Strategic & Compassionate Monmouth County Divorce Lawyer
Navigating a divorce or family law matter requires a lawyer who understands both the law and the court. Our family law practice is led by David Cardamone, an experienced family law attorney who has spent his career in the New Jersey court system. As your Monmouth County divorce lawyer, our team works to protect your interests and your relationship with your children.
Understanding Family Law in New Jersey
Family law matters are among the most emotionally challenging legal issues you can face. Whether you're going through a divorce, fighting for custody of your children, or dealing with domestic violence, these cases involve deeply personal issues that affect your family, your finances, and your future. At Buchan & Cardamone, we understand the emotional toll these matters take, and we provide compassionate legal representation that prioritizes your well-being and your goals.
Our family law practice is led by David Cardamone, whose extensive experience in New Jersey family law gives him a working knowledge of how New Jersey family courts operate and how family cases move from filing to resolution. That experience informs how we prepare each case and how we advise each client.
We believe that every family law case is unique and requires a tailored strategy. Before recommending any course of action, we take the time to understand your specific situation, your priorities, and your concerns. Some cases can be resolved through collaborative negotiation or mediation, which typically saves time, money, and emotional stress. Other cases require courtroom advocacy. Whatever approach fits your situation, we will work to protect your interests.
Our Family Law Services
Divorce & Dissolution
We guide clients through all aspects of contested and uncontested divorce in NJ.
Mediation & Arbitration
We offer negotiation, mediation, and other dispute resolution services to help avoid costly litigation.
Child Custody & Parenting Time
As experienced Monmouth County child custody lawyers, our top priority is protecting your relationship with your children.
Equitable Distribution
We handle the complex division of assets, from real estate to retirement accounts.
Alimony & Child Support
We work to make sure support determinations account for all relevant factors.
Domestic Violence
We provide urgent legal help for clients involved in domestic violence situations.
Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
Proactively protect your assets and define financial expectations.
Our Approach: Your Goals, Our Strategy
David's approach is to first learn your needs and goals before crafting an efficient, cost-effective strategy. He believes that by seeking creative, "win/win" solutions, expensive litigation can often be avoided. This mindset is supported by his experience as an R. 1:40 Qualified Mediator and a Monmouth County Early Settlement Panelist. However, he prepares every case as if it will proceed to trial, ensuring you are prepared no matter what path your case takes.
Protecting Your Relationship With Your Children
Child custody disputes are often the most contentious aspect of a divorce or separation. As Monmouth County child custody lawyers, we understand that nothing is more important to you than maintaining a strong relationship with your children. New Jersey courts make custody decisions based on the best interests of the child, considering factors such as the parents' ability to communicate and cooperate, the child's relationship with each parent, the stability of each home environment, and the child's preferences if they are of sufficient age and maturity.
It's important to understand that New Jersey law distinguishes between legal custody (decision-making authority) and physical custody (where the child lives). In many cases, parents share joint legal custody, meaning they must cooperate on major decisions affecting the child's health, education, and welfare. Physical custody arrangements vary widely depending on the family's circumstances and can range from equal parenting time to primary custody with one parent and a parenting time schedule for the other.
We work closely with our clients to develop custody arrangements that serve their children's best interests while protecting the parent-child relationship. If negotiation is unsuccessful, we are fully prepared to present compelling evidence at trial to advocate for your parental rights. Our goal is always to achieve an outcome that allows your children to thrive while maintaining meaningful relationships with both parents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New Jersey a "50/50" state for dividing assets in a divorce?
No, New Jersey is an "equitable distribution" state. This means marital property is divided in a way that is fair, which may or may not be an equal 50/50 split. A court considers many factors, including the length of the marriage and each spouse's financial situation.
Get the Support You Need
To discuss your situation with an experienced family law attorney, contact our office today.
Schedule a Consultation