Bergen County Family Lawyers
Your Guide to Family Law in Hackensack, NJ
Family law matters require a family attorney with skill, dedication, and a refined understanding of Hackensack, NJ courts. Because these cases can have significant, lasting impacts on you, your children, and your future, it's important to choose a family law attorney in Hackensack who will ensure your voice is heard and your best interests are always protected. At Laterra & Hodge, LLC, we serve as trusted advocates, guiding clients through every situation, from divorce to post-judgment modifications.
At Laterra & Hodge, LLC, we understand that finding a knowledgeable family attorney near you is more than just locating a lawyer—it's about hiring a professional who is familiar with Bergen County courts, local judges, and Hackensack's unique legal environment. As one of the most experienced family law attorney teams in Hackensack, we regularly assist clients at the Bergen County Justice Center and have detailed insight into handling cases before the county’s family court judges. Whether your case involves seeking a divorce, negotiating child custody, pursuing child support, or addressing complex spousal support calculations, our legal guidance is meticulously tailored to New Jersey family law statutes and local Hackensack procedures.
Our commitment as family law attorneys in Hackensack extends to remaining accessible and transparent throughout your case. From your first consultation to case resolution, our team keeps you informed of your options, proactively explains updates, and remains available to answer any questions. We focus not only on achieving effective legal outcomes, but also on reducing emotional stress and disruption. Our practical family law solutions are designed to protect your future and consider the unique needs of families living in Hackensack and throughout Bergen County.
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Our Family Law Attorney Services in Hackensack
At Laterra & Hodge, LLC, our family attorneys provide a complete range of family law services addressing the diverse needs of Hackensack families. Clients rely on us for representation in divorce and dissolution, legal separation, child custody, parenting time, visitation, child support, equitable distribution of assets, alimony/spousal support, domestic violence matters, prenuptial agreements, and post-judgment modifications. We understand the importance of working with a family attorney near you who is familiar with Bergen County Family Court procedures and New Jersey-specific statutes such as N.J.S.A. 2A:34-23 (alimony) and N.J.S.A. 9:2-4 (child custody).
Our team is prepared to guide you through every phase of your family law case, whether it involves litigation in the Bergen County Justice Center, amicable settlement negotiation, or court-ordered mediation. We emphasize a balanced approach—assertive where necessary and always compassionate to your family’s needs—and leverage our exclusive focus and advanced credentials in family law to protect your interests in Hackensack. By remaining informed of the evolving landscape of New Jersey family law, our family lawyers deliver legal solutions that secure long-term results for you and your loved ones throughout the Hackensack area.
When You Turn to Our Family Law Firm, You Benefit from the Following and More:
- 25 years of combined professional experience
- Continuing education to stay up to date with the latest trends in the law
- Compassionate assistance even in high-conflict matters
- An exclusive focus on family and divorce law
As experienced family law attorneys serving Hackensack, we know that every family's situation carries its own unique details and challenges. We tailor our approach to your specific needs, whether you’re dividing marital assets, negotiating parenting plans, or seeking resolution through mediation. Our thorough preparation and local experience mean we are well-equipped to guide Hackensack and Bergen County families through every step mandated by New Jersey's family court system, always with your long-term well-being in mind.
Our commitment goes beyond effective legal representation. We strive to support your emotional well-being and stability throughout the process, offering resources and sharing advice to help you plan ahead. We assist clients in navigating the steps from filing for divorce in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Family Part, to understanding complex child support and custody guidelines unique to Hackensack and Bergen County. Let us be your trusted family attorney in Hackensack, providing the personal support and skilled counsel you deserve.
What to Expect in Hackensack Family Law Proceedings
Knowing what to expect from the family law process in Hackensack, NJ can help alleviate stress and set realistic expectations. Most family attorney cases in Hackensack begin at the Bergen County Justice Center. Here, family law cases typically start with a case management conference, followed by court-ordered mediation or participation in Early Settlement Panels, as encouraged by Bergen County Family Court to facilitate agreement before trial.
