Family Law Attorney Union City | SRIS, P.C.
Family Law Attorney Union City — What Are Your Rights in Divorce?
A Union City family law attorney from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can guide you through New Jersey’s equitable distribution and alimony reform laws. Under N.J.S.A. 2A:34-23, alimony is reformed and limited. Our firm, founded in 1997, provides experienced counsel for divorce, custody, and support matters in Union County Superior Court. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747.
New Jersey Family Law Statutes and Definitions
Family law in New Jersey, including in Union City, is governed by specific state statutes that define the grounds for divorce, the division of assets, and support obligations. The primary statutes include N.J.S.A. 2A:34-2 for divorce grounds, N.J.S.A. 2A:34-23.1 for equitable distribution, and N.J.S.A. 2A:34-23 for alimony, which was significantly reformed in September 2014. New Jersey is an “equitable distribution” state, meaning marital property is divided fairly, though not necessarily equally, based on several statutory factors. For child custody, the standard is the “best interests of the child” as outlined in N.J.S.A. 9:2-4, which lists 14 factors for the court to consider.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of New Jersey’s family law statutes, you can review the New Jersey Legislature’s website. For local court procedures and forms specific to Union County, visit the Union Vicinage of the New Jersey Superior Court website.
Local Court Procedures for a Union City Family Law Attorney
A family law attorney in Union City must be familiar with the specific procedures of the Union County Superior Court, Family Division, located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth. New Jersey has a unique, mandatory Early Settlement Panel (ESP) process where attorneys present each side’s position to a panel of retired judges who recommend settlement terms, resolving many cases before trial. Another mandatory step is the filing of a detailed Case Information Statement (CIS), a full financial disclosure document required from both parties.
- File the Complaint: The process begins by filing a Complaint for Divorce with the Superior Court in Elizabeth, accompanied by the filing fee.
- Serve the Other Party: The defendant must be formally served with the divorce papers, often by a process server.
- File Case Information Statements: Both parties must complete and exchange sworn CIS forms, detailing all income, assets, and liabilities.
- Attend Early Settlement Panel: The court will schedule an ESP hearing where a panel reviews the case and suggests a settlement.
- Case Management Conference: If the case doesn’t settle, a judge will set a discovery schedule and timeline.
- Trial or Final Settlement: The case proceeds to trial or is resolved through a final settlement agreement.
Potential Outcomes in Family Law Cases
In Union City, family law matters like divorce involve equitable distribution of assets, potential alimony under reformed guidelines, and child support calculated using the state’s income shares model.
| Matter | Legal Standard | Potential Outcome | Financial Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution | Fair, not equal, split of marital assets/debts | Varies by asset value & statutory factors |
| Alimony | N.J.S.A. 2A:34-23 (Reformed) | Durational, limited, or open alimony based on marriage length | Payments for a set term or indefinitely |
| Child Support | NJ Child Support Guidelines | Obligation based on combined income & parenting time | Monthly payment per guidelines worksheet |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of the Child | Legal & physical custody arrangement | Shared or sole custody; parenting plan |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Family Law Law Firm Union City
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm-wide experience includes over 4,739 documented case results. We bring a deep understanding of New Jersey’s unique family law procedures, including the mandatory Early Settlement Panel process in Union County. Our approach is direct and focused on your specific legal objectives.
Documented Case Experience
Our firm has a documented record of handling family law cases. Firm-wide, we have over 4,739 documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. While we actively represent clients in Union County, each case is unique and requires a specific strategy case-specific to the facts and local court expectations.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Presence for Union City Residents
Our New Jersey location serves clients in Union City and throughout Union County. We represent individuals at the Union County Superior Court in Elizabeth. Our firm is accessible via major routes like the NJ Turnpike and Route 22. If you are searching for a “family law lawyer Union City near me,” we provide 24/7 phone consultations and meetings by appointment.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003
By appointment only.
We serve communities throughout Union County including Elizabeth, Union Township, Plainfield, Westfield, Scotch Plains, Cranford, Summit, Linden, Rahway, Clark, Roselle, and Springfield.
Family Law Attorney Union City FAQ
What are the grounds for divorce in New Jersey?
No-fault. The primary ground is irreconcilable differences which have caused the breakdown of the marriage for at least six months. You do not need to prove fault like adultery or cruelty, making the process more clear in many cases.
How is property divided in a NJ divorce?
Equitable distribution. New Jersey courts divide marital property (assets and debts acquired during the marriage) in a manner that is fair, but not necessarily equal. The court considers several factors like the length of the marriage, each party’s economic circumstances, and contributions to the marital estate.
How does the 2014 alimony reform affect me?
It creates limits. For marriages under 20 years, durational alimony generally cannot exceed the length of the marriage. The law also provides clearer guidelines for modifying or terminating alimony based on cohabitation or retirement, aiming for more predictable outcomes.
What is the Early Settlement Panel (ESP)?
Mandatory settlement step. The ESP is a unique New Jersey procedure where experienced attorneys present your case to a panel of retired judges. The panel then recommends settlement terms. It is required in most contested divorce cases before a trial can be scheduled.
How is child custody determined?
Best interests of the child. Judges evaluate 14 statutory factors, including the parents’ ability to agree, the child’s needs, the stability of each home, and the child’s relationships with siblings and parents. The goal is to create a parenting plan that serves the child’s well-being.
What is a Case Information Statement (CIS)?
A mandatory financial disclosure. The CIS is a full form you must file under oath, detailing your income, monthly expenses, assets, and liabilities. It is a critical document used for determining alimony, child support, and equitable distribution.
Related Practice Areas: If you are facing other legal issues, our firm also handles criminal defense, DUI/DWI, and immigration matters in Union County.
Other Locations: For family law matters in nearby counties, see our pages for Hunterdon County, Somerset County, and Morris County.
Learn More: For an overview of our family law practice, visit our New Jersey Family Law hub page.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Under N.J. Stat. § 14A:1-1, state law governs this practice area.