Family Lawyer Bergen County, NJ
Family law matters in Bergen County, New Jersey, require careful attention to local court procedures and the state’s framework for divorce, custody, support, and equitable distribution. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., practicing since 1997, represents individuals in all aspects of family law before the Superior Court of New Jersey, Chancery Division — Family Part. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder, leads a team of Of Counsel attorneys who serve clients throughout Bergen County, including Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, Ridgewood, and other communities. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have documented over 4,739 case results since 1997. Results may vary. For a consultation, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.
Understanding Family Law in Bergen County, New Jersey
New Jersey is an equitable distribution state. When a marriage ends, marital property is divided fairly — not necessarily equally — based on statutory factors that include the duration of the marriage, each spouse’s economic circumstances, and the contributions each made to the marital estate. The state allows no‑fault divorce on the ground of irreconcilable differences after the parties have lived separate and apart for at least six months. Fault‑based grounds remain available but are rarely the most efficient path. Alimony in New Jersey was reformed in 2014, limiting durational alimony to the length of the marriage for marriages under 20 years and permitting open‑durational alimony for longer marriages. These changes affect how support awards are calculated and modified.
Bergen County family law cases are generally heard in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Chancery Division — Family Part, located at 10 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601. The court requires both parties to submit Case Information Statements and routinely refers cases to the Early Settlement Panel, a mandatory program in which experienced retired judges review each party’s position and recommend settlement terms. This unique New Jersey procedure often resolves cases without the need for a trial. A Case Management Conference establishes discovery schedules, and in high‑conflict custody disputes, a parenting coordinator may be appointed. Understanding these local practices helps clients approach their matter with a clear sense of what to expect.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Approach Family Law in Bergen County
Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, founded the firm in 1997 and has concentrated his practice on family law in New Jersey alongside his Of Counsel team. They bring over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Results may vary. The firm’s approach emphasizes thorough preparation, a clear explanation of the statutory factors that guide a court’s decision, and strategic negotiation aimed at resolving disputes efficiently. Whether a matter is an uncontested divorce, a contested custody battle, or a complex high‑net‑worth equitable distribution involving business valuations or stock options, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel clients receive step‑by‑step guidance through each stage of the proceeding.
The firm’s familiarity with the Bergen County Family Part allows it to present cases effectively at every procedural stage — from the initial filing and pendente lite application to the Early Settlement Panel, intensive settlement conference, and, when necessary, trial. While every case is different, the team works toward favorable outcomes by identifying the key statutory factors early and building a record that aligns with the trusted‑interests standard in custody matters, the income‑shares model for child support, and the equitable‑distribution calculus for property division. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., he is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York and has been representing clients since 1997. 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 informs his ability to analyze legal issues from multiple perspectives and to develop strategies that account for how opposing counsel and the court are likely to view the facts.
Mr. Sris works alongside Of Counsel attorneys who collectively contribute extensive experience in family law. The firm’s collaborative structure allows it to handle a wide range of family law matters — from straightforward uncontested agreements to litigation involving complex asset division, custody evaluations, and international elements. All attorneys work under the supervision of Mr. Sris to ensure consistent representation tailored to each client’s circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a divorce take in Bergen County, New Jersey?
Uncontested divorces generally resolve more quickly than contested ones, depending on court scheduling and case complexity. In New Jersey, the mandatory Early Settlement Panel in Bergen County helps many couples reach an agreement before trial. Cases with custody, support, or property disputes require extensive discovery and may move through a Case Management Conference, settlement conferences, and possibly a trial. While the court works to keep matters moving, the actual timeline varies significantly by the parties’ cooperation and the issues in dispute. An experienced family law attorney can help you understand the procedural steps and set realistic expectations.
How much does a divorce cost in Bergen County, New Jersey?
Attorney fees in New Jersey divorce cases vary widely based on whether the matter is contested or uncontested and the complexity of the issues. An uncontested divorce often involves a fixed fee or limited hourly work, while contested cases — particularly those requiring custody evaluations, business valuations, or expert testimony — involve greater expense. The firm discusses fee structure at the initial consultation so that clients can make informed decisions. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to schedule an appointment and learn about the projected scope of representation.
How is alimony calculated in New Jersey?
New Jersey alimony is determined under the 2014 alimony reform statute, which emphasizes the length of the marriage and the parties’ financial circumstances. Durational alimony for marriages under 20 years is limited to the length of the marriage, while open‑durational alimony may be awarded for marriages of 20 years or more. The court considers statutory factors such as earning capacity, the standard of living during the marriage, the age and health of each spouse, and parental responsibilities. Cohabitation or changes in financial circumstances can later support a modification motion. Because each case turns on its specific facts, a thorough presentation of financial evidence is essential.
How does child custody work in Bergen County, New Jersey?
New Jersey custody decisions are based on the best interests of the child, evaluated through 14 statutory factors with no presumption favoring either parent. The Bergen County Family Part applies these factors to determine legal and physical custody. The court may appoint a parenting coordinator in high‑conflict cases and often requires parents to attend the “Children in the Middle” program. A well-prepared custody case includes evidence related to each factor, such as the parent‑child relationship, the stability of the home environment, and each parent’s willingness to facilitate the other’s relationship with the child. An experienced attorney can help organize that evidence and present it to the court.
What is the difference between contested and uncontested divorce?
An uncontested divorce occurs when both spouses agree on all terms — including property division, custody, and support — while a contested divorce requires the court to resolve one or more disputes. In Bergen County, an uncontested divorce can proceed more quickly, often with a single court appearance after the mandatory separation period and filing of a settlement agreement. Contested divorces involve hearings, discovery, and possibly a trial, with the judge making the final decisions on unresolved issues. Even in contested cases, the Early Settlement Panel frequently leads to a negotiated resolution, reducing the time and expense that a trial would require.
Do I need a lawyer for a family law matter in Bergen County?
While you are not legally required to hire a lawyer, family law cases involve significant rights — such as parenting time, property division, and support obligations — that warrant professional guidance. An attorney can help you understand New Jersey’s equitable distribution rules, alimony framework, and custody factors, and can manage procedural requirements like the Case Information Statement and Early Settlement Panel. Representing yourself in a contested matter carries the risk of waiving important arguments or missing court deadlines. To discuss whether representation is right for your situation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Additional resources: New Jersey Courts Bergen Vicinage · New Jersey Legislature
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Attorney responsible for this advertising: Mr. Sris.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.