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.

Are prenuptial agreements enforceable in New Jersey?

Yes, as long as the agreement follows the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act (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.

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.

Is New Jersey a 50/50 state?

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.

How does no-fault divorce affect my case?

No-fault divorce allows couples to end their marriage by citing irreconcilable differences without proving wrongdoing, which 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.

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 divorce becomes a real possibility, your choices can affect your children, finances, home, and future stability.

At Cowen & Jacobs, our divorce lawyers in Teaneck help residents prepare for the issues that often define divorce cases, including custody, support, alimony, equitable distribution, and settlement. With more than 35 years of family law experience and an office minutes from the Bergen County Justice Center in Hackensack, we guide you through the local court process with focus and care.

Whether your case is straightforward or complex, our attorneys give you honest counsel, careful preparation, and strong advocacy from the beginning.

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

What Happens During a New Jersey Divorce

Divorce can feel unpredictable, but most cases follow a structured legal process. New Jersey courts work toward resolving most divorce cases within 12 months of filing, though uncontested cases may move faster and contested cases involving custody, business valuations, or complex assets often take longer.

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 involves more than ending a marriage. It requires decisions about parenting, support, property, safety, and future financial stability. We help you understand how each issue fits into the larger divorce process, then build a strategy around the facts of your case.

Child Custody & Parenting Disputes

Custody decisions often become one of the most important parts of a divorce. We help you address parenting time, decision-making authority, routines, stability, and your child’s best interests so your custody position is clear, practical, and supported by the facts.

Child Support

Child support is usually tied closely to custody and parenting time during divorce. We help make sure income, overnights, childcare costs, health insurance, and other relevant financial details are accurately presented before support is calculated or negotiated.

Alimony & Spousal Support

Alimony can affect both your immediate budget and long-term financial planning after divorce. We review the length of the marriage, each spouse’s income, earning capacity, lifestyle, and contributions so support is evaluated in context, not treated as a one-size-fits-all number.

Property Division & Asset Protection

Property division is a central part of most divorce cases. We help identify, value, and protect marital assets such as real estate, retirement accounts, business interests, investments, deferred compensation, and other property that may affect your final settlement.

Prenuptial Agreement Review

If a prenuptial agreement is involved, it can shape how property, support, and other financial issues are handled during divorce. We review the agreement, disclosure history, and circumstances around signing to determine how it may affect your legal strategy.

Domestic Violence Protection

When domestic violence is part of a divorce, safety and court protection must be addressed immediately. We help clients seek emergency relief, understand restraining order proceedings, and account for how safety concerns may affect custody, housing, and communication during the case.

Why Families in Teaneck Rely on Cowen & Jacobs

Cowen & Jacobs brings more than 35 years of New Jersey family law experience to Teaneck-area divorce cases, with an office minutes from the Bergen County Justice Center in Hackensack. Clients choose our firm for:

Barbara E. Cowen’s New Jersey licensure since 1981
Bergen County Superior Court clerkship experience
Bergen County Ethics Committee service
NJ Courts listing as a Bergen County family law economic mediator
Lawyers.com Gold Client Champion and Distinguished Peer Rated recognition

That experience supports the work divorce clients need most: clear communication, settlement strategy, custody and support guidance, and preparation for contested financial or parenting issues.

Questions About The Divorce Process? Our Attorneys Have Answers

Where are Teaneck divorce cases handled?

Divorce cases for Teaneck residents are typically handled through the Family Division of the Superior Court in Bergen County, located in Hackensack.

What should I bring to my first divorce consultation?

Bring any court papers, financial records, prenuptial agreements, custody concerns, and a list of questions. Even partial information can help us understand your next steps.

Can I file for divorce if my spouse and I still live together?

Yes. Many spouses begin the divorce process while still living in the same home. We can help you understand how that may affect custody, finances, and temporary arrangements.

What if my spouse will not cooperate with the divorce?

A spouse cannot usually stop the divorce by refusing to participate. The court process can still move forward, though delays and added steps may be necessary.

Do I need a lawyer if we agree on most issues?

Even when you agree on major terms, an attorney can help identify gaps, protect your rights, and make sure the final agreement is clear and enforceable.

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

Divorce Guidance Backed by Experienced Legal Advocates

Barbara E. Cowen

Barbara has represented New Jersey clients in emotionally charged family matters since 1981. Her divorce-related work includes child custody, child support, spousal support, visitation, domestic violence, prenuptial agreements, post-divorce enforcement, litigation, and divorce mediation. With a background that includes a New Jersey Superior Court clerkship in Bergen County, she brings steady guidance, careful preparation, and practical legal judgment to each stage of the divorce process.

Sara Jacobs

Sara brings decades of litigation and alternative dispute resolution experience to cases where strategy, negotiation, and preparation matter. Her background as a Superior Court Bergen County arbitrator and independent arbitrator gives her a strong understanding of how disputes can be evaluated, negotiated, and resolved efficiently. For divorce clients, that perspective can be especially valuable when settlement, mediation, or contested issues require a clear path forward.

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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