For most New Jersey families, the moment family law and estate planning start to matter isn’t during a crisis—it’s before one hits, when a will still needs updating after a second marriage, a custody schedule needs revisiting after a move, or aging parents need a power of attorney in place before a health scare forces the issue. That’s the distinction attorneys who work these cases every day want families to understand: estate planning isn’t just about what happens after death, and family law isn’t just about divorce court—both are about building legal protections now so that life’s inevitable changes (remarriage, blended families, disability, the death of a spouse) don’t leave loved ones scrambling without a plan. As veteran New Jersey family law and estate planning attorney, Frank J. LaRocca, Esq., puts it, “If you’re not ahead of the curve, you’re going to be behind the curve.” For families across the Garden State, that means the best time to review a will, update a trust, or clarify custody and support arrangements isn’t after a divorce, remarriage, or medical diagnosis—it’s before.
LaRocca Hornik Rosen Greenberg & Crupi LLC
Frank J. LaRocca, partner
Q: How has artificial intelligence (AI) impacted the way you practice law?
A: It really should be looked at as a tool that can help us better represent our clients. The ability for AI to hone in on the issues and customize how you present the issues is tremendous. But it can misinterpret information too. You have to treat your AI tools in your office as a paralegal, and you have an obligation to review the work it produces.
Q: How should a client look at AI when it comes to their divorce case?
A: It can be a good preliminary source of information. Clients can take all their credit card statements, all their bank statements, and say, “Hey, how much am I spending on expenses?” They can organize that information for us. That makes our job much easier, and they can be better prepared for consultations.
Q: Your firm is building its own AI platform. What will that contain when it’s ready?
A: We’re going to have a free version of the platform that clients and non-clients can use to seek out basic information. Level two will allow potential clients to input more specific information to let us know what they want to discuss in a consultation for a fee. Level three will open up a traditional retainer representation. That’s where the AI platform will help us interact with clients and help them save money and time.
Q: This is really just the early days of incorporating AI into family law cases, isn’t it?
A: If you’re not ahead of the curve, you’re going to be behind the curve. There is a wave of information out there, and people who don’t ride the wave are going to be left behind. That’s just how it’s going to be.
252 South Street Freehold, NJ 07728 • 732-403-3693 • divorcelawnj.com
Fava Law LLC
Sandra Fava, founder and managing partner
Q: What types of family law matters does your firm handle?
A: We handle virtually every type of matter that comes through family court, including divorce, post-divorce issues, custody and parenting time disputes, domestic violence matters, pre-nuptial agreements, private adoptions, and non-dissolution family matters involving unmarried couples with shared children or property. We also handle mediations and appeals.
Q: What should someone look for when hiring a family law attorney?
A: Family matters are deeply personal, so it is important to work with someone you feel comfortable with and confident in. Every family and situation is different. You want an attorney with a broad range of experience who can litigate, mediate, and negotiate effectively while understanding both complex financial matters and high-conflict situations.
Q: What makes your firm different?
A: We do not take a cookie-cutter approach. Every family has unique circumstances, and we work to create practical, thoughtful solutions that help clients move forward with as little stress as possible. We have also expanded our team over the past year with the addition of retired Appellate Division Judge Thomas Manahan and associate attorney Timothy Curry, helping expand both our litigation and alternative dispute resolution services.
6 South Street, Suite 203 Morristown, NJ 07960 • 973-532-2200 • favalawnj.com
Hagan, Weisberg & Nunn
Stephanie Frangos Hagan, partner; Debra S. Weisberg, partner; Alyssa Engleberg Nunn, partner
Q: What sets Hagan, Weisberg & Nunn apart when handling complex family law matters?
A: Stephanie Frangos Hagan: What truly distinguishes our firm is our ability to balance strong advocacy with genuine compassion while keeping a clear focus on resolving matters as efficiently as possible. Our goal is to guide clients through these challenging transitions with clarity and understanding. While we prioritize favorable resolutions through negotiation, our respected team of litigators is always fully prepared to aggressively defend our clients’ rights in court when necessary.
