COMPASSIONATE AND SKILLED NEW JERSEY FAMILY LAW ATTORNEY FOCUSED ON ACHIEVING THE OUTCOMES IMPORTANT TO YOUR FAMILY

Experienced Legal Guidance Tailored to You

Affordable solutions for your Family Law and Estate Planning needs. Rosey Law offers personalized attention from an experienced attorney, focused solely on your unique situation. As a virtual, online-based legal firm, we cut unnecessary expenses – and pass the savings directly to you. You’ll save money while getting the individualized help you need.

Michael B. Rosenberg represents clients throughout New Jersey.

Lets discuss how I can help you today.

Request A Confidential Consultation

A Client-Centered Approach To Family Law

At Rosey Law,  I recognize that family law matters are deeply personal and can evoke a wide range of emotions. I am here to provide not only legal guidance but also empathetic support throughout your journey. I listen attentively, seek to understand your unique circumstances, and offer guidance tailored to your specific needs. I firmly believe that the focus should always be on preserving and nurturing the bonds that matter most.  My goal is to help you navigate the complexities of family law with clarity and peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

While proceedings can vary depending on individual circumstances and the complexity of the case, the normal sequence of a divorce case is as follows.

  1. Initial Consultation: Meet with a family law attorney to discuss your situation, rights, and options. They can provide guidance and answer any questions you may have about the process.
  2. Petition for Divorce: File a complaint for divorce with the appropriate New Jersey Family Court. The complaint outlines the grounds for divorce and any additional claims such as child custody, child support, alimony, and property division.
  3. Serving the Complaint: The complaint and summons must be properly served to your spouse by a process server or other acceptable means. This notifies your spouse of the divorce proceedings.
  4. Response: Your spouse has a specific time frame to respond to the complaint once served. They can either file an answer or a counterclaim, addressing the issues raised in the complaint.
  5. Temporary Orders: If needed, you or your spouse can request temporary orders regarding child custody, child support, alimony, or the use of marital property during the divorce process. These orders are designed to provide stability until the final divorce settlement.
  6. Discovery: Both parties engage in the discovery process, where they gather and exchange information relevant to the case. This may involve requesting financial documents, property valuations, and other relevant records.
  7. Matrimonial Early Settlement Panel: a Matrimonial Early Settlement Panel (MESP) is a court-appointed panel consisting of experienced family law attorneys. Its purpose is to assist couples in resolving their divorce-related financial disputes before going to trial. The MESP is convened to review the issues in the case and make non-binding recommendations for settlement. The panel’s goal is to encourage the parties to reach a mutually agreeable resolution, thereby avoiding the need for a lengthy and costly trial. Although the panel’s recommendations are not binding, they can provide valuable insights and often serve as a basis for negotiation between the divorcing parties.
  8. Negotiations/Settlement: You and your spouse, along with your respective attorneys, can attempt to negotiate a settlement agreement that addresses all relevant issues. This can involve mediation or alternative dispute resolution methods.
  9. Court Proceedings: If a settlement cannot be reached, the case may proceed to trial. Both parties present their arguments, and a judge makes decisions on unresolved issues, including property division, child custody, child support, alimony, and other matters.
  10. Final Judgment of Divorce: If the court approves the settlement agreement or renders a decision after trial, a final judgment of divorce is issued. This document legally terminates the marriage and includes the terms of the divorce settlement.
  11. Post-Divorce Matters: After the divorce is finalized, you may need to address matters such as implementing child custody arrangements, enforcing court orders, modifying support or custody agreements, or handling other post-divorce issues.

While I would love to provide a very specific total amount to you, every single family law case is unique, with its own particular facts and circumstances. Often, your ability to get along with, agree and work amicably with your spouse is the driving factor of how expensive the divorce might ultimately be. While your spouse may initially say that they want to settle the case, their demeanor and mindset can change very quickly once issues are contested by one of the parties. My legal services are usually billed on an hourly basis, so the more time the matter takes to resolve, the more it will cost you. By leveraging proprietary technology, Rosey Law strives to be as efficient and cost-effective as possible in resolving your matter.

