Bernards Twp.

Divorce and Family Law Attorneys in Bernards TWP, New Jersey

Divorce can take an emotional, physical, monetary, legal, psychological and spiritual toll on you and your family. During this difficult and traumatic time, you need a New Jersey law firm who will work tirelessly for you and your children while tackling the pertinent issues of divorce such as custody, spousal support, child support and division of property. If you are considering a divorce or family law matter in Somerset County, please call Helfand & Associates at (973) 428 0800 for a free consultation with one of our lawyers. We have extensive experience practicing family and matrimonial law in Somerset County, New Jersey.

Law Practice Concentrating on Divorce and Family Law

Whether you are involved in an amicable divorce, an uncontested divorce or a complex, high net worth contested divorce that requires extensive litigation, the Somerset County, New Jersey divorce and family law attorneys at Helfand & Associates will be there for you throughout the process. Our attorneys are highly skilled at settling matters through creative negotiations, mediation or alternative dispute resolution. However, if necessary, we stand ready to litigate on your behalf and we will be prepared and ready to fervently advocate for your rights and best interests in the Somerset County, New Jersey Family Law Court system. We recognize that you and your spouse may be co-parenting your children for years to come and we take this into account while advocating in your behalf.

Your Matter is Unique and Requires Specialized Attention

We begin each case by first assessing your current situation and then we also take the time to understand your specific wants, needs and desires. Our communication with you is critical for us to be able to find creative and workable solutions that are right for you and your family. We take the time to listen to you and understand your values and goals. Extensive fact gathering is conducted because each detail is critical in order for our divorce and matrimonial attorneys to make thoughtful and proper recommendations regarding your matters. Our New Jersey divorce and family law attorneys practicing in Somerset County will stand by you throughout the entire case.

A Higher Level of Representation

If you are considering a divorce in the Somerset County, New Jersey Family Court, the attorneys at Helfand & Associates have extensive experience practicing family and matrimonial law. Our law firm is on Route 10, only a few minutes from Routes 287 and 46 and less than ten minutes from the Livingston Circle. Contact us for your FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION and learn why our clients refer their most beloved friends and family members to our New Jersey divorce and family law firm so we can help them with their legal family issues.

For Divorce, Family, Small Business and Legal Separation Concerns:

Divorce and Family Law

Bankruptcy/Debt

Criminal/Traffic/DWI

Workers Compensation

Guardianships/Probate Litigation

History

Bernards Township has a rich and robust history. Here are some of the events that have occurred in our town:

The Lenni-Lenape Indians, a branch of the Delawares (part of the Algonquin Nation) were the first known inhabitants of the Bernards Township area. Scattered throughout are traces of these people: arrowheads, tomahawks, hearthstones, hammerheads and camp rubble, which indicate long occupation. One of the most widely used Indian areas was near Madisonville Road—a major campsite was the present AT&T location on North Maple Avenue. A burial ground is known to have existed on the east side of Childs Road on the hillside across from the Indian Graves Brook.

The area was purchased by John Harrison, agent of King James III of England in 1717, from Chief Nowenoik of the Lenapes, a real estate package of 3,000 acres for $50. The remainder of the Township’s land was bought later that year by William Penn. Early settlers were Scotch, Irish and English. Harrison’s Purchase or Harrison’s Neck was the property’s designation. In 1733 the name Basking Ridge first appeared in ecclesiastic records of the Presbyterian Church and is recorded as being derived from the fact that “the wild animals of the adjacent lowlands were accustomed to bask in the warm sun of this beautiful ridge.” Baskeridge and Baskenridge were commonly used.

By 1740 a list of settlers included names as Alward, Annin, Conkling, Cross, Dayton, and Lewis. At the time of the American Revolution, as many as 100 men from Bernards answered the call to arms. Revolutionary troops came from Bound Brook through Annin’s Corner and Basking Ridge en route to Morristown. During this time, a liberty pole was placed on the village green, with Annin’s Corner renamed Liberty Corner.

Basking Ridge was thought to be a secure place from the British Army as it was only seven miles away from the center of Washington’s army at Jockey Hollow. General Charles Lee, second in command, was captured by British forces at the Widow White’s Tavern in December, 1776. (This is at the corner of Colonial Drive and South Finley Avenue.) A local street, Old Army Road, was so named because it was the path trod through the country from Jockey Hollow to the Vealtown Tavern in Bernardsville by American troops.

In 1750 a classical school, designed to prepare young men for college, was established in Basking Ridge by Dr. Samuel Kennedy, fourth pastor of the Presbyterian Church, and later run by his successor, Dr. Robert Finley. The school, known as the Basking Ridge Classical School for almost 50 years, was conducted in the ministers’ homes. Through contributions and partly at Dr. Finley’s expense, the Brick Academy was built in 1809. Pupils came from many other states, as well as New Jersey; residents provided lodgings. The Academy was known as having contributed more men “to the bench, the bar and the pulpit”.

Students entered their junior year at the College of New Jersey (Princeton University). Among the Academy students were Samuel Southard, governor of New Jersey, U.S. Senate president and acting vice-president under President Tyler; William Lewis Dayton, vice-presidential candidate with John C. Fremont in 1856, and President Lincoln’s Minister to France during the Civil War; Robert Field Stockton, hero of the Mexican War; Theodore Frelinghuysen, U.S. Senator, vice-presidential candidate with Henry Clay in 1844 and president of Rutgers College.

There are twelve Houses of Worship of nine denominations. The Township has two historic districts: Franklin Corners and Liberty Corner. There are eight listings on the State and National Registers: The Brick Academy, Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church, Van Dorn Mill, Coffee House Corners (Turner Homestead), Chimney Ash Farm (Alward Homestead), Lord Stirling Estate out-buildings, and the two historic districts.

Two transportation-related events changed Bernards Township. In 1872 the railroad completed, opening the area to those who wished to live in the country and work in the metropolitan environment. Almost 100 years later, construction of Route 287 and later Route 78, two Interstate Highways, made commuting much easier for those seeking to live in residential climate.

Liberty Corner, settled since 1722, still maintains its gentle rural atmosphere. However, large housing developments are under construction in that village. In the later part of the 19th Century it was famous for its summer resorts.