Monmouth County Family Law Attorney

Family legal matters are rarely just about the law—they’re about your children, your financial security, and your future. Whether you’re going through a divorce, fighting for custody, or dealing with support issues, these cases involve the most important relationships and assets in your life.

New Jersey family courts see hundreds of cases every month, but yours isn’t just another file number. The decisions made in your case will affect you and your family for years to come, which is why having an attorney who understands both the legal complexities and the personal stakes is essential.

Attorney Kristen Epifania approaches family law cases with the understanding that every family’s situation is different. What works for one client may not be the right solution for another, and cookie-cutter approaches rarely address the real concerns families face during these difficult transitions.

From negotiating fair settlements to protecting parental rights in court, Kristen focuses on achieving outcomes that serve her clients’ long-term interests and, when children are involved, their best interests as well. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Division of Property

Dividing property during a divorce in New Jersey is not always a 50/50 split. The state follows an equitable distribution model, so marital assets and any other debts are divided fairly, but not necessarily equally. Several factors are considered, including the duration of the marriage, each spouse’s finances, and each party’s contribution to the marital property.

The process begins with identifying what is marital property and what is separate property. In general, assets and debts incurred during the marriage are regarded as marital property, while anything owned or owed by either spouse before the marriage is considered separate property. However, there are exceptions to these rules and nuances that can complicate matters. For instance, anything inherited by one spouse after marriage may be determined as separate property, unless it was commingled with marital assets. Property acquired prior to the marriage may also be considered marital property if it was purchased in contemplation of the marriage, such as a home that was purchased just months before the wedding date to be utilized as the marital home.

Child Custody & Parenting Time

Child custody disputes can be some of the most emotionally charged issues in family law. The thought of not being able to see your child every day can be heart-wrenching. In New Jersey, custody includes legal custody (decision-making) and physical custody (residential). Courts often favor joint legal custody, though physical custody may be shared or primarily with one parent. The parent with less residential time usually receives a structured parenting-time schedule.

In New Jersey, courts prioritize the best interests of the child and will consider a variety of factors to determine what that may be. This includes, though is not limited to, considering each parent’s ability to communicate and cooperate regarding matters relating to the child, the stability of each parent’s home environment, and the child’s needs.

Child Support & Alimony

Child support and alimony are often contentious issues in a divorce. Child support makes sure that both parents contribute to the needs of their children. In New Jersey, child support amounts are generally determined by the New Jersey Child Support Guidelines. Factors such as each parent’s wages, the number of children, and the custody arrangement are all taken into account.

Alimony helps a lower-earning spouse transition after divorce and is essential to ensure that each spouse has the ability to maintain the marital lifestyle post divorce. However, the parties must remember that the ultimate goal is fairness, not necessarily an identical lifestyle. Factors considered in determining alimony include the duration of the marriage, each spouse’s earning capacity, and the standard of living established during the marriage. Though there is no exact formula, an alimony determination is often reached by calculating the difference between the annual income of each spouse, and then calculating a payment ranging between 20% and 25% of that income difference. Every alimony determination will be case specific.

Domestic Violence and Restraining Orders

When dealing with domestic violence matters, New Jersey courts take swift and immediate action. New Jersey law provides certain protections for victims of domestic violence and provides a path to obtain a restraining order against an abusive partner or family member.

A restraining order will prevent the named defendant from contacting you, coming near you or your home/workplace, or harassing you in any way. It can also grant temporary custody of children and provide for temporary child support. Alternatively, if you are a named defendant and a restraining order is issued against you, you can lose access to your home, your children, and can face serious consequences if there is an alleged violation, including jail time.

In New Jersey, once a Final Restraining Order is issued, it is permanent absent certain circumstances. The Law Office of Kristen Epifania knows how urgent these situations can be. We’re committed to providing prompt assistance to all matters of domestic violence.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

Dealing with family law issues can keep you awake at night. But you don’t have to face these challenges alone. New Jersey family law attorney Kristen Epifania is here to provide the legal support and guidance you need during this difficult time.

Whether you’re dealing with divorce, child custody disputes, child support, alimony issues, or domestic violence, we can help. Let’s discuss how we can achieve the best possible outcome for your case. Contact us today for a free consultation.