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. -
“They treated a difficult, emotional situation with utmost professionalism respect and compassion”
From the beginning, Scott displayed his complete knowledge of the law and expertise. He is very attentive, good listener; always explain difficult legal issues with patience and insight on how it would impact my case. Majority of lawyers take advantage of the vulnerable situation and will take more unnecessary action to charge more money for the service, you will not see this at Laterra&Hodge. Scott is very ethical in his approach, does not resort to overblown hyperbole, but presents strong, logical arguments that are well received by the courts. Laterra&Hodge has a great team of attorneys including Scott, Jeff, and Sunita as well paralegal Valentina, the most professional person I have ever worked with returned every call or email same day. They treated a difficult, emotional situation with utmost professionalism respect and compassion. I certainly would give them my recommendation.- Artur M. -
“I am confident in recommending Scott to friends, family and associates for his outstanding legal skills and advice.”
Scott was retained as my attorney for divorce proceedings about five years ago. From the beginning, he displayed his complete knowledge of the law and individual rights. With compassion, he worked with me to steer clear of unnecessary conflicts and expenses. During the entire process, I felt like I was with a trusted friend while receiving excellent advice. He even made himself available for many important discussions well after business hours and on weekends. Since the divorce, Scott has worked diligently to advise me on any issues that have arisen. He helped me to resolve any and all additional concerns in a very timely and professional manner. I am confident in recommending Scott to friends, family and associates for his outstanding legal skills and advice.- Dave Z -
“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. -
“No doubt I'll use him again if I needed a legal advice.”
I found Scott Laterra here on Avvo. And after viewing multiple attorneys' feedbacks, I decided to go with him. It was absloutely the right choice. He is very attentive, good listerner, will hear you and work with you. My content stems from the fact that I was not misguided throughout the process of my divorce. Majority of lawyers take advantage of the vulnerable situation and milk your bank account all out. Well, not this one. My divorce was finalized last week. He even cut me a break on my last invoice. I genuinely think he did deserve the fees I paid given his and his office proficiency. No doubt I'll use him again if I needed a legal advice.- Fady A. -
“I felt he was very honest and had my best interest as the number one priority.”
Scott proved to be an outstanding attorney. He was extremely supportive and accommodating throughout the entire process. He was easy to talk to and was very understanding. It was not difficult at all to get in touch with him and he returned phone calls in a very reasonable amount of time. I felt he was very honest and had my best interest as the number one priority. He clearly defined all of my options without pushing me in a direction that suited him or his practice. His knowledge of matrimonial law really impressed me. I would absolutely recommend Scott to anyone in need of a lawyer who is going through a divorce.- Mike K. -
“I can highly recommend Scott for anyone who is undergoing a divorce”
I have used services of Scott Laterra for my divorce. He was very helpful and knowledgeable. He provided invaluable expertise to make sure that my case is resolved in the most beneficial for me manner. Scott was always suggesting ways to minimize my expenses and still receive maximum benefits from this divorce. I can highly recommend Scott for anyone who is undergoing a divorce if that person wants to get a knowledgeable advice and fair representation.- Alex O. -
“Scott is very ethical in his approach”
Scott has my attorney on a very diificult and emotional case for the past four years. At every turn, Scott has been there for me, able to explain difficult legal issues with patience and insight on how it would impact my case. He and his partnter, Jeff Hodge, ably represented me throughout the process, succesfully arguing many of the important issues to me of the case such as custody of our children. Scott is very ethical in his approach, does not resort to overblown hyperbole, but presents strong, logical arguements that are well recieved by the courts. Scott and his firm are more than fair in their approach to billings and fees, I felt that I was a part of the process throughout the case and they always informed me of the impact to my case. I have referred two of my friends to Scott, who have needed the services of attorney, and write this open recommendation for anyone who wants a smart, ethical lawyer, they would do well having Scott as their counsel.- Frank M.
