- Court filings and hearings when necessary: If an agreement cannot be reached, matters proceed through formal filings and court appearances.
- Post-judgment changes or enforcement: Court orders sometimes require later adjustments when circumstances change.
A Steady Legal Team When the Stakes Are Personal
Family law matters often involve difficult decisions that affect children, finances, and long‑term stability. Many people seek experienced guidance during these periods of uncertainty.
- More than 40 years of Bergen County family law practice. Barbara Cowen (NJ Bar, 1981) and Sara Jacobs (NJ Bar, 1984) have practiced in the Bergen County Superior Court for decades.
- Inside the local legal community. Cowen clerked for the Bergen County Superior Court and serves on the Bergen County Ethics Committee. Jacobs spent fourteen years as an arbitrator at the same court and eleven years as Co-Chairperson of the Bergen County ADR Committee.
- Steps from the courthouse. Our office at Court Plaza South on Main Street in Hackensack sits beside the Bergen County Justice Center, where local family matters are filed and heard.
- Deep mediation experience. Jacobs’s ADR leadership in this county informs how the firm approaches negotiation and mediation when those routes can save clients time and emotional cost.
- One attorney, start to finish. The lawyer you meet at the first consultation handles your case in court. We tell clients what New Jersey law actually allows in their situation, even when that means adjusting expectations they came in with.
Questions Families Ask Before Making a Decision
Family law cases often involve both legal and emotional considerations. Understanding how New Jersey law applies to your situation can help you make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary conflict.
Can I file for divorce in New Jersey if my spouse works in New York?
Yes. Jurisdiction here depends on residency, not where either spouse earns income. If you have lived in New Jersey for at least twelve consecutive months before filing, you can file in this state even if your spouse commutes to New York or holds NY-issued compensation.
What happens at a Matrimonial Early Settlement Program (MESP) panel?
Both spouses and their attorneys present a brief summary of the disputed economic issues to a panel of two experienced matrimonial attorneys. The panelists give a non-binding recommendation on likely outcomes, which the parties can accept, reject, or use as a starting point for further negotiation.
Is my spouse's NYC bonus or equity compensation part of the marital estate?
Generally yes, to the extent it was earned during the marriage. New Jersey treats deferred compensation, RSUs, and unvested equity grants as marital property when the underlying work was performed before the complaint was filed, even if vesting happens later. Valuation often requires a forensic accountant.
What is the difference between a TRO and a final restraining order in New Jersey?
A Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) can be issued the same day a victim applies, usually without the other party present, and lasts until a final hearing within roughly ten days. A Final Restraining Order (FRO) is permanent in New Jersey and follows a contested hearing where both sides present evidence.
How quickly can I get into court for an emergency custody or restraining order?
Restraining order applications can be filed and heard the same day at the courthouse, or after hours at the local police department. Emergency custody applications (orders to show cause) require a showing of immediate harm and are typically heard within days of filing.
Contact Our Legal Team Today
Call or Fill Out The Form Below to Schedule Your Consultation
Are you ready to get started on your case with a consultation? With over 35 years of experience, our Hackensack family lawyers are ready to fight for you. Reach out to us today to see what Cowen & Jacobs can do for you.
NOTICE: The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form.
Other Legal Services We Provide
Serving Hackensack and Nearby Communities
Many family law matters in this region are handled through the Bergen County Superior Court in Hackensack, where divorce, custody, and support cases for residents across the county are typically filed and heard.
The locations listed below represent communities where families often seek guidance for matters handled through the Bergen County court system.
Your Experienced Family Law Attorneys
Barbara has practiced matrimonial and family law in Bergen County since 1981, handling divorce, custody, support, domestic violence, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, mediation, and post-judgment enforcement. She began her career as a law clerk to the Honorable Arthur Minuskin in the Bergen County Superior Court, holds a J.D. cum laude from Pace University School of Law, and serves on the Bergen County Ethics Committee.
Sara has practiced matrimonial and family law in Bergen County since 1984, with a focus on mediation and alternative dispute resolution. She served fourteen years as an arbitrator for the Bergen County Superior Court and eleven years as Co-Chairperson of the Bergen County ADR Committee, and holds an LL.M. from New York University School of Law and a J.D. from Touro Law Center.
Get Clear Answers and Protect Your Family’s Future
The decisions ahead can feel impossible to weigh on your own. A consultation gives you real footing: a clear sense of what New Jersey law says about your situation, what outcomes are realistic, and where to focus your energy first.
Call 201-525-0025 or complete the contact form to schedule yours.
