The complex and sensitive situations that confront families of divorce, require legal assistance that result in stable and positive outcomes. Our extensive experience dealing with the full spectrum of Family Law matters—divorce, custody, parenting time, alimony and child support, division of property and liabilities, pre- and post- nuptial agreements and domestic violence—utilizes the most appropriate dispute resolution for each family and situation. Whether the choice is mediation, collaborative law, arbitration or litigation in court, our goal is to ensure that each client’s and that client’s family needs are met in a fair, calm and efficient manner.
The collaborative law approach to divorce is an option at Cohn Lifland for the resolution of family disputes. It is based on negotiation, not litigation. The three main principles are a pledge not to go to court, an attitude of cooperative negotiation and the use of joint neutral experts, when needed Essentially, the parties commit to resolving their differences without threats of “I’ll see you in court!” The process depends on respect, honesty, complete disclosure and a willingness to arrive at a solution that meets the needs of both parties and the children. Trained collaborative law attorneys advise and assist in negotiating an agreement on all issues.

Our Family Law practice group is led by one of the foremost Family Law mediators and attorneys in the state, Mary Ann Stokes. Her sensitivity to the issues and level-headed approach to their resolution are matched only by her determination to maintain a positive relationship between the parties. Ms. Stokes is also a trained collaborative law attorney. Albert L. Cohn, senior member of the group, has written and taught extensively on litigation related matters. He has represented clients in litigated family matters from Bergen County to Camden County.. Joshua P. Cohn, Manuel Irizarry, Jr., Julie L. Kim and Jason C. Tuchman bring their unique perspective and backgrounds to help clients dealing with domestic violence, support and/or parenting time issues.

The firm’s experience is particularly strong in working with families that include special needs children. It is essential to address and plan for the child’s special needs during the divorce process in order to ensure quality life for that child. Issues involving parenting time, education planning, and future care, for example, are very different for the special needs child than for the non special needs child. Having a special needs child might require the parties to consider guardianships. Financial considerations must take into account the possibility of additional support beyond the traditional age of emancipation and any extraordinary costs such as those for therapy, tutoring and recreation. Access to government benefits such as SSI and Medicaid must also be considered. Lisa McCauley Parles is available to provide advice and guidance in these situations.

Finally, the Family Law practice group has access to other members and associates of the firm who are skilled in tax and real estate law as well as trust and estate issues, when these special practice areas and issues are involved in the client’s case. You may hire an attorney in the family law practice but you have access to the expertise of the entire firm.