Clients should be ready to provide financial disclosures, participate in negotiating parenting time schedules, and prepare for hearings on temporary or permanent arrangements. Hackensack's family courts place strong emphasis on the best interests of children and achieving equitable solutions for all parties. Working with a family attorney in Hackensack who is well-versed in navigating these requirements means your case will progress efficiently and according to New Jersey law. At Laterra & Hodge, LLC, we anticipate each procedural step and offer clear, direct guidance to avoid unnecessary delays and protect your interests throughout the process.
Hear It Directly From Our Clients
Our Passion & Drive Comes From Helping Families Like Yours
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“He is professional and cares about his clients.”
Mr. Laterra helped my son move in with me.He handled the problem so I could continue to work.The final result is my son is with me and Mr. Laterra made that happen. He is professional and cares about his clients.I can't say enough about him.- Kenneth R. -
“Jeff is a trustworthy and knowledgeable attorney.”
Jeff is a trustworthy and knowledgeable attorney. He was very comforting and sympathetic during a tough time. He put me at ease and explained the motions of my divorce during times where I felt frustrated. He is compassionate and very easy to talk to. I recommend LaTerra and Hodge to anyone looking for a matrimonial attorney.- Maria B. -
“From start till the end they were there for me.”
Scott and his assistant Valentina were genuinely helpful and very professional. From start till the end they were there for me. There were very reasonable in their billing as well. I wish there are more law firms like them. I highly recommend them.- Salman M. -
“Worked out even better than I could have anticipated”
A positive recommendation for Laterra & Hodge is the very least I can do in appreciation of what they have done for me. From the time that I came into the office for an "Free Consultation" Scott Laterra not only made ME - a single-mom/custodial parent in a uphill battle to get a fair chance in the NJ Family Court of Law - feel comfortable during an extremely stressful and taxing time. Unlike many other attorneys I could have selected who would've been content with money, Scott in turn selected me based on my character and desire to do the right thing. This shared value took us all the way to a successful outcome that worked out even better than I could have anticipated. I will be forever grateful for Scott's direction, compassion and dedication to see this process through. At the end of it all - it was all worth it! A special Thanks to you Scott...and Your special Tie :-)- Jessica A. -
“I would go back to them in a heartbeat.”
I retained Scott Laterra in my divorce proceedings in 2014. I couldn't have chosen a better attorney. Scott is great. He is very professional and a great listener. He made sure that everything we were working for was clear and that I understood the outcome. Him and is team are the best at what they do. I would go back to them in a heartbeat.- Julie A. -
“I trust him, and no one completes this process without trust issues.”
I entered the divorce process as a neophyte, and Mr Laterra was a partner in a larger, more established matrimonial specialty firm at the time. We were against a very 'bad one' (so described years later by a retired lawyer working in the matrimonial specialty that I met). He consistantly tried to keep the dialogue professional and keep communication clear and open. This (I later discovered) is vital to survivng the post settlement life, ever after. He was completely capable of countering all the unethical chalanges we faced with the ----, but didn't need to climb in the mud to do so. He is also consistantly honest in presenting your options, and expected outcomes. Recently he met with my best friend who had disoveries post settlement, and bluntly informed him that all he would get now from investing time, energy, and lots of money would be the mild annoyance of his former wife. So my friend decided her could do that himself for free. That's ethics. If you need to at times feel the need to go down and dirty, he won't stop you, but he will guide into doing the least damage to yourself, your kids, and the case-both long and short term. He will function as your partner in this difficult time, and be there for any fine tuning if required after (but not set it up to assure he will collect a pension from you). He is also, unfortunatly for him, self experienced. I trust him, and no one completes this process without trust issues.- Tony W. -
“The representation I received from Mr Hodge was second to none.”
About a year ago I went through a divorce. As anyone who has ever went through a divorce, they can be very difficult especially when children are involved. I have to say that the legal work and the representation I received from Mr Hodge was second to none. I highly recommend using Jeff, I hired a lawyer and gained a life long friend.- Joe K. -
“Scott gave me trustworthy advise and comfort during a nerve racking situation.”
Scott was very helpful and honest when consulting with me. While some lawyers may take advantage and prey on a client during a vulnerable time, Scott gave me trustworthy advise and comfort during a nerve racking situation. Very professional and reliable from what I've experienced so far.- Luis C.
