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Somerset County Family Law Arbitration Attorneys

Divorce Arbitration in Middlesex County, Morris County, Hunterdon County, Union County & Across New Jersey

If you are pursuing a divorce in New Jersey, then you may want to consider divorce arbitration. This approach is often an effective way to resolve disputes between divorcing spouses. Arbitration is especially helpful for those who disagree on one or more issues concerning their divorce but wish to avoid going to court.

Although arbitration can be a different experience from a trial, it is still important to have a team of qualified divorce arbitrators on your side that can present a strong case on your behalf.

Michael DeTommaso, Esq, completed the American Academy of Matrimonial Attorneys Arbitration Training and has been an Arbitrator since 2010. Mr. DeTommaso and the team at DeTommaso Law Group, LLC stand ready to fight to protect your rights and assets.

Contact us onlineor call (908) 274-3028today and learn more about how we can help you find an alternative to court in Morris, Hunterdon, and Union Counties.

What Are the Benefits of Arbitration for a Divorce?

Arbitration is an effective alternative to court or traditional litigation that allows couples to have more control over how their divorce is handled. The process involves both parties mutually selecting an impartial third party to decide on the issues of their case, as a judge would do.

The benefits of divorce arbitration include:

Cases are handled in a more efficient, timely, and cost-effective manner
Proceedings can sometimes occur in a less formal setting, which eases the emotional distress
Matters are resolved in a more confidential way
Couples select the arbitrator who will decide their case
Couples determine what issues will be addressed by the divorce arbitrator
Couples choose the day, time, and location of their hearing

While arbitration is a good option for many divorcing couples, it may not be appropriate for you. Before determining how to handle your divorce, make sure you consult with an experienced divorce arbitrator in New Jersey.

Arbitration Can Speed Up the Timeline of Your Divorce

During the COVID Pandemic in 2020, New Jersey Supreme Court Justice Stuart Rabner issued a directive that suspended all matrimonial trials in Somerset, Hunterdon, and Warren counties. That resulted in a considerable backlog of both divorce and custody matters, which remains to this present day.

At this time, it could take three to five years from the date one party files a Complaint for Divorce until the Superior Court is able to have a Trial on the matter, depending on the County in which you reside. This is also true in other counties throughout the State.

Family Law matters are important, and people and their children need to be able to move on with their lives. They simply cannot wait for years for Courts to give them hearing or trial dates, nor the time and attention they deserve. Not to mention the countless hours spent in court waiting for your case to be heard when the Judge you are scheduled to appear in front of handles other cases.

Over the course of years, you could spend many days and perhaps weeks in the courthouse for “intensive settlement conferences” simply because the Courts do not have trial time for you. Those are days and weeks missed from work, vacation, and spending time with your children, and attending their activities.

How Long Does Arbitration Take?

Mr. DeTommaso has developed an Arbitration system that tracks your matter with the goal that you will be finalized with the entire process in four to six months from the date the agreement to arbitrate is executed and the retainer is paid.

If you cannot amicably resolve your case by way of a written agreement, you will have a trial and receive a written decision on all of the contested issues within thirty days.

Thereafter, you can take the decision and have it incorporated into a Final Judgment of Divorce in the Superior Court and be able to move on with your life.

To ensure we are able to dedicate the time and attention your individual case deserves, he limits his arbitration matters to no more than ten cases at a time. This is compared to the hundreds of cases handled by each Superior Court Judge sitting in the Family Part. He cares about getting you and your families through this incredibly difficult time as expeditiously as possible.

What is the Arbitration Timeline?

First Month:

Week 1: Case Management Conference/ Discovery (Interrogatories/Notice to Produce forms provided to both parties at conclusion of Case Management Conference)
Week 3: Exchange Case Information Statements/Social Security Earnings Statements

Second Month:

Week 5: Case Management Conference (to check on progress of discovery and ensure exchange of Case Information Statements)
Week 8: Both parties’ responses to discovery due.

Third Month:

Weeks 9-12: Mediation/Settlement Conference (if parties want to participate and sign a written waiver permitting the Arbitrator to also serve in a dual capacity)

Fourth - Sixth Month:

Arbitration/Trial: Receive written arbitration decision and obtain Final Judgment of Divorce from Superior Court.

