Family Law Areas of Practice

A prenuptial agreement is made prior to marriage to protect individual assets and other rights during the marriage and in the event of a divorce. Postnuptial and reconciliation agreements are made during the marriage to protect individual assets and other rights in the event of a divorce.

A divorce in New Jersey may be granted based on one or more of the causes of action set forth in N.J.S.A. 2A:34-2, the most common of which are irreconcilable differences, extreme cruelty, and separation.

There are various remedies available to a victim of domestic violence, including but not limited to the following: obtaining exclusive possession of the residence; obtaining temporary custody of the children; obtaining financial support.

The attorneys of Snyder Sarno D'Aniello Maceri & da Costa LLC can provide counsel and representation in matters of child custody, including those involving a parent wishing to relocate with a child outside the state of New Jersey.

Alimony is intended to provide a dependent spouse with a level of support and standard of living generally commensurate with the quality of economic life that existed during the marriage. Both parties have the right to live that lifestyle, finances permitting.

Child support is the legal obligation of a parent to provide financial support for his or her child. Although the payment of child support affects parent-to-parent relationships, it is a fundamental principle that the right to child support belongs to the child and not to the custodial parent.

Upon the entry of a Judgment of Divorce, the court equitably distributes marital assets between spouses, regardless of titled ownership. The theory of equitable distribution is that marriage is a partnership whose assets should be fairly and equitable distributed when the partnership breaks up. 

A domestic partnership affords to individuals in a relationship certain rights and benefits, such as statutory protection against various forms of discrimination against domestic partners, certain visitation and decision-making rights in a healthcare setting, and certain tax-related benefits. 

The traditional divorce process can be very timely, costly, and stressful. It is important for you to be aware of mediation, an alternative to the traditional process that is available to you and your spouse to work out the terms of your divorce.