How is the amount of alimony determined?

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.

How long does a divorce take?

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.

How much does a Hackensack divorce lawyer cost?

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.

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(201) 525-0025

(201) 525-0025

Divorce Lawyer in Englewood, NJ

Easing Your Toughest Transitions with 35+ Years of Legal Experience

Helping You Move Forward with Clarity & Confidence

During divorce, emotions run high, and the decisions you make now can shape your family’s future for years to come. If you’re looking for a divorce lawyer serving Englewood, NJ, Cowen & Jacobs provides honest guidance, steady support, and 35+ years of family law experience to help you find your footing.

Our Hackensack office puts us just minutes from Englewood and the Bergen County Justice Center, where most local family court matters are handled. We know this court well, and we know what it takes to protect your interests here.

Whatever stage of the process you’re in, our divorce lawyers will help you take the next step.

Schedule a free, confidential consultation today.

What You Should Know About the Divorce Process in NJ

One of the most effective ways to reduce the anxiety of divorce is to understand what’s actually ahead of you. The New Jersey divorce process follows a predictable structure.

Timeline Expectations

New Jersey courts aim to complete most divorce cases within 12 months of filing. In Bergen County, uncontested divorces where both parties are aligned on custody, finances, and property often resolve in six to eight months.

Disputes over assets, custody arrangements, or business interests will extend that timeline.

Divorce in 7 Stages

Filing the Complaint. The spouse initiating the divorce files with the New Jersey Superior Court Family Division. The other spouse must be formally served within 60 days.
Case Management Conference. A judge reviews the key issues, sets a discovery schedule, and establishes deadlines for both parties.
Discovery. Financial records are exchanged: tax returns, bank statements, property appraisals, and business valuations. Each spouse also submits a detailed Case Information Statement.
Settlement Negotiations. Attorneys negotiate on behalf of their clients. The majority of New Jersey divorces are resolved here, without ever reaching trial.
Early Settlement Panel. For cases that don’t settle through negotiation, the Bergen County Early Settlement Panel provides an independent review. Experienced local attorneys offer recommendations grounded in Bergen County court expectations.
Economic Mediation. A neutral mediator works with both parties on financial matters. Bergen County provides the first two hours at no cost, and local mediators are well-versed in family cases.
Trial. If a settlement cannot be reached, a judge reviews the full record, hears testimony, and issues a binding judgment on all unresolved issues.

"Navigating our family issue was incredibly challenging, but their professionalism and integrity made a world of difference." — Hear From Clients We've Helped

Your Trusted Advocates Through Every Stage of Divorce

Whatever your divorce involves, whether that’s children, real estate, a shared business, or a complicated history, we’re equipped to handle it. Here’s what we help clients with:

Child Custody & Parenting Disputes

Custody decisions in New Jersey are guided by the child’s best interests, and judges look closely at stability, each parent’s involvement, and the strength of the parent-child relationship. We advocate for arrangements that put your children first without losing sight of what matters to you as a parent.

Child Support

New Jersey’s child support formula accounts for both parents’ income, the number of children, and how parenting time is divided. We ensure support is calculated accurately from the start, and we handle modifications when income or custody arrangements change down the line.

Alimony & Spousal Support

When calculating alimony, courts consider:

The length of the marriage
Each spouse’s income and earning ability
The standard of living during the marriage
The role each person played in the household

We build a clear, evidence-based picture of your financial situation and argue for terms that are grounded in the facts of your case.

Property Division & Asset Protection

In New Jersey, marital property is divided equitably, meaning fairly based on circumstances, not automatically down the middle. Your home, retirement savings, investment accounts, and any business interests can all come into play.

We make sure the following assets are fairly divided:

Business interests and ownership stakes
Investment portfolios and real estate holdings
Deferred compensation and stock options
Retirement plans and QDROs
Tax consequences of different division approaches

Prenuptial Agreement Review

We review your prenuptial agreement to determine whether it meets New Jersey’s enforceability standards under the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act (NJ Rev Stat §§ 37:2-31 to 37:2-41). A valid prenup requires voluntary execution and full financial disclosure.

