With so many attorneys practicing in New Jersey, it can be difficult to choose one for your situation. However, once you search for a certified matrimonial attorney, the choices are narrowed down. Only a small percentage of practicing attorneys hold this distinction.
A certified matrimonial attorney is someone who has been granted certification by the Supreme Court of New Jersey. To receive this designation, the attorney must have demonstrated a level of experience combined with knowledge, education and skill. The attorney must apply for this certification and meet the standards set by the Board on Attorney Certification and be approved by the Court.
For an attorney to be considered, he or she must meet specific criteria, which is as follows:
As you can see, receiving this certification requires more than just practicing in family law.
Yes, there are. A New Jersey Certified Matrimonial Attorney may be able to provide vital strategic advantage in more complicated divorce cases that include:
– High asset marriage dissolution proceedings
– Cases involving family business or small business ownership
– Custody disputes
– Proceedings involving potential hidden assets or other financial misconduct
Cases including special circumstances like:
– Military service
– Domestic violence
– Out-of-state or out-of-country relocation issues
Anyone looking for legal help in family law matters should consider the benefits of hiring a matrimonial attorney. This certification shows that he or she is experienced and educated in this area. Potential clients can choose someone who has already shown proficiency in matrimonial law and be more confident that their cases are in the hands of someone that has been recognized for his or her skill set.
You can tell if an attorney has been certified by the designation used on advertising materials. Only those who have received the certification are allowed to put the designation on business cards, letterhead and other materials. It will read “Certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Matrimonial Law Attorney.”
Peter Van Aulen is one of the small percent of attorneys who has met the requirements and received the designation. He has been certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a matrimonial law attorney. Mr. Van Aulen has been a practicing family law attorney for over two decades. He has handled numerous divorce cases and taken on many issues that result from divorce, such as child custody, alimony and child support.
In addition to his own practice, Mr. Van Aulen has also been trained as a mediator and is a member of the Early Settlement Panel in Bergen County where he listens to divorce cases and provides recommendations to avoid further litigation and reach a settlement. He has helped other attorneys resolve their cases in this role. He is also a skilled negotiator for his own clients and often avoids litigation by reaching a satisfactory resolution. Call Peter Van Aulen today at 201-845-7400 for a consultation.
The list of actual benefits afforded by hiring a New Jersey divorce attorney with a background in mediation actually is lengthy. With that noted, there are some key benefits that can be realized when you make the decision to engage the professional services of a Garden State family law lawyer with experience or a background in divorce mediation:
A lawyer experienced in mediation brings a strong conflict resolution skillset to a divorce case. This type of marriage dissolution attorney is adept at fostering constructive dialogue in settlement negotiations.
An attorney with mediation experience typically is skilled at avoiding unnecessary conflict which results in a more efficient case. Prolonged court battles are avoided. The net effect is a swifter divorce process and an expenditure of less money in attorney fees.
Finally, a mediation-trained divorce lawyer will have a balanced focus on fairness and advocacy. In other words, such an attorney does not have an actually unnecessary “fight at all costs” frame of mind when it comes to effective client advocacy and representation
In order to retain their credentials, certified matrimonial attorneys must undertake a significant amount of continuing legal education specifically targeted towards matrimonial law. This includes targeted continuing legal education on topics that include:
– Marriage dissolution
– Child support
– Equitable distribution of assets
– Domestic violence-related topics
– Mediation
– Dispute resolution
– Child custody
– Evidence
A New Jersey certified matrimonial attorney can be particularly helpful in a high-asset divorce case. There are a number of reasons why this is the case:
– Advanced knowledge of complicated financial matters
– Ability to more strategically utilize expert witnesses
– Enhanced knowledge associated with alimony
– Strong skills in litigation as well as negotiation
– Expanded knowledge of effective settlement strategies and structures
The written examination requires attorneys seeking certification to demonstrate a comprehensive, thorough understanding of New Jersey divorce law and family law.