Contested Divorce Lawyer Passaic County, NJ

You and your spouse stopped sharing a household months ago. You have tried — through mediation, through your attorneys, or on your own — to reach a settlement, but every conversation about parenting time, the family home, or retirement accounts stalls. Both sides have now retained counsel, and you realize the matter is headed for trial in Passaic County. A contested divorce in New Jersey is not merely a longer version of an uncontested case; it is a separate procedural track with mandatory financial disclosures, a mandatory Early Settlement Panel, and, if necessary, a trial before the Superior Court of New Jersey, Chancery Division — Family Part. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., represents individuals in contested divorce proceedings across Passaic County. His experience includes complex equitable distribution matters, high-net-worth asset division, business-valuation disputes, and custody litigation. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary. To discuss your situation and learn how the firm approaches contested family law cases, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.

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What Contested Divorce Means in Passaic County, New Jersey

Contested divorce in New Jersey arises when the parties cannot agree on one or more issues — the grounds for divorce, child custody, parenting time, child support, alimony, or the division of marital property. New Jersey is an equitable distribution state; the court does not automatically split assets equally but instead considers statutory factors to reach a fair outcome. Passaic County family law matters proceed in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Chancery Division — Family Part, which sits at 77 Hamilton Street, Paterson, as part of the 11^th Vicinage. Contested matters in this court follow a structured path: after the complaint is filed and served, both parties must exchange Case Information Statements — detailed financial disclosures required under the New Jersey Court Rules — and attend a Case Management Conference where the judge sets discovery deadlines. Before a trial date is set, the court typically refers the case to the Early Settlement Panel, a panel of experienced family lawyers who hear abbreviated presentations from each side and recommend a settlement. This process, unique to New Jersey, resolves many cases without trial, but when an agreement cannot be reached, the case proceeds to an Intensive Settlement Conference and, if necessary, trial.

Contested divorces in Passaic County frequently involve disputes over business valuation, stock options, professional practices, and real estate holdings. The 2014 alimony reform — which limits durational alimony to the length of the marriage for marriages shorter than 20 years — often becomes a central point of contention. Custody matters are evaluated under the trusted-interests standard with 14 statutory factors. Because no two contested cases present the same financial or parenting landscape, an experienced lawyer who understands the local court culture and the procedural milestones can help you make informed decisions at every stage.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Contested Divorce Cases

Mr. Sris approaches each contested divorce by first developing a clear understanding of the client’s priorities — whether that means preserving a business, securing a specific parenting plan, or achieving a fair division of retirement assets. He works closely with financial professionals and valuation attorneys as needed to identify and properly classify marital and separate property. Because the mandatory Early Settlement Panel presentation is often the most critical event short of trial, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel prepare thoroughly, presenting a concise, evidence-supported summary of the client’s position to the panel. If the panel’s recommendation does not lead to settlement, the team is prepared to take the case to trial, drawing on extensive courtroom experience before the Passaic County Family Part and other New Jersey vicinages.

The team handles the full spectrum of contested issues: challenges to the grounds for divorce, cross-motions for pendente lite support and custody, requests for exclusive possession of the marital home, and the division of complex assets. Throughout the process, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to protect the client’s interests while seeking opportunities to narrow the contested issues and reduce the cost and emotional toll of prolonged litigation. Every strategic decision is made in consultation with the client, and the firm does not guarantee any particular outcome; Results may vary. Depending on the specific facts and the court’s determination.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced family law since the firm’s founding in 1997. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His background as a former prosecutor gives him a practical understanding of how cases are built and litigated, experience he brings to contested family law matters. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary.

Mr. Sris is supported by a team of Of Counsel attorneys, all of whom are engaged through Excella and share the firm’s commitment to focused, client-centered representation. The Of Counsel team contributes experience across multiple states and practice areas, adding depth to the firm’s ability to handle complex contested divorces that may involve cross-jurisdictional property, business interests, or custody disputes. Because every attorney who works on a matter is an Of Counsel with substantial professional experience, clients benefit from a collaborative approach without the overhead of a large-firm structure.

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Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder

Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York

Practicing since 1997

Frequently Asked Questions About Contested Divorce in Passaic County

How does alimony get determined in a Passaic County contested divorce?

Alimony in New Jersey is calculated under the 2014 alimony reform statute, which considers the length of the marriage, each spouse’s earning capacity, and the marital standard of living. For marriages under 20 years, durational alimony is limited to the length of the marriage. Open durational alimony may be awarded for marriages of 20 years or longer. Cohabitation, remarriage, or a substantial change in circumstances can support a motion to modify or terminate alimony. The Passaic County Family Part judge will examine the statutory factors after hearing evidence and argument. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can explain how these rules apply to your financial situation.

What is the Early Settlement Panel and how does it affect a contested divorce in Passaic County?

The Early Settlement Panel is a mandatory settlement conference in New Jersey contested divorce cases where a panel of experienced family lawyers hears each side’s position and recommends a settlement. The panelists are not judges, but their evaluation often gives both parties a realistic view of how a judge might rule at trial. The session typically occurs after discovery has progressed and before a trial date is scheduled. While the panel’s recommendation is non-binding, many Passaic County cases resolve at or shortly after the ESP. Mr. Sris prepares thoroughly for the panel presentation to maximize the chance of a favorable resolution at that stage.

Do I need a lawyer for a contested divorce in Passaic County?

You are not legally required to have an attorney, but representing yourself in a contested divorce where significant assets, custody, or support are at stake is extraordinarily difficult. New Jersey’s court rules impose detailed procedural obligations, including mandatory financial disclosures and strict deadlines. Missing a filing or failing to properly present evidence can permanently prejudice your case. An experienced attorney can handle the procedural demands, negotiate with the other side, and present your position effectively. To discuss whether representation is right for your situation, you can reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

How is child custody determined in a Passaic County contested divorce?

New Jersey applies the “best interests of the child” standard, evaluating 14 statutory factors. The court considers each parent’s relationship with the child, the child’s needs, the stability of the home environment, each parent’s willingness to facilitate the other’s parenting time, and any history of domestic violence. No presumption favors one parent over the other. In Passaic County, the Family Part judge may appoint a custody evaluator or parenting coordinator in high-conflict cases. Custody decisions are modifiable post-judgment if circumstances change, but the initial determination carries significant weight. An attorney can present evidence supporting your proposed parenting plan and cross-examine expert witnesses if necessary.

What are the grounds for a contested divorce in New Jersey?

New Jersey allows divorce on both fault and no-fault grounds; the most commonly used no-fault ground is irreconcilable differences for at least six months. Fault grounds include adultery, desertion, extreme cruelty, addiction, institutionalization, and imprisonment. A contested divorce may involve a dispute over the alleged grounds, although many parties now proceed on no-fault grounds even when fault conduct exists to avoid additional litigation. The choice of grounds can influence alimony and equitable distribution in some cases. Mr. Sris can evaluate whether asserting fault grounds serves your financial or custody objectives in Passaic County.

Last reviewed: June 2026

Contested Divorce Resources in Passaic County

Statutory Authority & Court Information

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Attorney responsible for this advertising: Mr. Sris. Results may vary. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — New Jersey Location: by appointment only, 44 Apple St, 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724. Call (888) 437-7747 to schedule.

Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.