If you have a family issue requiring legal counsel this can be a trying time for you. Vella Singer & Associates Law Group is committed to guiding you through the legal processes, while preserving your dignity and protecting your rights. The type of matters we are experienced handling are:
Adoption
Adoption is a wonderful option for expanding your family, but the laws governing this process can be quite complex. As experienced adoption attorneys, we will:
- Explain the variety of adoption methods available
- Explain your rights and the adoption laws in New Jersey
- Explain and assess the risks involved with each option
- Ensure that the birth parents rights are legally terminated before the placement is finalized
- Review and negotiate adoption agency contracts to ensure that your interests are well served
Collaborative Law
Maureen E. Vella, Esq. is a collaboratively trained attorney. A form of alternative dispute resolution in family law; a Collaborative Divorce occurs when both parties are represented by attorneys and agree to resolve conflicts through negotiation and non-adversarial methods, in a non-threatening, non-abusive environment. This is a non-litigation alternative to divorce. Your benefits are that through civil negotiations, a Collaborative Divorce is:
- Less stressful
- Less emotional
- Less public, and
- Less expensive than a litigated divorce
You and your partner would commit to a fair, safe and non-threatening process, which is especially important when children are involved. A Collaborative Divorce keeps you out of the Court system until a settlement is reached by both parties. From your collaboratively trained attorney, Maureen E. Vella, Esq., you will be advised of your rights and responsibility regarding the same issues that are litigated, such as support, custody, access to the children, equitable distribution of property, and financial matters.
Divorce from Bed and Board
New Jersey has developed a legal proceeding called a Divorce from Bed and Board in order to address many concerns. In this type of proceeding, the parties are economically divorced, but they are still legally married. The parties obtain a Judgment that equitably distributes their assets and provides support in the same way that a divorce would. A Divorce from Bed and Board does not terminate or dissolve the marital bond. The Divorce from Bed and Board declares that the parties are legally separated and their assets are legally divided in a final matter. Our Law Group can help you in determining whether a Divorce from Bed and Board is the right choice for you.
Equitable Distribution
Equitable Distribution is a term that describes the division of marital assets during a divorce in the State of New Jersey. All marital assets are divided fairly and equitably between the two parties by either Court Order or mutual agreement. The Court Orders are decided on a number of factors including, but not limited to the income of the parties, the age and/or health (physical, emotional, etc.) of the parties, and present value of their share of the marital assets. At Vella Singer Kleiner, we are well experienced and determined to assist you to maintain your share of the marital assets.
Pre-Nuptial Agreement
A clear and binding Pre-Nuptial Agreement, requires the advice of an experienced attorney. Our Law Group expects the unexpected and drafts Pre-Nuptial Agreements that protects your interests while not hurting your fiancé. A well drafted Pre-Nuptial Agreement will alleviate stress should you ever divorce. An experienced attorney would help guide you through decision making on whether an Agreement is right for you and the essential terms of the Agreement. These agreements are very closely scrutinized by the Courts, and our Law Group will help you put together an Agreement which meets the laws specific to New Jersey’s requirements. Having experienced attorneys aid you through this process will enable you and your fiancé to craft a lasting Agreement that you both understand, without leaving either party feeling that they have been taken advantage of.
Child Support
Child care is every parent’s greatest responsibility and of course, you want what is best for your children. Our attorneys will help you in resolving all aspects of your children’s financial well-being. Our Law Group is committed to ensuring that both parents are sharing the costs of raising their children.
Domestic Violence
If you believe you or someone you love is a victim of Domestic Violence, you should seek the advice of an attorney immediately. The New Jersey Prevention of Domestic Violence Act offers protection against domestic violence and domestic abuse. It applies to anyone over the age of 18 who is being abused by a spouse or former spouse, current or former household member, current or former partner, or parent. It is important to understand the differences between various acts of abuse, and your rights. Our Law Group can help you protect yourself and your loved ones to obtain a Final Restraining Order against your abuser.
Reconciliation Agreement
A Reconciliation Agreement differs from a Pre-Nuptial Agreement in that a Reconciliation Agreement is made after the marital relationship has deteriorated to the brink of an indefinite separation or a suit for divorce. A Reconciliation Agreement contains a spousal promise which induces a reconciliation that we can negotiate for you.
