New Jersey Family and Divorce Law-Spears Family Law

Honesty

Empathy

Understanding


Our main goal has always been to provide our clients with exceptional legal care while treating them with respect, understanding, and compassion. At Hoffman Family Law, you are not just another client or case number. Here your concerns and goals mean something to our team.

Welcome to Hoffman Family Law

Hoffman Family Law was founded on treating clients as if they were family. We simply did not want anyone else to be treated the way we were in a sterile, non-caring environment. We feel deep empathy and compassion for you as you deal with life changing issues. Our firm treats clients like we would have liked to be treated during the divorce process. Quite simply, we put your needs as a client above our own.

This need to provide exceptional family friendly legal care has been carried on in the vision of our founder Melissa Hoffman under Hoffman Family Law. Under her guidance, the firm continues its long standing of treating you with compassion, understanding, dignity, and respect.

New Jersey Divorce & Family Law Attorney

What Our Clients Say

“Melissa is very knowledgeable and makes you feel like family when you’re with her! Highly recommend!”

“The best! Help with getting my son and always a call away!!”

“From the very first time I met with Melissa I felt right at home, and I felt like she really cared about my case. What started out as a simple enforcement of parenting time turned into so much more and Melissa was there every step! I am so thankful for having such a great lawyer!”

“Melissa was a savior to an otherwise legal disaster caused by another attorney. She solved my husband's disability pension in a divorce settlement that had gone south. I wish we hired her from the beginning because we know that we would have been well cared for. She is honest, tough, and a good negotiator. She is awesome, and I would use her again and again...Actually, I already am going to use her for our financial planning, trust and estate planning and wills. You will not go wrong with Melissa!”

“Really understanding when my son was in an accident and hit with a reckless driving charge. Helped us deal with the court system.”

“Melissa is a fantastic lawyer! We cannot thank her enough for everything she’s done for our family. She truly is very understanding and ensures that she’s there whenever you need her to be! I highly recommend her! She’s the best!”

New Jersey Family Law Practice

Divorce Services 

Divorce is a significant life event that requires careful handling of various legal aspects, from asset division to spousal support. Divorce for parents can be even more complicated, as things like child custody and child support must be considered. As leading divorce attorneys in New Jersey, we focus on providing compassionate and effective legal support throughout the divorce process. 

Equitable Distribution 

In New Jersey, the division of marital assets is based on the principle of equitable distribution. This means that assets and debts are divided fairly, though not necessarily equally. Our team meticulously analyzes your financial situation, considering factors such as the length of the marriage, each spouse's income, and future earning potential. We work tirelessly to ensure a fair and just division of assets, protecting your financial interests and setting the foundation for your future stability. 

Child Custody and Parenting Time 

Child custody is one of the most critical aspects of any divorce or separation. At Hoffman Family Law, our New Jersey family law lawyers are dedicated to creating custody arrangements that serve the best interests of your children. 

We understand that determining custody can be a highly emotional and contentious process. Our attorneys work closely with you to develop a custody plan that reflects your child's needs and promotes a healthy, stable environment. Whether you are seeking joint custody, sole custody, or modifications to an existing arrangement, our family law attorneys in New Jersey are here to guide you through every step. 

Parenting Time 

Establishing a fair and consistent parenting time schedule is crucial for maintaining strong parent-child relationships. We help negotiate and draft parenting time agreements that allow for meaningful, quality time with your children while minimizing disruptions to their daily routines. Our goal is to create a balanced schedule that supports the emotional well-being of your children while fostering positive co-parenting dynamics. 

Child and Spousal Support 

Financial support is essential for maintaining the standard of living and well-being of both the custodial parent and the children after a divorce. Our New Jersey family lawyers are experienced in handling child support cases, ensuring that support amounts are fair and sufficient to cover the child's needs. We consider factors such as the income of both parents, the needs of the child, and the custody arrangement to determine appropriate support levels. 

Spousal support, or alimony, is designed to help the lower-earning spouse maintain a similar standard of living post-divorce. Our team works to negotiate fair alimony agreements, taking into account the duration of the marriage, the financial situation of both parties, and the contributions made by each spouse during the marriage. 

Antenuptial Agreements 

An antenuptial, or prenuptial, agreement is a valuable tool for protecting your assets and clarifying financial arrangements before marriage. Our NJ family law attorneys are skilled in drafting and reviewing prenuptial agreements that safeguard your interests and provide peace of mind. By clearly outlining the division of assets and financial responsibilities, we help you enter your marriage with confidence and transparency. 

Domestic Violence: Ensuring Safety and Legal Protection 

At Hoffman Family Law, we prioritize the safety and well-being of our clients. If you or your children are experiencing domestic violence, our experienced attorneys are here to provide immediate legal assistance. We help you obtain restraining orders, navigate the legal system, and connect you with necessary resources to ensure your safety and protection. Our compassionate approach ensures that you receive the support and guidance needed during this difficult time. 

Landlord-Tenant Relations 

Divorce can complicate landlord-tenant relationships, especially when rental properties are involved. Our New Jersey family law firm assists clients in addressing landlord-tenant issues that arise during divorce proceedings. Whether you are a landlord seeking to protect your property interests or a tenant concerned about lease agreements, our attorneys provide custom legal guidance to ensure your rights are upheld. 

Bankruptcy During Divorce 

Bankruptcy during a divorce adds an extra layer of complexity to an already challenging situation. Our New Jersey divorce lawyers are adept at navigating the intersection of bankruptcy and divorce, helping you understand the implications for asset division, spousal support, and debt obligations. We provide comprehensive advice on how to manage your financial situation effectively, ensuring that your interests are protected throughout the process. 

Mortgage Foreclosure 

Facing mortgage foreclosure during a divorce can be overwhelming. Our family law attorneys in New Jersey offer highly personalized guidance to help you explore your options and protect your home. We work with you to develop strategies for avoiding foreclosure, negotiating with lenders, and finding solutions that safeguard your financial future. 

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Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Family law is a legal practice area that focuses on issues that affect families and domestic relationships. These can include divorce, child custody and visitation, child support, alimony, adoption, and property division.

  • While it is possible to file for divorce without an attorney, it is recommended that you work with a family law attorney, especially if your case is complex or involves disputes over child custody, property division, or alimony. An attorney can provide you with legal guidance and help ensure that your rights and interests are protected throughout the divorce process.

  • The length of time it takes to get a divorce can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the willingness of the parties to work together to reach a settlement. In New Jersey, the minimum waiting period for a divorce is 60 days, but it can take several months or even years to finalize a divorce, especially if the case goes to trial.

  • In New Jersey, there are several legal grounds for divorce, including irreconcilable differences, adultery, extreme cruelty, separation, desertion, and addiction. Irreconcilable differences is the most common ground for divorce and does not require proof of fault or wrongdoing by either party.

  • Family law cases can involve a wide range of issues, including divorce, child custody and visitation, child support, alimony, adoption, domestic violence, and property division.

  • Family law cases are typically filed in the county where you or your spouse reside. You can find information about the county family court and filing procedures on the New Jersey Courts website.

  • The cost of a family law attorney can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the attorney's experience and hourly rate. Many attorneys charge an hourly rate for their services and require a retainer fee upfront. It is important to discuss fees and payment options with your attorney before hiring them.

  • If you are considering filing for divorce or have a family law issue that you need assistance with, the first step is to consult with an experienced family law attorney. They can help you understand your rights and options and provide you with guidance on how to proceed.