Divorce

Princeton Lawyer: Divorce

Marriage and civil unions are powerful legal and economic institutions. Dissolution is an emotionally difficult process that involves significant financial and personal risks for those involved. At Hanan M. Isaacs, P.C., our attorneys counsel and advocate for clients navigating divorce proceedings, protecting their interests and the welfare of their children. If you need a divorce or dissolution of a civil union, we strongly recommend that you consult with our attorneys at the first opportunity, certainly before discussing terms of a settlement agreement with your spouse or civil partner. If you would like to speak with a member of our firm, please contact our Princeton, New Jersey, office to arrange a consultation.

Financial aspects of dissolution and divorce

Financially, divorces and dissolutions of civil unions are similar to dissolution of a business. It is extremely important that all combined assets and debts are accurately classified and valued prior to the equitable distribution process. The terms of the property settlement agreement, alimony and child support should be negotiated in light of long-term tax consequences and any special circumstances. Depending on our client's situation, our lawyers may call on top accounting forensics experts, certified public accountants and financial advisors to assist in the process.

Divorce and dissolution: mediation or trial?

Uncontrolled legal expenses are an unnecessary drain on the partnership estate, and litigation is an emotionally exhausting process. Attorney Hanan Isaacs was an early advocate of mediation and other alternative dispute resolution processes as the least harmful, most economical approach to resolving all or some of the points of disagreement during dissolution and divorce. These collaborative processes are only appropriate, however, if both spouses are willing to work together in a neutral environment. When it is necessary to protect our client's best interests, Mr. Isaacs and attorney Keith Hofmann, both experienced and successful advocates, are prepared to represent our clients in mediation, arbitration, or before the trial courts.

Protecting children during dissolution

If parties have a child or children together, it is critical that they make every effort to reduce or avoid conflict during dissolution, instead focusing on building a new co-parenting relationship. This may seem impossible, because divorce often results from a series of disappointments and a general breakdown of trust and communication. But through the guidance of mediators and attorneys committed to the use of collaborative methods in arriving at child custody and support agreements, many couples overcome those hurdles while protecting their individual parental rights.

When can I file for divorce in New Jersey?

Depending on the grounds for dissolution or divorce — irreconcilable differences, adultery, chronic alcohol or drug abuse, abandonment, or other grounds —our lawyers will file your petition for divorce immediately. Every situation is unique and should be evaluated by a lawyer with extensive experience in New Jersey family law. Our firm assists clients with divorce and all related matters, including:

• Alternative Dispute Resolution
• Custody & Parenting Time
• Child Support
• Child Removal/Relocation
• Modifications and Enforcement
• Domestic Violence
• Alimony/Spousal Support
• Equitable Distribution

If you would like to speak to a member of our firm regarding divorce or dissolution of a civil union, or have any other question about our practice, please contact our office to arrange a consultation. We accept credit cards and offer general appointments from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, plus evening appointments during the week by pre-arrangement only.

Significant Cases 

• Fawzy v. Fawzy 199 N.J. 256 (2009) (click here to view the case)
• Giglio v. Roe, Superior Court of New Jersey, Law Division (2007)
• Isaacson v. Isaacson, 348 N.J. Super. 560 (App. Div.), certif. denied, 174 N.J. 364 (2002)
• Petition for Certification