Alimony
Ending a long-term marriage is often times a difficult choice. When considering such an action, worrying about where you are going to live or how you are going to manage your expenses should not enter the equation. Allow us to help you maintain the standard of living that you are accustomed to while considering that your family is now made up of two households, not one.
Custody
Our Law Group works toward protecting the best interests of your children by establishing and then enforcing Child Custody and Child Support Agreements. We address all the issues important to your children’s well-being and future, including:
- Legal and Residential Custody
- Parenting time and visitation
- Interstate and Intrastate removal of children
- Child support
- Financial planning for your children’s education and expenses
- Health insurance coverage for your children
- Family Counseling
Divorce Mediation
Maureen E. Vella, Esq. is an Accredited Professional Mediator (APM), as recognized by the New Jersey Association of Professional Mediators through Mediation you can manage your settlement outside of the Court system. You maintain your dignity and preserve your ability to communicate while working out your differences together with the assistance of a trained and accredited attorney.
Guardianship
Guardianship’s are a method of obtaining legal custody of, or decision-making authority over, a minor or incompetent person , and provides protection for your family member or loved one. There are many types of Guardianship actions. Whether you are seeking Guardianship of a minor, a disabled adult, child, an elderly person, or a mentally ill person, our attorneys will guide you through informed decisions that serve the best interests of all involved. In the event you wish to change a Guardianship now or in the future, we can help you with successor guardians and transfer of Guardianship.
Qualified Domestic Relations Order
Through the use of a QDRO or a Domestic Relations Order (DRO) you will receive a portion of your spouse’s pension or retirement income, including 401k accounts and annuities. This will accomplished through the divorce process by way of a QDRO or a DRO with the assistance of your attorney.
Divorce
Divorce is the legal dissolution of all marital bonds between two individuals and at times a necessary means of helping you and your spouse to move on with your life. Through litigation, mediation, or the collaborative process, our Law Group helps you gain equitable results from your divorce, including:
- A fair distribution of assets
- The division of the marital home
- A Fair Alimony
- Child support payments
- Child custody rights, and more
Post Judgement Issues or Enforcement
Even after you and your former spouse have divorced, you may still find yourself in need of legal counsel. If your former spouse has violated the terms of your Agreement, you may need to have an Enforcement Motion filed with the Court. Enforcing your Judgment of Divorce or Marital Settlement Agreement is often complicated and as such, it is important to utilize the skills of an experienced divorce attorney. Our Law Group will assist you in enforcing your Marital Settlement Agreement to provide:
- Child support
- Alimony
- Insurance related expenses
- Attorney’s fees, and more
You may feel that your current Agreement no longer adequately provides for you and your family due to some substantial change in circumstances or unforeseen event. In some instances, a legal modification may be appropriate. If you believe that your current agreement should be modified due to a change, an experienced attorney will be able to assist you. Some such changed circumstances are lay-offs and changes in financial circumstances, emancipation of children, disability, relocation, and re-marriage.
Education Law
A child’s education should be a positive, productive and wondrous journey. A time when each child has the opportunity to reach his/her full academic and developmental potential, with home and school working together. This is how it should be, yet we know that there are situations when home and school are not on the same page. We understand that you want the best for your child. We know the frustration, helplessness and hurt that you feel when your child’s school is not delivering an appropriate education; and when you try to communicate with the school, you are shut out. That is when you should call us. The initial consultation involves speaking with an attorney and an educational advocate; and by meeting with both professionals simultaneously, you receive a view from both a legal and educational lens. We blend our collective years of legal and educational experience to provide you with a comprehensive and realistic overview of your situation. That makes a big difference, because our educational advocate worked in the public schools for many years and understands how the schools operate. Call us if you are experiencing difficulties with your child’s school and/or educational program. Our Law Group can address many educational issues, including (but not limited to) the following:
- Special Education (including eligibility issues)
- IEP issues
- Denial of an Out of District Placement
- Referral and Intervention Services Process
- Appropriate educational program
- Inclusion
- Lack of school responsiveness
- School Discipline Issues/Decisions
- Out of School Suspensions
- Bullying
- Placement in Gifted and Talented Programs
Our Somerville Office
54 Grove Street
Somerville, NJ 08876
Phone: 732-494-8200
Fax: 848-244-6090
Our Metropark/Iselin Office
33 S Wood Ave
Inselin, NJ 08830
Phone: 732-494-8200
Fax: 848-244-6090