Practice Areas

Family Law

The laws relating to families have changed in past decades as judges and legislators have reconsidered and revised the legal issues involved in divorce, child custody, child support, domestic violence and other family law matters. Family law has become entangled in national debates over family structure, gender bias and morality. Few legal areas are as emotionally charged as family law, and it remains a controversial and ever-changing area of law, which will continue to evolve as families and society evolve. While going through any family law matter, only proper legal representation can help you ensure that your rights are preserved throughout the proceedings. Without competent, confident legal counsel, your voice and needs may never be heard or met. Larissa is dedicated to her clients and the preservation of their rights throughout the process of divorce. She understands the gravity of family law issues and aggressively pursues a resolution that is beneficial to you. She has many years of experience assisting families through this difficult time in their lives. Contact her to discuss the specifics of your case as early in the proceedings as possible.

What does “family law” encompass?

The Family Court handles several distinct kinds of cases: Divorce matters, Post-Judgment matters, Non-Dissolution matters, Domestic Violence matters, Juvenile matters, Adoptions, and DYFS actions.

Divorce:

 Once a divorce complaint is filed, all alimony, child support, custody, visitation, and equitable distribution issues are heard by the judge assigned to your case, from beginning to end, whether the matter ends in settlement or trial. Parties who have entered a civil union who wish to terminate their relationship must also engage in the divorce process.

Post-Judgment:

 Even if you were divorced years ago, things can change. If there is a change in circumstances warranting an increase, decrease, or even termination of alimony or child support, an application must be filed with the court to request an alteration of the terms of the divorce. If your ex-spouse refuses to carry out the terms of the Property Settlement Agreement or Divorce Judgment, you will need to return to court for enforcement. If your ex-spouse has filed such a application against you, you will need to appear in court to defend your actions. Sometimes, issues that were not anticipated when you were divorced arise, and they need to be addressed. These matters are all handled in the Family Court, often by the same judge who heard your divorce action.

Non-Dissolution:

 If you and your partner have never been married or are not yet ready to file a complaint for divorce, applications for alimony, child support and similar relief (i.e. visitation and custody, contribution to the college tuition of a mutual child, health insurance of a mutual child, payment of household expenses) may be made under a non-dissolution docket. While some of these applications are handled by judges, many are heard by hearing officers employed by the court for this purpose. If a complaint for divorce is later filed in a matter in which non-dissolution orders already exist, those non-dissolution orders will be merged into the divorce case and absorbed therein. The divorce judge will thereafter be the decision-maker regarding those issues.

Domestic Violence:

 Under the Domestic Violence Act, parties who have certain relationships may have standing to obtain a domestic violence Restraining Order. These orders are not related to the divorce or non-dissolution process and applications, and unlike non-dissolution orders are not absorbed into a divorce case if a complaint if filed. Domestic Violence consists of a wide range of acts, from emotional violence such as harassment and terroristic threats to physical violence such as assault, sexual assault, and murder. Family violence can quickly turn any household upside down. A parent may be removed from the household and have limited access to the family; children may have anxiety about the status of the family and the matter may escalate to divorce. By seeking help, you can be certain that things can only get better. It can be difficult to come forward with allegations of family violence involving physical or emotional abuse. However, it is critical to protect yourself and your children from being subject to abuse. Larissa can help you obtain a restraining order to protect against further abuse and provide you with resources which your family may find beneficial during this time. She understands the impact domestic abuse matters may have on your family and moves quickly to obtain temporary child support orders and other temporary orders to ensure the daily needs of your children are met, the bills are paid and other concerns are addressed. When the police are called to your home for a domestic dispute, the process has already been set into motion. As a defendant, your reputation and your future are in jeopardy. In many cases, domestic violence allegations arise from a misunderstanding. By working with an experienced attorney from the onset of the case, you can be certain that your rights are protected from the very beginning. Larissa investigates the matter by speaking with witnesses, examining the police reports and reviewing prior incidents, including potentially false accusations. When necessary, she can refer you to counseling to show the court - and your family - that you are serious about seeking help and about working through the problems.

