MEETING OPTIONS DURING THE CORONAVIRUS: The Law Offices of Peter Van Aulen understands your concerns regarding the spread of the Coronavirus, and now offers different meeting options to our clients and those seeking legal representation. All meetings, including initial consultations, can be handled either through the phone, FaceTime, Zoom, or in person.

Picture of Peter F. Van Aulen

Peter F. Van Aulen

Peter Van Aulen’s practice focuses on divorce, family law and mediation. He is one of a few attorneys who is certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a matrimonial attorney. This designation is given by the Supreme Court to lawyers who have demonstrated high levels of education, experience, skill and knowledge in family law. Peter Van Aulen is an experienced matrimonial trial attorney. He has been a practicing divorce and family law attorney for over 25 years. Through the years he has handled a wide range of divorce cases from the simple to the highly complex. Also, Mr. Van Aulen is also a trained mediator. Mr. Van Aulen is dedicated to representing and fighting for his client’s interests. Mr. Van Aulen is a member of the Early Settlement Panel in Bergen County. Said panel is made up of experienced family law attorneys that listen to unresolved divorce cases and provide recommendations in order to produce settlements and avoid further litigation. As a panelist Peter Van Aulen has helped a number of attorneys and litigants settle their cases. He was also an adjunct professor. Peter Van Aulen has written or edited over three hundred articles on family law that can be found on this website. Further he has been a speaker at continuing legal education seminars for lawyers in areas of divorce and family law.  He offers a free initial consultation to answer your questions.

Education

J.D., New York Law School, 1990

New Jersey Institute for Continuing Legal Education

  • Completed Family Mediation Training
  • Qualified AOC Mediator

B.S., Ramapo College, 1987

  • Double Major in Political and Business and Administration
  • Commencement Speaker
  • Recipient of Dean’s Award
  • Student Government President
  • UN Debate Team Won Best Justice
  • Distinguished Alumni Award

Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice New Jersey, 1991
U.S. District Court of New Jersey, 1991
U.S. Court of Appeals Third Circuit, 2008
Supreme Court of the United States, 2008
Professional & Bar Association Memberships

New Jersey Association for Justice
Family Law Section

Experience

Owner

  • Law Offices of Peter Van Aulen, 1996-current

Adjunct Professor

  • Ramapo College of New Jersey, 1993-2006
  • Seton Hall University, 1997

Member of Bergen County Family Law Early Settlement Panel

Associate

  • Williams & Puglisi 1991-1996

Co-Chaired Meadowlands Matrimonial Law Section Seminar for Lawyers

  • New Jersey Association for Justice 2018
  • Designed and moderated two sessions on alimony and assisted in the planning of other sessions in family and divorce law

Secretary of Matrimonial Committee

  • New Jersey Association for Justice
  • 2018 - Current
Speaking Engagements
  • The Top Ten Family Law Practice Tips, Ramapo College CLE Program
    • December 1, 2016
    • Ramapo College
    • Speaker
  • How To Handle Case Management /Winning Though ESP Boardwalk Seminar
    • May 10, 2018
    • New Jersey Association of Justice
    • Speaker
  • The State of Alimony in New Jersey After Post Amendment Rulings: Case Update, Meadowlands Seminar
    • November 15, 2018
    • New Jersey Association of Justice
    • Speaker and moderator of panel
  • Is the Percentage Formula Dead After Tax Reform? Meadowlands Seminar
    • November 15, 2018
    • New Jersey Association of Justice
    • Speaker and Moderator of Panel
Articles & Publications
Notable Cases
  • An appeal concerning child custody and the Hague Convention which resulted in a published opinion
  • A petition in Federal District Court involving international child custody
  • An appeal of a domestic violence restraining order
Honors
  • Distinguished Alumni Award, Ramapo College
Legal Specialties and Certifications

Certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Matrimonial Attorney


SuperLawyers
New Jersey Supreme Court
Martindale-Hubbell

Peter Van Aulen was selected to the 2016 and 2017 Super Lawyers list. The Super Lawyers list is issued by Thomson Reuters. A description of the selection methodology can be found here. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.

Peter Van Aulen has received a rating by Martindale Hubbell. A description of the rating methodology can be found here. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.

Peter Van Aulen is certified by the New Jersey Supreme Court as a Matrimonial Attorney.

Client Reviews
★★★★★
Peter has integrity, and values his relationships with his clients beyond his financial relationship with them. For me to say this about any lawyer is really saying something. He is compassionate, straightforward and knowledgeable. I would easily recommend him to anybody. Lewie W.
★★★★★
Peter Van Aulen handled my case with great diligence and integrity. He is also a compassionate individual who realizes what a difficult time divorce can be emotionally. Peter works hard and doesn't take any shortcuts in preparing for a case… I highly recommend Mr. Van Aulen and his staff. Chuck Solomon
★★★★★
Peter is an exceptionally great attorney. He handled my child custody case and was able to ease any of my concerns with honest answers. He always took the time to explain the pros/cons and was always available to answer any questions that I had… I would highly recommend this attorney to anyone who is looking for one. Jessica Cruz
★★★★★
Peter Van Aulen is a very compassionate, honest and straightforward person. He was there for me at my lowest point with a genuine concern not only for my situation, but for me and my child's well being above all… He is fair and he is strong and when push comes to shove he is there for you. Cathy Dodge
★★★★★
Our cousin used Peter's law office to help with a sticky custody situation. He was extremely responsive, very nice and most importantly did an awesome job with the court! He is awesome. Lawrence Polsky

*Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances

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