When you’re searching for a divorce lawyer in Fort Lee, NJ, you’re not just looking for legal expertise. You’re looking for someone you can trust with one of the most consequential decisions of your life.
At Cowen & Jacobs, we’ve guided families through divorce for more than 35 years. Our office in Hackensack sits just minutes from Fort Lee and the Bergen County Justice Center on Main Street, where most local divorce cases are heard. We know this courthouse, its judges, and its procedures intimately.
Whether your divorce is straightforward or deeply complicated, our divorce lawyers provide honest guidance, protect your financial future, and make sure your well-being stays at the center of every decision.
Ready to take the first step? Schedule a free, confidential consultation today.
Going through divorce is easier when you know what’s ahead. New Jersey has a structured framework for these cases, and understanding each stage reduces anxiety and helps you make informed decisions throughout the process.
New Jersey courts aim to resolve most divorces within 12 months. In New Jersey, uncontested cases where both spouses agree on the major issues often conclude in six to eight months.
If your case involves custody disputes, business interests, or complex assets, the timeline will typically extend further.
Every divorce is different, and every family’s needs are unique. These are the areas where we provide the most guidance.
New Jersey courts determine child custody and parenting arrangements based on the child’s best interests. We help you understand your rights, build a strong custody position, and negotiate a custody arrangement that protects your children and your time with them.
New Jersey calculates child support using both parents’ incomes, the number of children, and the allocation of parenting time. When circumstances change, like a job loss, a salary increase, or shifting custody arrangements, we handle modifications to keep support orders current and fair.
Whether you’re seeking alimony or expecting to pay it, the outcome depends on the length of the marriage, each spouse’s income and earning potential, contributions to the household, and the standard of living you shared. We evaluate every angle and advocate for an outcome that reflects your situation and future needs.
New Jersey follows equitable distribution, meaning marital assets are divided fairly, though not always equally. We protect your bests interests when dividing the following assets:
Prenuptial agreements are enforceable in New Jersey when they meet the requirements of the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act (NJ Rev Stat §§ 37:2-31 to 37:2-41). Both parties must have entered the agreement voluntarily, with full financial disclosure.
If you’re in a dangerous situation, we help you take immediate legal action under New Jersey’s Prevention of Domestic Violence Act. Our domestic violence attorneys help you file an emergency restraining order and represent you at final hearings to protect you and your children.
What sets Cowen & Jacobs apart isn’t just experience; it’s how we work.
We listen before we advise. We’re accessible when you need to reach us, by phone, email, or text. We speak plainly, without drowning you in legal language you didn’t ask to learn. And when it’s time to fight for you, whether at the negotiating table or in a courtroom, we fight without hesitation.
Here’s why families like yours rely on us during their most challenging times:
Judges in New Jersey consider the following when determining alimony amounts:
The division of marital property can also influence alimony decisions, especially in high-asset cases. Our attorneys advocate for terms that reflect both your contributions and your future needs.
Yes, provided they were executed properly. Under the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act, a valid prenup requires voluntary agreement by both parties and full financial disclosure from each. If a court finds the agreement was signed under duress or that material information was withheld, it may not be enforceable.
Uncontested divorces in New Jersey can be resolved in a matter of months. Contested cases, particularly those involving disputed custody, complex finances, or business interests, typically take longer. We keep you informed throughout the process so you’re never left wondering where things stand.
No. New Jersey uses equitable distribution, which means the court divides marital assets fairly, not necessarily in half. Factors like the length of the marriage, each spouse’s financial contributions, and their economic circumstances going forward all influence how property is divided.
A no-fault divorce allows couples to end their marriage by citing irreconcilable differences, without needing to prove any wrongdoing. This approach typically reduces conflict and can speed up the process.
The cost varies depending on whether your divorce is contested or uncontested. Straightforward cases with agreement on the major issues tend to be less expensive. Contested divorces requiring court appearances, expert witnesses, or extensive discovery involve more time and expense. At Cowen & Jacobs, we’re transparent about fees from the first consultation, including retainer amounts and hourly rates, so there are no surprises as your case progresses.
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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We serve families in Fort Lee, Hackensack, Teaneck, Englewood, Paramus, Maywood, Allendale, Demarest, Ridgewood, and communities throughout Bergen, Passaic, Hudson, and Essex Counties.
Barbara has been practicing family law in New Jersey since 1981. She holds a J.D. cum laude from Pace University School of Law, a B.A. summa cum laude from the University of Cincinnati, and completed a clerkship with the New Jersey Superior Court. The clients who know her best point to the same quality: she combines deep legal knowledge with genuine care for the outcome of every case.
Sara is a New Jersey employment and personal injury attorney and a seasoned Superior Court arbitrator with 14 years of experience in that role. She holds an LL.M. from NYU School of Law and brings extensive ADR expertise to every matter she handles. Sara also serves as an adjunct professor and is active in bar and women’s law associations across the state. Her background in arbitration and negotiation shapes the way she approaches every case.
You don’t have to go through divorce alone. From your first consultation to the resolution of your case, we’re with you every step of the way, protecting your finances, advocating for your children, and helping you move toward the future with confidence.
Contact Cowen & Jacobs 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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