Discovery is another area that tends to increase costs in a divorce matter.  Discovery is the formal process of exchanging information before trial between parties about the witnesses and evidence that will be presented to the Court.  This information can include: producing financial documentation, including but not limited to bank account statements, investment account statements, and stock information; answering written questions from the other party; issuing subpoenas, etc. As a client, ultimately you are responsible for assembling all of this information and providing it to me. The more efficient you are in providing the requested information and presenting it to me in a usable version and form, the more you can reduce your costs.

My hourly rate for general legal services is $300 per hour.

When I speak with you the first time, I will discuss my fees with you prior to the commencement of the attorney-client relationship and a fee agreement will be sent to you for your review. My representation does not begin until you have signed the fee agreement and returned it to my office via email.

I provide monthly statements directly to the client throughout the entirety of the case that will include itemization of the work that I performed for you. Expenses can include but are not limited to creating or reviewing emails, phone or Zoom/FaceTime conferences, preparation of pleadings or other legal documents, legal research, or costs I incur on your behalf, such as document delivery fees and court costs.

For payment, we accept all major credit cards, cash and personal checks and e-checks. At this time, a payment link will be sent to you along with your invoice. In the future, a payment link will be available within the client portal.

Rosey Law does indeed require retainers to be paid in full prior to starting any work on your matter.  You will receive a quote for your retainer at the initial consultation and this amount will be reflected in your fee agreement that you will need to review and sign before work is started.

A retainer is an upfront payment made to a lawyer when you hire them for their services. It’s like a deposit that secures their availability and shows your commitment to working with them.

This fee is an estimate of the lawyer’s initial anticipated work on your case. As the lawyer works on your behalf, they keep track of their time and deduct their hourly rates from the retainer. This covers tasks like research, consultations, drafting documents, representing you in court if needed, and other work performed by the lawyer.

It’s important to note that the retainer fee doesn’t cover all case expenses. Additional costs like court filing fees or expert witness fees may be  billed separately or deducted from the retainer. Once the retainer funds are used up, you may need to replenish the retainer with another payment to continue the lawyer’s services. If there’s any money left in the retainer after the case is resolved, the lawyer will typically refund you the remaining amount.

The duration of a divorce in New Jersey can vary significantly depending on the specific circumstances of the case. Uncontested divorces, where both parties agree on all major issues, generally take a few months to finalize. On the other hand, contested divorces, where there are disagreements on key matters such as child custody, support, or property division, can take considerably longer, potentially extending to years. The complexity of the case, the willingness of the parties to cooperate, and the court’s caseload are some factors that can influence the timeframe.

When handling negotiations with the other party’s lawyer, my approach is centered around professionalism, effective communication, and advocating for your best interests. Here’s a further explanation of how I handle negotiations:

  1. Open and Respectful Dialogue: I believe in maintaining an open line of communication with the other party’s lawyer. I engage in respectful discussions, actively listening to their perspective while presenting your concerns and interests. By fostering a cooperative environment, we can work towards finding common ground and potential areas of agreement.
  2. Thorough Case Preparation: Before entering into negotiations, I thoroughly prepare your case. This includes gathering all relevant information, reviewing documentation, and identifying the strengths and weaknesses of your position. By being well-prepared, I can effectively articulate your position during negotiations and respond to any challenges raised by the other party’s lawyer.
  3. Clear and Persuasive Advocacy: During negotiations, I clearly and persuasively advocate for your interests. I present compelling arguments and provide supporting evidence to substantiate our position. Whether it’s child custody arrangements, property division, or other divorce-related matters, I aim to secure the most favorable outcome for you through persuasive advocacy.
  4. Creative Problem-Solving: Negotiations often involve finding creative solutions that can address the interests and concerns of both parties. I explore various options and propose innovative solutions that align with your goals. By thinking outside the box, we can seek mutually beneficial compromises and reach agreements that are in your best interests.
  5. Client Collaboration and Guidance: Throughout the negotiation process, I collaborate closely with you. I keep you informed about the progress of negotiations, explain legal terms or concepts as necessary, and ensure that you understand the implications of different options. Your input is vital, and together, we make informed decisions that reflect your priorities.
  6. Balancing Assertiveness and Flexibility: Negotiations require a delicate balance between assertiveness and flexibility. While I assertively advocate for your rights and desired outcomes, I remain open to potential compromises and adjustments that may facilitate a resolution. This balanced approach allows for constructive negotiations while safeguarding your interests.

