Divorce and Family Law

New Jersey Divorce and Family Law Attorney

 

Divorce and Family Law issues are the most personal and difficult issues confronting lawyers, clients and the court system.

Gary E. Fox, Esq. has been successfully handling these matters since 1976 (over 36 years).  He has served as an Early Settlement Panelist for many years, has been a member of both the County and State Bar Association’s committee dealing with these issues and is a trained mediator.  He has experience dealing with all issues that can present themselves in a divorce or family law matter including:

• Divorce

• Alimony

• Child Support

• Child Custody

• Paternity

• Parenting Time

• Grandparents’ Rights

• Equitable Distribution

• Modifications

• Enforcement

• Domestic Violence

• DYFS

• Prenuptial Agreements

• Postnuptial Agreements

• Post-Judgment Divorce Actions

• Domestic Partnerships

• Mediation

• Motions and Responses to Cross-Motions

He will aggressively represent you in these matters advancing your positions and protecting your interests.

 

The practice of family law requires experience, knowledge, and compassion for each client's difficult situations. At Fox & Melofchik, LLC in Ocean Township, New Jersey, our lawyers have successfully handled various family law cases that have also involved:

• Visitation
• Debt and Property Division
• Domestic Partnerships
• Gay / Lesbian Family Law Issues (Same-Sex Unions)
• Adoptions

Divorce Mediation versus Litigation

When a couple decides to file for divorce, they can either handle the dissolution of their marriage and the related issues with cooperation or contention. Attorney Gary E. Fox is a trained mediator who has resolved many divorce and family law matters through mediation.

The best interests of the children should always come first, no matter how contentious the divorce becomes. In most cases, it is preferable for custody and visitation to be mediated as opposed to litigated. Personal issues can be aired at the negotiation table, not on the public record in a courtroom. In the end, the children should be shielded, as much as possible, from the rancor between their parents.

The division of property, assets, and debt become challenging issues, but if compromises can be achieved, mediation can be a cost effective way to resolve those matters. Future personal relationships will be healthier through open and honest communication in a mediation setting.

Although, Gary E. Fox is a skilled mediator, when necessary, he is fully prepared to represent your interests in court as a litigator on your behalf.

Domestic Partnerships / Same-Sex Unions

The Domestic Partnership Act became law on July 10, 2004. The Act establishes domestic partnerships and certain related rights for non-related, same sex and opposite sex partners. A joint filing of an Affidavit of Domestic Partnership must be filed with the local registrar. With those rights comes the ability to dissolve a domestic partnership. Alimony and equitable distribution may not apply, but there may be various claims prior to dissolving the partnership. Fox & Melofchik, LLC has extensive experience in this new area of family law and can advise you regarding issues involving a domestic partnership.

In December 2006, the New Jersey legislature enacted N.J.S.A. 37:1-28, recognizing same-sex unions. This law guarantees to same-sex partners the same rights and benefits afforded to those who enter into domestic partnerships.

If you are facing divorce and have questions regarding custody, support, or equitable distribution issues, you need an experienced lawyer who can help you. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact us. Free Consultation.