Compassionate Family Law Counsel In Morristown

Finding yourself confronted with a legal conflict involving your family is often one of the most emotionally charged experiences of your life. Whether you are contemplating the end of your marriage or protecting your relationship with your child, the stress and anxiety can easily become overwhelming. During these times, you need a legal adviser who understands the high stakes of your situation.

Family law attorney Sandra Fava founded her firm to provide this exact level of dedicated support. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated credibility and illustrated proven success. She was named to the Top 50: Women New Jersey Super Lawyers list (2025 and 2026). At Fava Law LLC, the attorneys bring a deep knowledge and a practical perspective to every client they serve.

Comprehensive Representation

The legal team of family law attorneys at Fava Law LLC provides comprehensive legal guidance for a wide range of family law and civil cases. They understand that no two families are alike, and they tailor their approach to meet your specific needs.

• Divorce: The firm’s divorce attorneys guide clients through the dissolution of marriage, handling everything from simple filings to complex asset division in high net worth divorces.
• Paternity: Attorneys help parents establish legal fatherhood to secure parental rights, establish custody or protect a child’s right to receive the necessary financial child support.
• Child custody: The lawyers at Fava Law LLC advocate for arrangements that protect the best interests of your child and your parental bond.
• Financial support: Counselors work to ensure fair outcomes regarding child support, spousal maintenance and palimony obligations.
• Adoption: The team assists families with the legal requirements to expand their family through the adoption process.
• Marital agreements: Attorneys draft and review prenuptial and antenuptial agreements to protect your financial future before and during your marriage.
• Mediation: In civil and family law cases, we can act as mediator or represent your interests as an attorney during mediation proceedings.
• Arbitration: This method of resolving disputes out of court requires special knowledge. The attorneys of Fava Law have significant experience representing clients in arbitration.
• Special discovery adjudicator appointment: In contentious lawsuits, parties may ask the court to appoint a special discovery adjudicator to handle the exchange of evidence. We take these appointments seriously.

Fava Law’s attorneys’ extensive background allows them to manage even the most sophisticated financial and personal situations. The firm’s legal team blends empathy with a pragmatic strategy to resolve your case effectively.

Experience Rooted In The Morris County Family Part

In Morris County, the Family Part of the Superior Court’s Chancery Division hears divorce, custody and support cases at the county courthouse in Morristown. Our Morristown family law office serves clients throughout Morris County. Our attorneys know the local procedures from more than one side of the bench. Founding Partner Sandra C. Fava began her career as a law clerk to the Honorable Stephan C. Hansbury in the Morris County Family Part and has dedicated her practice to family law ever since. She was selected to the Top 50: Women New Jersey Super Lawyers lists for 2025 and 2026.

Special Counsel Hon. Thomas V. Manahan, J.A.D. (Ret.), adds a judge’s perspective to that experience. He presided over civil, family and criminal matters in the Morris/Sussex Vicinage before serving on the Appellate Division, where he reviewed many family law appeals. That background helps us anticipate how a judge may view a request before we file it.

How Family Cases Move Through The Morristown Courthouse

After both sides file their first pleadings, most contested divorces go to a case management conference, where the judge sets a schedule for exchanging financial information and assigns the case to a track. Cases involving business interests, stock options or other complex assets may receive a longer track, along with deadlines for appraisals and expert reports. Each spouse must file a Case Information Statement that lists income, expenses, assets and debts. Because these figures drive support and property decisions, we review them closely and gather supporting records early.

If financial issues remain unresolved, New Jersey court rules send the case to a Matrimonial Early Settlement Panel. Two experienced family law attorneys volunteer to hear both sides and recommend a settlement. Their recommendation does not bind anyone, but it often shows how a neutral reviewer sees the case. When the panel does not produce an agreement, the court usually orders economic mediation and may then schedule an Intensive Settlement Conference with a judge before trial.

We prepare for each step as though the case could go to trial. That approach gives you leverage in settlement talks and a clear plan if negotiations stall.

Local Guidance Across Every Kind Of Family Matter

Our attorneys help Morris County families with divorce, child custody disputes, child support, alimony, domestic violence restraining orders and post-judgment modifications. Courts decide custody based on the child’s best interests. In a contested case, each parent must submit a proposed parenting plan that covers schedules, schooling and decision-making. Many custody disputes also go to court-ordered mediation before a hearing. Child support follows the New Jersey Child Support Guidelines, which weigh both parents’ incomes and the time each parent spends with the children.

Alimony requires its own analysis. Depending on the marriage, a court may award rehabilitative, reimbursement, limited duration or open-ended alimony. For marriages shorter than 20 years, New Jersey law generally limits the length of alimony to the length of the marriage unless exceptional circumstances apply.

If you fear for your safety or your children’s safety, the Family Part can issue a temporary restraining order. After court hours, a municipal judge can issue one instead. A hearing on a final restraining order usually follows within 10 days. The outcome can affect custody, parenting time and who stays in the home, so we help you prepare your evidence and testimony before that hearing.

After a judgment, a job loss, a serious illness or a child’s changing needs may justify a request to modify support or parenting time. To talk through your situation, schedule a confidential initial consultation by calling Call.

No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.

Can You Appeal A Family Law Case?

Final orders can be appealed if the trial court made a legal or factual error. An appeal is not a retrial or a chance to present new evidence. Instead, a higher court reviews the record to ensure the law was applied correctly. Because the appellate process involves strict deadlines and complex procedural rules, you should consult a family law professional immediately if you believe a mistake impacted your case.

Can You Modify Family Law Court Orders In New Jersey?

New Jersey law allows you to seek modifications to existing court orders when circumstances change significantly. Life is unpredictable, and an arrangement that worked years ago may no longer serve your family. Whether you experienced a job loss, a medical crisis or a change in a child’s needs, the court can adjust support or custody terms. You must demonstrate that these changes are substantial and permanent to justify a formal modification.

How Can Mediation Help Clients?

The mediation process offers a private, less adversarial way to resolve disputes outside of a courtroom. A neutral third party helps you and the other parent or spouse reach a mutual agreement on sensitive issues. This process often saves time, reduces costs and minimizes the emotional toll. It empowers you to make decisions rather than leaving those choices to a judge.

How Can A Family Law Attorney Help You With Your Case?

A divorce lawyer acts as your advocate, strategist and shield during a difficult transition. They gather necessary evidence, handle all court filings and negotiate on your behalf to reach legal solutions that favor your long-term goals. By managing the technical details and providing objective advice, an attorney allows you to focus on your emotional well-being and your family’s future.

Consult An Attorney Today

The attorneys at Fava Law LLC can help you understand your options. They can develop legal strategies designed to protect your rights and build a better future. You do not have to face these challenges alone. Schedule an appointment by calling the firm at 973-524-6245. You can also send a message through the firm’s website.