Q: How does your firm approach financially complex divorces?
A: Debra S. Weisberg: We have extensive experience navigating high-net-worth divorces, which often involve complex business valuations, real estate appraisals, and intricate alimony or equitable distribution issues. We help clients protect their assets and find efficient, private solutions that avoid costly, drawn-out litigation.
Q: Why is alternative dispute resolution (ADR) so important in family law?
A: Alyssa Engleberg Nunn: ADR—such as mediation and arbitration—allows families to settle complex custody and financial matters efficiently and privately, guided by a neutral third party. Several of our partners are court-approved mediators and arbitrators, empowering clients to find creative, out-of-court solutions without the delays and expense of traditional litigation.
Hagan, Weisberg & Nunn LLC • 240 Cedar Knolls Road, Suite 209
Cedar Knolls, NJ 07927 • 973-467-5556 • hwnfamilylaw.com
Riker Danzig LLP
Allen Scazafabo, partner and head of family law practice
Q: How has the field of family law changed post-COVID?
A: The pandemic really changed the way we do business. Most motions and appearances are being handled on Zoom calls. Previously, I might have been able to file a motion in two different counties in the same day. Now, I can do three or four in multiple counties from Middlesex to Bergen. That usually means cost savings for clients.
Q: How has your use of other technology evolved during the past six years?
A: What was previously handled by paper is now primarily addressed by electronic filing. That’s just one example of significant impacts on the way we practice family law, the way we manage cases, and the ways we interact with clients. Prior to COVID, I only had in-person meetings with clients. People largely don’t want or need that anymore because they have gotten accustomed to the convenience of Zoom calls and teleconferences.
Q: Has technology totally replaced in-person meetings during the mediation process?
A: I recommend asking a matrimonial mediator early on in a case to do in-person mediation. Being present and putting people in a room together can be quite beneficial and can save money because it tends to move things along more quickly. It can also motivate people to reach resolution.
Q: What do potential clients need to know in this post-COVID era?
A: Thanks to technology like ChatGPT and AI, clients now feel more empowered than ever when it comes to learning information and making decisions regarding their case. I recommend using those tools, but solely to educate yourself as a solid starting point. That’s a positive thing and can actually enhance my conversations with clients, but remember that it doesn’t provide the type of context an experienced attorney like myself can provide.
7 Giralda Farms • Madison, NJ 07940
Other offices:
Trenton • New York City • 973-538-0800 • riker.com
Allen Scazafabo • 973-451-8428 • ascazafabo@riker.com
Cadicina Law LLC
Joseph P. Cadicina, founding member; Thomas R. McConnell, partner
Q: When is a child considered emancipated in New Jersey?
A: Joe Cadicina: A child in New Jersey is not automatically emancipated at age 18. Child support can continue past 18 years of age if the children continue with college or post–high school education. Parents may also be obligated to contribute toward college or post–high school education if they are divorced. Parents may also be required to maintain health insurance coverage for the child’s post–high school education. Disability of a child will also affect and extend the emancipation of a child.
Q: What does equitable distribution means when it comes to a divorce case in New Jersey?
A: Tom McConnell: Equitable means what is fair and reasonable under the facts and laws of New Jersey. Most assets and liabilities acquired during the marriage are divided unless they are pre-marital or gifts/inheritance from third parties. New Jersey has a statute and case law that further defines how the court will address equitable distribution in a divorce and how a particular asset or liability will be divided. It is always best to consult with an experienced family law attorney who can provide further details and answers on specific facts and matters. We are here to help.
36 Cattano Avenue, Sixth Floor • Morristown, NJ 07960
279 Franklin Avenue • Wyckoff, NJ 07481
973-270-9166 • cadicinalaw.com
