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 Teaneck, NJ

Fighting For Your Future with 35+ Years of Legal Experience

Protect Your Family & Your Future with A Divorce Attorney

When the structure of your family life is shifting, you need a divorce lawyer in Teaneck to make your most stressful transitions easier.

At Cowen & Jacobs, we understand what’s at stake, and we know how to fight for it. With more than 35 years of family law experience and an office just minutes from the Bergen County Justice Center in Hackensack, we’re well-positioned to protect what matters most to you.

Whether you’re facing a straightforward divorce or a high-conflict case involving significant assets, contested custody, or years of unresolved tension, our divorce lawyers are honest and genuinely invested in your outcome.

Ready to take the first step? Schedule a free, confidential consultation today.

Understanding The Divorce Process in New Jersey

Divorce can feel unpredictable. One of the most valuable things we can do before getting into the specifics of your case is make sure you understand what’s coming.

A Typical Divorce Timeline

New Jersey courts work toward resolving most divorce cases within 12 months of filing. Uncontested cases where both spouses agree on the main issues often conclude in six to eight months.

Contested cases involving disputed custody, business valuations, or complex asset division take longer. Court scheduling can add time as well, particularly when expert testimony or multiple court appearances are required.

The 7 Stages of Divorce

Filing the Complaint. The spouse initiating the divorce files a complaint with the Superior Court Family Division. The other spouse must be served within 60 days.
Case Management Conference. Both parties appear before a judge at the Bergen County Courthouse to outline contested issues, set a discovery schedule, and establish deadlines.
Discovery. Financial records are exchanged in detail. Both spouses submit a Case Information Statement along with tax returns, bank records, property valuations, and any relevant business documentation.
Settlement Negotiations. Most divorces are resolved during this phase. Your attorney negotiates on your behalf to reach a fair resolution without going to trial.
Early Settlement Panel. When negotiations reach an impasse, the Bergen County Early Settlement Panel steps in. A panel of experienced attorneys reviews the case and offers recommendations grounded in local court expectations.
Economic Mediation. The court may order mediation before trial. A neutral third party facilitates discussion on financial issues, and in Bergen County, the first two hours of mediation are provided at no cost.
Trial. If all other options are exhausted, the case goes before a judge, who issues a binding judgment on all unresolved matters.

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

Helping You Breathe Easier Through Stressful Transitions

Divorce is hard enough without feeling lost in the legal process. These are the areas where we step in, take the weight off your shoulders, and go to work for you.

Child Custody & Parenting Disputes

Courts determine custody and parenting arrangements based on the best interests of the child, looking at stability, parental involvement, the quality of each parent’s relationship with the child, and the child’s own needs and routines. We help you understand your legal position and build a case that reflects everything you bring to your children’s lives.

Child Support

New Jersey’s child support calculation is based on both parents’ incomes, the number of children, and the parenting time each parent has. We work to make sure the calculation reflects the accurate financial picture from day one.

Alimony & Spousal Support

When determining alimony amounts, judges consider:

How long you were married
What each spouse earned and contributed
What each person can reasonably expect going forward

We analyze every relevant factor and advocate for an outcome that doesn’t just seem fair on paper, but actually is, given the specific facts of your marriage.

Property Division & Asset Protection

New Jersey distributes marital property equitably, not automatically equally. We work with financial experts when needed to make sure the following assets are properly identified, accurately valued, and fairly allocated:

Business valuations and partnership interests
Stock options, restricted shares, and deferred compensation
Pension plans and retirement accounts (including QDROs)
Real estate, investment properties, and rental income
Tax consequences of proposed division plans

Prenuptial Agreement Review

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 by both parties. We review these agreements carefully, identifying whether they’re enforceable, where they may be open to challenge, and how they should factor into your overall legal strategy.

Domestic Violence Protection

If your safety or your children’s safety is at risk, that takes precedence over everything else. Our domestic violence attorneys help you obtain emergency restraining orders under New Jersey’s Prevention of Domestic Violence Act and protect your best interests at every step.

Why Families in Teaneck Rely on Cowen & Jacobs

We’ve been part of your community for over 35 years, and we’ve handled every kind of family law matter. That experience means we know how to read a situation, anticipate what’s coming, and prepare you for it.

Here’s why families in Allendale, Fort Lee, and Garfield rely on our attorneys:

More than 35 years of family law practice in New Jersey
Attorneys who are accessible, responsive, and direct
Thorough knowledge of Bergen County’s courts and procedures
A commitment to honest counsel, even when the truth is difficult
Fierce advocacy at every stage: negotiation, mediation, and trial

Questions About The Divorce Process? Our Attorneys Have Answers

How does the court determine alimony?

New Jersey courts look at several factors when determining alimony:

The duration of the marriage
Both spouses’ incomes and earning potential
The lifestyle the couple maintained
The contributions each person made, whether financial, professional, or as a caregiver

Property division can also affect alimony, particularly in cases involving high-value assets. We help you build a clear, evidence-backed argument for the right outcome.

Are prenuptial agreements enforceable in New Jersey?

Yes, when properly executed. A valid prenuptial agreement requires voluntary agreement and full financial disclosure from both parties, in accordance with the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act. If a court determines that the agreement was signed under pressure or that material financial information was withheld, it may not hold up.

How long will my divorce take?

Every case is different. Uncontested divorces in New Jersey can be resolved in a matter of months, while contested cases involving custody or significant financial complexity can take considerably longer. We keep you informed throughout the process so there are no surprises.

Is New Jersey a 50/50 state?

No. New Jersey uses equitable distribution, which means the court divides marital assets fairly based on the full circumstances of the marriage, not automatically down the middle.

How does no-fault divorce affect my case?

A no-fault divorce allows you to cite irreconcilable differences without attributing blame to either spouse. This approach tends to reduce conflict and move the process along more efficiently.

How much does it cost to hire a divorce lawyer?

Legal fees in divorce cases depend largely on the level of dispute involved. Uncontested divorces require less attorney time and fewer court appearances. Contested cases involving multiple hearings, financial experts, or complex negotiations take more time and carry higher costs. At Cowen & Jacobs, we’re upfront about fees from the start.

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.

Serving Families in The Following New Jersey Communities

We represent clients in Teaneck, Hackensack, Englewood, 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 in Divorce: Our Lawyers

Barbara E. Cowen

Barbara has been representing New Jersey families in family law matters since 1981. She earned her J.D. cum laude from Pace University School of Law and her B.A. summa cum laude from the University of Cincinnati, and began her legal career as a law clerk for the New Jersey Superior Court. Her practice spans divorce, custody, support, domestic violence, and mediation, and her reputation is built on four decades of combining precise legal work with genuine care for the people she represents.

Sara Jacobs

Sara is an 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 has spent her career developing deep expertise in both litigation and alternative dispute resolution. Sara teaches as an adjunct professor and serves in leadership roles across bar and women’s law associations in New Jersey. In every case she handles, she brings the same qualities: clear strategy, thorough preparation, and the resolve to see it through.

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

You have more at stake than a legal outcome. You have a family to protect, a financial future to secure, and a life on the other side of this that deserves to start on solid ground. At Cowen & Jacobs, we’ve been helping Teaneck and Bergen County families do exactly that for more than 35 years.

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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