Family challenges can feel daunting—especially when they involve divorce, custody issues, and support disputes. You need clear answers and practical solutions to navigate your legal journey with confidence. I am Michele Hart, and at M. Hart Divorce & Family Law, I provide Bergen County legal services that prioritize your needs and protect your interests.
Whether you need assertive courtroom representation or a more peaceful path to resolution, I stand ready to uphold your rights and chart a course for your future. Let’s work together toward a fair outcome for you and your family.
Contact M. Hart Divorce & Family Law for the Bergen County legal services you need today.
Legal Services M. Hart Divorce & Family Law Offers to Bergen County Residents
I represent clients in a wide range of family law matters in Bergen County. Below are some areas in which I can help:
Bergen County Divorce
When a marriage ends, there are generally two ways to proceed in New Jersey: contested or uncontested divorce. The right approach depends on your unique circumstances.
- Contested Divorce If you and your spouse cannot agree on the significant issues of your separation—child custody, alimony, and how to divide marital assets—this is a contested divorce. It may involve more court appearances and a lengthier legal process.
- Uncontested Divorce An uncontested divorce is typically less time-consuming and less expensive. If you both agree on every major issue, finalizing your divorce can be simpler and less stressful for everyone involved.
How I Help
- Contested Divorces: I guide you through the complex negotiations and proceedings that come with contested divorce. My goal is to secure a resolution that upholds your interests while minimizing unnecessary conflict.
- Uncontested Divorces: Even if spouses agree on all critical matters, it’s crucial to draft comprehensive, legally sound documents. I ensure your agreements are clear, protective of your interests, and compliant with New Jersey law.
Act Fast
Once you’ve been served with divorce papers in New Jersey, you generally have 35 days to respond. Missing deadlines can jeopardize your rights. Let me help you protect what’s most important.
Bergen County Alimony Disputes
Alimony, sometimes called spousal support, is paid by one spouse to the other after a divorce. Its purpose is to help both parties maintain a lifestyle that is as close as possible to what they had during the marriage.
- Determining Alimony New Jersey courts consider multiple factors, including the duration of the marriage, each spouse’s income and earning capacity, and the marital standard of living.
How I Help
- For Alimony Recipients: I gather the evidence needed to demonstrate why financial support is necessary and ensure that the proposed amount is fair and realistic.
- For Alimony Payers: If you’re required to pay support, I work to confirm the amount requested is appropriate, reflecting your financial situation and other relevant factors.
Bergen County Division of Marital Assets
Dividing property, debts, and financial accounts can be one of the most complex parts of divorce. In New Jersey, assets are allocated according to what the court deems “equitable,” which does not always mean an equal split.
How I Help
- Property Identification & Valuation: I meticulously locate all your marital property and determine its fair value.
- Negotiation & Settlement: I aim to reach a reasonable settlement that reflects your best interests and secures your financial future.
- Court Representation: If no agreement is possible, I fight vigorously in court to protect your rights and uncover any hidden assets.
Bergen County Child Support
All children deserve stable financial support. Calculating child support involves numerous factors, such as each parent’s income and the specific needs of the child.
How I Help
- Fair Agreements: I help you pursue a child support arrangement that provides for essential expenses, including food, housing, education, and any special needs.
- Court Advocacy: If you face a dispute, I advocate zealously for a fair outcome that reflects your child’s best interests.
Bergen County Child Custody
Child custody is often the most emotionally charged aspect of any divorce or separation. New Jersey recognizes two types of custody:
- Legal Custody: Decision-making authority over essential aspects of a child’s life, such as education and healthcare.
- Physical Custody: Determines where the child primarily resides and how day-to-day care is managed.
How I Help
- Promoting Child’s Best Interests: I advocate for parenting plans that uphold your child’s safety and well-being.
- Negotiation & Litigation: Whether through direct negotiation or in the courtroom, my focus is on ensuring you maintain a healthy relationship with your child.
Bergen County Child Relocation Matters
If you wish to move to a new city or state with your child after divorce—or if you need to contest your former spouse’s relocation request—court approval may be required.
How I Help
- Relocation Petitions: I file the necessary requests and present evidence that supports why the relocation is in your child’s best interests.
- Defending Against Relocation: If you believe a proposed move undermines your parental rights or your child’s welfare, I argue on your behalf to protect your relationship with your child.
Why Choose M. Hart Divorce & Family Law in Bergen County?
A Personal Perspective
I launched my law firm with a clear understanding of what divorce can do to a family—because I’ve been there myself. I know how crucial it is to have a legal advocate who truly listens and offers genuine solutions.
A Balanced Approach
I encourage parents and spouses to seek amicable resolutions. Collaborative dialogue and constructive negotiations often lead to faster, more cost-effective outcomes. However, if court intervention is inevitable, I stand ready to represent you decisively.
Client-Centered Service
- Clear Communication: I explain your rights, responsibilities, and options in plain language so you always know where you stand.
- Prompt Responsiveness: I answer calls and emails promptly. You will never feel left in the dark about your case.
- Tailored Strategies: No two families are alike. Your goals guide the approach we take together.
What You Can Expect
- Custom Solutions: Your family’s unique needs will shape the plan we develop to resolve your disputes.
- Transparent Advice: From initial consultation to case resolution, I keep you informed every step of the way.
- Steadfast Advocacy: When a peaceful resolution proves unreachable, I won’t hesitate to protect your interests in court.
Speak with a Bergen County Divorce & Family Lawyer
Family disputes affect not just your present but also your long-term well-being and that of your children. My focus is always on helping you achieve a fair outcome that allows you—and your family—to move forward with stability and peace of mind.
To discuss the Bergen County legal services M. Hart Divorce & Family Law can provide, contact me online or call 973-292-9090 today.
Let’s start building a strategy that fits your family’s needs and protects what matters most to you.