Sussex County Family Lawyers Provide Skillful Guidance

Sparta firm handles divorces and other sensitive legal matters

The way you choose to address a family law challenge can have a substantial effect on the well-being of you and your children. Regardless of what your particular situation entails, hiring an experienced New Jersey family lawyer is critical as you look to protect your interests while coping with the emotional turbulence. At Schenk Price in Sparta, we offer the highest levels of legal counsel and service to clients throughout Sussex County and the surrounding areas. Whether you’re going through a divorce, seeking a change to your child support order or are negotiating a parenting plan, our New Jersey family lawyers can help you pursue a favorable result.

Northwest Jersey attorneys advise on alimony, paternity and adoption cases

Our Sussex County family law attorneys advise on all types of family law issues, such as:

  • Alimony — Determining whether alimony will be awarded depends on many factors under New Jersey law, including the duration of the marriage, each spouse’s earning ability, custody arrangements and the couple’s standard of living. After analyzing the circumstances in your case, our Sparta divorce lawyers develop a strategy and pursue a favorable result on your behalf.   
  • Paternity — When a child’s parentage is in question, our firm counsels parties on the legal standards and genetic evidence used to determine paternity.
  • Adoption — Once you’ve decided to bring a child into your home through adoption, you want to complete the placement process as promptly and smoothly as possible. In domestic and international adoptions, we prepare the necessary documentation and advise you on Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) procedures.  
  • Complex financial issues — We have extensive experience handling high net worth cases that involve the division of business interests, sophisticated investments, real estate and intellectual property. 

Across northern New Jersey, we provide the highest levels of professionalism and service.

Advocating for favorable child custody arrangements

New Jersey law states that child custody decisions must be made in the best interests of the young people involved. That standard might sound simple, but parents often disagree on what their children need. We recognize that everyone benefits when parties can settle on a parenting plan that addresses legal authority, residential custody and visitation schedules. Our attorneys draw on their experience to craft creative solutions that establish a healthy environment for children and parents. Should an acceptable compromise be unattainable, we advocate in court for an appropriate custody order.

What is the purpose of a prenuptial agreement?

Divorce is never easy, but there is a way that you can limit the strife and expense associated with the end of a marriage. Our firm drafts clear, enforceable prenuptial agreements so that both spouses have a clear understanding regarding financial terms in the event of a divorce. By settling on mutually agreeable terms before you get married, you can avert the potential for contentious, costly litigation later on if you decide to go your separate ways.

Who pays child support, and how much?

Regardless of their relationship status, both parents have a legal obligation to meet their child’s financial needs. Typically, this means that the parent lacking physical custody sends child support payments to their former partner. Determining how much should be paid depends on the parents’ income, health insurance premiums, childcare expenses and other factors. In some cases, costs for higher education, extracurricular activities or specialized medical care will be acknowledged in the order. Our firm advocates for parents when a question exists about the accuracy of financial information and also advises on modification and enforcement actions. 

Contact a Sparta family lawyer to set up a consultation

Tanya Helfand of Schenck Price represents Sussex County residents, as well as clients from other North Jersey locations, in a wide array of family law matters, including divorces and custody disputes. Please call 973-539-1000 or contact us online to schedule a consultation at our Sparta location or one of our other offices.