The above timelines are proposed guidelines that can be expanded or modified to meet the individual needs of your case.

Contact a Divorce Arbitration Attorney in NJ

At DeTommaso Law Group, LLC, our focus is exclusively on family law. With over 125 years of combined experience, our arbitrators are ready to provide you with reliable legal counsel and alternatives to court during this difficult time.

Contact us today at (908) 274-3028 to determine if arbitration is right for your situation.

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Client Testimonials

Real Clients. Real Results.

At DeTommaso Law Group, LLC, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

“She was professional yet kind during a time that was difficult for me.”
“Katrina always responded quickly and always had my best interest at hand. She was professional yet kind during a time that was difficult for me. I would highly recommend Katrina and the DeTommaso Law Group.”

- Stephanie
“An Expert Who Is Professional, Personable and Responsive”
“John Hays is an excellent lawyer and importantly also an excellent person. If you want a lawyer who can provide you with confidence and comfort during what can be trying times...look no further than John Hays.”

- Matt
“I couldn't have picked a better partner for the process”
“The DeTommaso Law Group recently helped to bring my divorce to a close, and I couldn't have picked a better partner for the process. For such a stressful and emotional event, I can't recommend DeTommaso Law Group enough as your partner in the process.”

- Ryan
“Their honesty, patience, and communication style were something we both needed to ensure the best outcome given the circumstances.”
Joseph Freda & Nicole Tigeleiro of DeTommaso Law Group, LLC were the absolute best to work with. They helped my husband and me to navigate through a cohabitation case and were a pleasure to work with from Day 1. Their honesty, patience, and communication style were something we both needed to ensure the best outcome given the circumstances. We highly recommend their services.

- Louise
“Professional and Highly Recommended!”
I started working with Joe Freda when I needed an attorney for custody and parenting time. Joe is so easy to talk to and has always explained everything clearly. He has always thought about what will be in my child's best interest. Joe continues to be easily accessible by phone or email when I need a question answered. I even followed Joe when he switched firms.! If anyone is looking for a knowledgeable family lawyer, then go with Joe.

- Christine C.
“Throughout the process, this team chipped away and kept me informed, communicating clearly and regularly with me while listening to me with empathy and patience.”
“To have had such pros in my court was truly a gift. Without my attorneys, I don’t think I could have won my case. I give them credit for getting a resolution and helping me move on so I can rebuild my life.”

- Dean
“Greg Passler provides top representation regarding child’s best interest”
After frustrating lack of results from another law firm, I was recommended to Mr. Passler and have since been able to sleep at night knowing he is intimately vested in our cause for our daughter. My case was not a divorce but about a parenting schedule, adversarial violations and safety and well-being issues for our special needs child. This law firm will stand up for your rights in a strategic and comprehensive manner. Mr. Passler is highly intelligent and experienced, and professional and courteous. You can be confident you will get impactful representation.

- Vera
“Very knowledgeable, supportive, and accommodating throughout our time working together. Michael was always efficient and responsive.”
“Very knowledgeable, supportive, and accommodating throughout our time working together. Michael was always efficient and responsive.”

- Jessica

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Why Choose DeTommaso Law Group, LLC?

What Makes Us Different

Over 125 Years of Combined Experience
At DeTommaso Law Group, LLC, we believe that every client deserves unwavering support and a fearless advocate in their corner. We understand the emotional and legal challenges that families face during times of crisis, and we are committed to providing them with the strong, determined representation they deserve.
Strategic & Aggressive Legal Counsel
Our team of experienced family law attorneys possesses extensive knowledge in the field. We stay up-to-date with the latest legal developments to ensure that we provide the most effective strategies and guidance to our clients. Our deep understanding of family law empowers us to navigate complex legal processes and provide insightful advice.
Results-Focused Approach to Every Case
We recognize that no two family law cases are the same. We tailor our approach to each client's specific needs and goals. By understanding their unique circumstances, we can develop personalized strategies that protect their interests and safeguard their rights.
Fearless Advocacy & Representation
We refuse to back down when it comes to fighting for our client's rights. We are not afraid to take on challenging cases or confront difficult opponents. Our unwavering commitment to our clients drives us to explore every legal avenue and utilize our expertise to secure the best possible outcomes.