Remember, negotiations can be complex, and the approach may vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case. Rest assured, I will work diligently to navigate the negotiations with the other party’s lawyer while safeguarding your interests and striving for the best possible outcome in your divorce proceedings.

When going through a divorce or family law matter, there are some things you can do to save money:

  1. Communication: If the circumstances allow, talk openly with your spouse about the divorce or case and try to agree on important matters. By discussing things calmly and finding areas of agreement, you may avoid costly legal battles.
  2. Mediation: Consider using a mediator. A mediator is a neutral person who helps both you and your spouse reach agreements on issues like child custody and property division. Mediation can be less expensive than going to court.
  3. Organization: Keep your paperwork and documents organized. This can include financial statements, bills, and other important papers related to your divorce. Being organized will help your lawyer work more efficiently and save you time and money.
  4. Cooperation: Cooperate with your lawyer and provide them with all the necessary information promptly. This will help them prepare your case effectively and avoid unnecessary delays and expenses.  The more information you provide, the better I can do my job.
  5. Understanding the Fees: Ask Mr. Rosenberg about their fees and make sure you understand how they charge for their services. You can discuss payment plans or explore other options for reducing costs.
  6. Focus on What’s Important: Prioritize the things that are most important to you in the divorce. This can help you avoid spending money on less significant issues and focus on achieving your main goals.
  7. Be Realistic: It’s important to be realistic about your expectations. Sometimes, spending a lot of money on legal battles may not be worth the outcome. Consider the potential costs versus the benefits before pursuing certain actions.

There is no requirement in New Jersey to get a prenuptial agreement before getting married, but they can be very valuable in saving you a ton of time and money in the event your marriage breaks down in the future. A prenuptial agreement allows for:

  1. Protecting Personal Assets: A prenuptial agreement allows individuals to safeguard their personal assets, such as homes, businesses, or investments, that they acquired before the marriage. It ensures that these assets remain their separate property even after marriage.
  2. Defining Property Division: New Jersey follows the principle of equitable distribution, which means that marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally during a divorce. A prenuptial agreement allows couples to define their own terms of property division, which can help avoid disputes and lengthy court battles.
  3. Addressing Debts and Financial Obligations: A prenuptial agreement can address how debts, such as student loans or credit card debt, will be handled in case of divorce. It can clarify whether each spouse will be responsible for their own debts or if they will be shared.
  4. Protecting Business Interests: If one or both partners own a business, a prenuptial agreement can protect the business’s assets and define how ownership and control will be handled during a divorce. This can be crucial for entrepreneurs and business owners.
  5. Preserving Family Inheritances: Individuals who have received inheritances or expect to receive significant assets in the future can use a prenuptial agreement to ensure that those assets remain separate property and are not subject to division in a divorce.

It’s important to note that a prenuptial agreement must meet certain legal requirements to be valid and enforceable in New Jersey. Each party must fully disclose their financial information, and both individuals should have independent legal representation to ensure fairness and understanding.

Consulting with a family law attorney in New Jersey is advisable to understand the specific laws and requirements related to prenuptial agreements in the state.

Excellent Representation for Reasonable Prices

At Rosey Law, I believe that getting divorced or going to court shouldn’t drain all of your money.  By operating virtually, we cut overhead costs and offer rates lower than traditional offices. I am committed to working with clients of all budgets while still providing the comprehensive legal services you need.

THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT. These materials have been prepared by Michael B. Rosenberg, Attorney at Law, for general informational purposes only and are not intended and should not be construed as legal advice or legal opinion on any specific facts or circumstances. Results may vary depending upon your particular facts and legal circumstances. The information contained in this website is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute an attorney-client relationship nor is it intended to substitute for the advice of an attorney. Users of this website should not act upon this information without consulting professional legal counsel. This website constitutes Attorney Advertising. Copyright © 2023 Rosey Law, LLC. All Rights Reserved. | Privacy Policy