Frequently Asked Questions
Answers from Our Hackensack Lawyers
When you are involved in a stressful and emotional family law matter throughout Bergen County, turn to a firm you can trust. At Laterra & Hodge, LLC, we are proud to have a Certified Matrimonial Trial Attorney and member of the prestigious American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers on our team. This means that we always stay educated and up to date with the latest trends and changes in the law.
When you have questions, our Hackensack attorneys can help. Read answers to some frequently asked questions below or call (201) 580-2240 to discuss your case during a free consultation.
Is mediation right in my divorce case?
If you and your spouse can agree on certain issues, such as custody and financial support, mediation may be a good way to settle your uncontested divorce quicker and with less stress, cost, and disruption to your family’s life. Mediation allows you to sit down with your spouse and come to an agreement without having to go to court or be seen before a judge. This allows you to resolve differences on your terms in a confidential and comfortable setting.
Are premarital agreements necessary?
There are many misconceptions and benefits surrounding premarital agreements. Many believe that these are a precursor to divorce, or set up a precedent of distrust in a marriage. This, however, is far from true. Premarital agreements can help set specific terms for worse case scenarios, including death, disability, or divorce. This means that the issues you decide on now, when you are not facing a stressful situation or under emotional duress, can help you face stressful situations in the future. These agreements can lay out the terms for spousal support, equitable distribution, child custody, separate property, and other issues to help save you time, stress, and money in the future.
What is the difference between divorce and separation?
Unlike divorce, separation is not a final and complete end to your marriage. Separation allows couples a period of time to work out their issues and differences without having to go through divorce proceedings in court. There are still a number of issues to be decided, including who will move out and where children will live, but separation allows you to settle these matters for a temporary period in order to give you space and time to work out your problems, if possible.
Am I entitled to alimony?
Alimony, or spousal support is given on a case by case basis. The court will determine if a spouse is eligible based on a number of factors, including the need for financial support, the length of the marriage, expenses needed for training to get back into the workforce, the mental and physical health of the spouse seeking the award, and the lifestyle that the spouses have become accustomed to, among other factors.
Can I dispute a custody arrangement?
Based on a number of factors, a court may reconsider or amend a child custody agreement for physical or legal custody. Except in proven cases of abuse, these matters can be amended in family court.
How can I protect myself against domestic violence?
Often your best option is to file a restraining order against an offending spouse. This can not only help prevent future issues of abuse, but it will legally force an offender to stay away from you, your children, or your home. It can also limit contact via phone, email, or text to protect you from the emotional components of abuse cases.
Hear It Directly From Our Clients
Our Passion & Drive Comes From Helping Families Like Yours
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“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. -
“He helps to make the journey a little better.”
I hired Mr Laterra to represent me when I was going through my divorce. During this very difficult time, he provided me with the knowledge, compassion and expertise that resulted in a fair and uneventful court settlement. He was able to keep me focused on the final outcome, even while the emotional toll of this ugly process was becoming too much to bear. Mr Laterrra has always been very professional and personable in his client relations. I never hesitate to call him and ask for his guidance. I trust him and the advice he gives me, even if it is not what I had originally wanted to hear. Also, as a client of his, I never felt like a "number" but as valued person. I cannot express the immeasurable value of this, especially when you are going through a major life crisis. I would absolutely recommend Mr Laterra's services for both the professionalism and compassion he displays in dealing with divorce proceedings. He helps to make the journey a little better.- Donna F. -
“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. -
“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. -
“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. -
“No unnecessary drama”
Mr Laterra was my lawyer for divorce that was finalized in August 2014. I started with mediation in January with a different lawyer - which was a disaster. The mediation lawyer was not responsive. Mr Laterra worked to get the MOU done and the PSA and subsequently the divorce in a timely manner with no unnecessary drama. His paralegal, Ms. Khadkevich, is the most professional...- Melissa B. -
“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. -
“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.