Divorce is never easy. It brings legal, financial, and emotional challenges that can feel overwhelming. At Cowen & Jacobs, our Hackensack-based divorce lawyers provide experienced guidance for families throughout Bergen County, including Teaneck, Englewood, Paramus, and Fort Lee, as well as Passaic, Hudson, and Essex Counties. Our office is just minutes from the Bergen County Justice Center on Main Street, where most local divorce cases are heard.
With more than 35 years of experience, we’ve helped clients through every kind of case, from negotiated settlements to high-conflict litigation. Many of our cases move through the Superior Court of New Jersey, Bergen County Family Division, giving us insight into how local judges handle custody, support, and asset issues. Whether your concerns involve child custody, alimony, or dividing complex assets, our attorneys are here to protect your interests and give you a clear path forward.
Ready to take the next step? Schedule your free, confidential consultation today.
Going through a divorce means navigating unfamiliar legal territory. Knowing what to expect can reduce anxiety and help you make informed decisions at each stage, especially in a busy court system like Bergen County, where scheduling and case timelines can vary.
New Jersey courts aim to resolve most divorce cases within 12 months of filing. In Bergen County, uncontested divorces where both spouses agree on major issues often conclude in 6 to 8 months. Cases involving custody disputes, complex assets, or business valuations typically take longer, especially when the Hackensack Family Division experiences docket delays.
Case Management Conference: Both spouses meet with a judge, often at the Bergen County Courthouse in Hackensack, to identify issues, establish deadlines, and create a timeline.
Families from Hackensack, Teaneck, Englewood, Paramus, Maywood, and surrounding Bergen County communities rely on our firm for guidance during life’s most difficult transitions.
Every divorce is different. Whether you need help with custody, finances, or understanding what comes next, we provide experienced guidance tailored to your situation.
We assist clients with:
New Jersey courts prioritize your child’s best interests when determining custody arrangements, and Bergen County judges place strong emphasis on maintaining stability for children living in Hackensack and nearby towns such as Teaneck, Englewood, and Paramus.
New Jersey calculates child support based on both parents’ income, number of children, and parenting time arrangements. We ensure calculations are accurate and fair. When circumstances change, job loss, salary increases, or evolving needs, we handle modifications to adjust support orders.
Courts examine multiple factors: length of marriage, each spouse’s income and earning capacity, standard of living, and contributions to the household. We analyze whether alimony applies in your case, determine appropriate amounts and duration, and negotiate terms that reflect your contributions and future needs.
New Jersey divides marital property fairly, not necessarily equally. This includes your home, retirement accounts, investments, and debts. In Bergen County, real estate values in Hackensack, Teaneck, and surrounding towns often play a major role in equitable distribution discussions.
For complex financial situations, we handle:
We work with forensic accountants and financial experts to ensure nothing is overlooked.
Prenups are enforceable in New Jersey when both parties entered voluntarily with full financial disclosure. We review agreements under NJ Rev Stat §§ 37:2-31 to 37:2-41 to determine if proper procedures were followed and terms remain fair. Whether you need to enforce a valid agreement or challenge an unconscionable one, we provide the legal analysis and advocacy required.
Your safety comes first. We help you obtain restraining orders under New Jersey’s Prevention of Domestic Violence Act. These orders can require your spouse to leave the marital home, stay away from you and your children, and cease all contact. We guide you through emergency filings and represent you at final hearings.
Choosing the right attorney can make all the difference. Families turn to us because we understand not only New Jersey family law, but the unique considerations involved in cases filed in Hackensack’s Bergen County court system. Families turn to us because:
When you work with us, you get more than legal representation. You get a team that puts your family’s needs first.
Courts in New Jersey consider many factors when setting alimony, including the length of the marriage, income of each spouse, standard of living, and future earning potential. Judges also look at contributions made to the household, such as childcare or supporting a spouse’s career.
In high net worth cases, the distribution of marital property often influences the amount and duration of support. Our attorneys help clients understand these rules and advocate for fair outcomes.
Yes, as long as the agreement follows the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act found in NJ Rev Stat §§ 37:2-31 to 37:2-41. For a prenup to be valid, both parties must have entered it voluntarily, with full financial disclosure.
If a court finds an agreement to be unfair or created under pressure, it may be set aside. We review prenuptial agreements carefully to confirm enforceability and protect your interests.
Uncontested divorces in New Jersey may be resolved within a few months. Contested cases often take longer, especially if there are disputes over custody, finances, or property.
In Bergen County, judges aim to complete divorces within one year, but delays can occur if experts are involved or trial dates are pushed back. Our team keeps you informed so you know what to expect.
No. New Jersey uses equitable distribution, which means assets are divided fairly but not always equally. Courts look at the length of the marriage, each spouse’s financial situation, and contributions to the household.
Our role is to make sure all property, from homes to retirement accounts, is valued correctly and divided in a way that reflects your rights.
No-fault divorce allows couples to end their marriage by citing irreconcilable differences without proving wrongdoing. This option can reduce conflict and speed up the process.
Even with a no-fault filing, you still need to resolve custody, support, and property matters. Our attorneys explain which path fits your circumstances and guide you through the process.
The cost depends on whether your divorce is contested or uncontested. Simple cases usually cost less, while contested divorces require more time in court and may involve experts, which increases expenses.
At Cowen & Jacobs, we provide clear information about retainers and hourly fees during your consultation so you know what to expect from the start.
Are you ready to get started on your case with a consultation? With over 35 years of experience, our attorneys are ready to fight for you. Reach out to us today to see what Cowen & Jacobs can do for you.
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Family law attorney practicing in New Jersey since 1981, handling divorce, custody, support, domestic violence, and mediation; J.D. cum laude from Pace, B.A. summa cum laude from the University of Cincinnati, former New Jersey Superior Court law clerk, and active member of state and national bar associations.
Employment and personal injury attorney and longtime arbitrator in New Jersey, Sara draws on 14 years as a Superior Court arbitrator and extensive ADR experience to resolve workplace disputes and injury claims efficiently; she holds an LL.M. from NYU School of Law, serves as an adjunct professor, and is active in multiple bar and women’s law associations.
Divorce can feel isolating, but you don’t have to go through it without support. Having the right attorney means protecting your finances, your children, and your peace of mind. Based in Hackensack, just minutes from the Bergen County Justice Center, we proudly serve clients throughout Bergen County, including Teaneck, Englewood, Paramus, and Fort Lee, as well as nearby areas of Passaic, Hudson, and Essex Counties.
Put our experience to work for you. Contact Cowen & Jacobs today to schedule your free, confidential consultation and take the first step toward a more secure future.
We are here for you and ready to help you resolve your legal issue. For a consultation discussing your case, call Cowen & Jacobs today.
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