No one expects to find themselves searching for a divorce lawyer in Garfield. But when you do, where you turn matters.
At Cowen & Jacobs, we’ve been helping families like yours get through divorce for over 35 years. We’re not here to add to the stress; we’re here to give you a clear path through it.
Divorce touches everything: your finances, your children, your home, and your sense of what comes next. Our job is to protect what matters most to you, manage the legal process on your behalf, and help you move forward with confidence.
When you’re ready to talk, we’re ready to listen.
Ready to take the first step? Schedule a free, confidential consultation today.
Here’s what to expect from the divorce process in New Jersey:
New Jersey courts resolve most divorces within 12 months of filing. Cases where both spouses agree on custody, finances, and property, known as uncontested divorces, tend to move faster, often wrapping up in six to eight months.
When there are disputes to work through, or when complex assets like businesses or pension plans are involved, the process typically takes longer. For Garfield residents, cases are typically heard through Passaic County’s family court system.
Every family comes to us with a different situation. We handle the following family law matters with a focus on your safety, your future, and your best interests:
New Jersey courts evaluate child custody based on what serves the child’s best interests, considering stability, parental involvement, and the nature of each parent’s relationship with the child. We present the strongest possible case for a custody arrangement that protects your children and preserves your role in their lives.
Child support in New Jersey is calculated based on both parents’ incomes, the number of children, and how parenting time is structured. We verify that the numbers are accurate and advocate for a fair support arrangement, handling modifications when circumstances change.
The amount and duration of alimony depend on:
We analyze your situation and advocate for an outcome grounded in the real facts of your case.
New Jersey divides marital property equitably: the court looks at what’s fair given the full context of your marriage, not just what adds up to 50%. We work carefully to make sure every asset is accounted for and that you walk away with what you’re rightfully owed, handling the division of:
We review prenuptial agreements under New Jersey’s Uniform Premarital Agreement Act (NJ Rev Stat §§ 37:2-31 to 37:2-41) to determine their enforceability, identify any procedural gaps, and advise you on how best to proceed, whether that means upholding the agreement or challenging it.
Our domestic violence attorneys help you act immediately under New Jersey’s Prevention of Domestic Violence Act, filing for emergency restraining orders and representing you at hearings to put lasting protections in place for you and your children.
Families in Garfield, Teaneck, Englewood, and Fort Lee choose Cowen & Jacobs because we’ve spent more than three decades building a practice grounded in honest counsel, careful preparation, and real advocacy.
We don’t tell clients what they want to hear. We tell them what they need to know. And when it’s time to fight, we fight.
New Jersey judges consider the following when calculating alimony:
The overall division of property also plays a role, especially when high-value assets are involved. We help you understand what factors apply to your case and advocate for the outcome that’s fair to you.
Yes, provided they meet the requirements of the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act. Both parties must have entered the agreement voluntarily and with full financial disclosure. If the agreement was signed under duress or lacked complete transparency, a court may decline to enforce it.
Uncontested divorces in New Jersey can often be resolved within a few months. Contested cases, particularly those involving custody disputes or complex assets, take longer. We keep you informed throughout, so you’re never in the dark about where things stand.
No. New Jersey divides marital assets equitably, fairly but not necessarily equally. Our job is to make sure that division genuinely reflects what you’ve contributed and what you’re entitled to receive.
Filing for no-fault divorce means citing irreconcilable differences rather than proving that one spouse did something wrong. This typically reduces hostility and can move the process along more efficiently.
Fees vary based on the complexity of your case. Uncontested divorces tend to involve less attorney time and fewer court appearances. Contested divorces requiring expert witnesses, depositions, or multiple hearings are more involved. We walk you through our fee structure, including retainer amounts, hourly rates, and realistic cost expectations, so you can make informed decisions from day one.
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 proudly represent families in Garfield, Passaic, Clifton, and surrounding Passaic County communities, as well as Bergen, Hudson, and Essex Counties.
Barbara Cowen has practiced family law in New Jersey since 1981, a career spanning more than four decades and countless families guided through some of the most difficult legal moments of their lives. 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. She handles divorce, custody, support, domestic violence, and family mediation.
Sara is a New Jersey employment and personal injury attorney with 14 years of experience as a Superior Court arbitrator. She holds an LL.M. from NYU School of Law and brings significant 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 informs how she approaches each case, with precision, practical strategy, and the skill to advocate forcefully when the moment calls for it.
A fresh start is possible, but getting there takes careful, experienced legal guidance. At Cowen & Jacobs, we’ve helped families in Garfield and throughout New Jersey find their footing during some of the most challenging transitions of their lives. We’re here to do the same for you.
Contact us today to schedule your free, confidential consultation and take the next step with confidence.
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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