Domestic Violence Protection

If you’re facing a dangerous situation at home, our domestic violence attorneys put your safety first. We file for an emergency restraining order under New Jersey’s Prevention of Domestic Violence Act and represent you at the final hearing to put lasting protections in place.

Why Families Like Yours Rely on Cowen & Jacobs

We’ve been helping families like yours for more than 35 years.

We don’t rush you. We don’t leave you guessing. We return calls, answer emails, and keep you informed at every turn. When you work with us, you’ll understand what’s happening in your case, why it matters, and what we’re doing about it.

Here’s why families in Englewood, Montvale, Allendale, Teaneck, and other New Jersey communities turn to us to make a stressful time easier:

Decades of experience in Bergen County’s family court system
Genuine attention to each client’s full situation: legal, financial, and personal
Responsive communication that never leaves you out of the loop
Honest assessments, even when the news is difficult
Tenacious representation at every stage of your case

Common Questions We Hear About the Divorce Process

How does the court determine alimony?

Judges weigh a range of factors when calculating alimony:

How long the marriage lasted
The income and earning potential of each spouse
The marital standard of living
The role each person played in the household, including caregiving and supporting a partner’s career

Property distribution can also factor in, particularly in high-asset cases. We analyze your situation and advocate for a decision that reflects the full picture.

Are prenuptial agreements enforceable in New Jersey?

Yes, when they’re properly executed. New Jersey follows the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act, which requires that both parties enter the agreement voluntarily and with complete financial disclosure. Courts can set aside agreements signed under duress or that failed to meet procedural requirements.

How long will my divorce take?

Uncontested divorces can resolve in as few as a few months. Contested cases, particularly those with custody disputes or complex assets, take longer. We keep you informed throughout so you always know where your case stands.

Is New Jersey a 50/50 state?

No. New Jersey uses equitable distribution, which calls for a fair division of marital assets rather than an automatic 50/50 split.

How does no-fault divorce affect my case?

No-fault divorce lets couples end their marriage based on irreconcilable differences, with no proof of wrongdoing required. This tends to reduce conflict and can shorten the overall timeline.

How much does it cost to hire a divorce lawyer?

Costs depend primarily on whether your divorce is contested. Uncontested cases typically involve less attorney time and fewer court appearances. Contested divorces can require expert witnesses, depositions, and multiple court dates, which increases the overall cost.

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 attorneys 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.

Fighting For Families Throughout New Jersey

We proudly serve clients in Englewood, Hackensack, Teaneck, Fort Lee, Paramus, and communities throughout Bergen County, as well as Passaic, Hudson, and Essex Counties.

Allendale
Englewood
Fort Lee
Garfield
Hackensack
Haworth
Montvale
Ridgewood
Teaneck
Upper Saddle River

Your Trusted Advocates Through Divorce: Our Divorce Lawyers

Barbara E. Cowen

Barbara has been one of New Jersey’s most trusted family law attorneys since 1981. She graduated J.D. cum laude from Pace University School of Law and B.A. summa cum laude from the University of Cincinnati, and served as a New Jersey Superior Court law clerk before building a practice that now spans more than four decades. She handles divorce, custody, domestic violence, and family mediation, and the clients who work with her often describe the same quality: she knows the law deeply and she genuinely cares about the outcome.

Sara Jacobs

Sara is an employment and personal injury attorney who has also served as a Superior Court arbitrator in New Jersey for 14 years. She holds an LL.M. from NYU School of Law and brings extensive ADR experience to every matter she handles. Sara teaches as an adjunct professor and is actively involved in bar and women’s law associations throughout the state. Her arbitration background shapes how she approaches every case, with strategic focus, careful preparation, and the litigation skills to go the distance when that’s what it takes.

Don't Face Divorce Alone. Contact Cowen & Jacobs Today.

The right attorney doesn’t just know the law. They know how to apply it for you, in your county, with your specific circumstances. At Cowen & Jacobs, that’s exactly what you get.

We serve Englewood and the surrounding Bergen County communities from our Hackensack office, just minutes from the Bergen County Justice Center. Contact us today to schedule your free, confidential consultation.

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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