Juvenile:

 When a minor is initially arrested for a wrongdoing, he or she is not charged with a crime. Instead, juvenile delinquency charges, which are similar to criminal charges, are handled by the Family Court. The hearings are closed to the public, even the minor’s codefendants, and are heard by a judge rather than a jury. However, the ramifications are serious and the minor has the right to an attorney. He or she cannot be questioned without the consent of the parents or representation, and should not be permitted to be interviewed prior to obtaining such representation.

Adoptions:

 The Family Court also handles adoptions, whether through an agency or obtained independently. The adoption of a child can be a joyous occasion. Larissa works to ensure that this is the case with your adoption. She can help minimize any issues that may arise in conjunction with the adoption, including using background checks on all parties involved. Stepparent, grandparent, same sex, and agency adoptions are all handled skillfully.

DYFS:

 In many cases, the Department of Youth and Family Services (DYFS) becomes involved in instances where abuse or neglect is suspected. Children may be removed from the home and taken into custody by the State. Larissa assists parents or caregivers in regaining custody of their children, or having the children placed with other family members, such as grandparents.

Pre-Nuptial Agreements:

 When beginning a marriage, you might be facing issues that would benefit from entering into an ante-nuptial agreement. Instances where property is owned prior to the marriage that could increase in value, there are privately-owned businesses, or you must provide for children from a former relationship are just a few of the times when you might benefit from an ante-nuptial agreement. If you choose to enter into such an agreement or if you are presented with one by your fiancé(e), you must resolve the issues addressed therein a significant time before your wedding. Each party should have independent representation review the document, to negotiate and make changes as are appropriate. Larissa is committed to advising you of your options regarding each issue you may have. If needed, she can help come up with a creative way to deal with your family law issues. You have a choice in the course of action that she takes to resolve your case at each step. Making the decision to end a marriage is difficult. Even so, it is in your best interest to approach the divorce process from a rational, businesslike perspective. Working with an experienced family law attorney like Larissa will help you get through the process and begin your new life. Contact Larissa to discuss your case. She offers flexible appointment times to accommodate your schedule.

Criminal Law

Municipal Offenses:

 Municipal court criminal cases, DWI, and other municipal court related traffic violations can be very serious. These types of issues can mean jail time, large fines, and have a major impact on your legal ability to drive a vehicle. Many of these matters require an attorney to ensure your rights have not been violated in any way and that the citation you have been issued is legitimate. With her former public defender experience, Larissa can confidently assess your situation and pursue a positive result in your case. Larissa can stand by you in court and work with the prosecutor in order to minimize the impact that these charges have on your life, or defend your rights at trial. Larissa represents clients in a variety of municipal court cases, including:

• Assault
• Possession of CDS
• Possession of false documents
• Prostitution
• Underage consumption of alcohol
• DWI
• Speeding
• Reckless driving
• Careless driving
• And any other type of criminal or traffic violation

For more information about how traffic violations can impact your driving record, please view the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Points Schedule

Juvenile:

 When a minor is initially arrested for a wrongdoing, he or she is not charged with a crime. Instead, juvenile delinquency charges, which are similar to criminal charges, are handled by the Family Court. The hearings are closed to the public, even the minor’s codefendants, and are heard by a judge rather than a jury. However, the ramifications are serious and the minor has the right to an attorney. He or she cannot be questioned without the consent of the parents or representation, and should not be permitted to be interviewed prior to obtaining such representation.

Civil Law

Larissa also has experience and can represent you regarding your car accident, trip and fall case, or other civil dispute, and can assist with your real estate transaction or medical malpractice matter.

Other Areas

Larissa has experience in drafting Wills, Living Wills, Powers of Attorney, and Medical Directives.