Tanya Freeman - Divorce

New Jersey LGBTQ+ Divorce Attorney

Serving Bergen County, Essex County, Hudson County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Morris County, Somerset County and Union County.

Do You Need Legal Help?

    Contact Us for a Confidential Consultation

    New Jersey LGBTQ+ Divorce Attorney

    Serving Bergen County, Essex County, Hudson County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Morris County, Somerset County and Union County

    Do You Need Legal Help?

      Contact Us for a Confidential Consultation

      Equal Justice Under Law

      Tanya L. Freeman, Attorney at Law

      Tanya Freeman

      Managing Partner of the Family Law Practice at Callagy Law

      More than an accomplished divorce and family law attorney, Tanya L. Freeman, is a consummate professional with a wealth of corporate and life experience.

      Known as a leader and strategist, Tanya L. Freeman was appointed by the Governor of New Jersey as Chair of the Board of Directors of the University Hospital in Newark, New Jersey. Tanya L. Freeman also presents among the ranks of public speakers. She captivates and inspires professional groups nationwide. "Tanya has the eloquence and oratory brilliance with the ability to forge deep connections with her listeners."

      TESTIMONIALS

      What Our Clients Say

      Mrs. Freeman fights hard for her clients and does everything in her power to make sure you get what you want.

      She makes what could be a nightmare easier than imaginable.

      Joel W. / Client

      Tanya is a great and very experienced attorney. She is always three steps ahead of the game.

      I can’t imagine dealing with difficult family law proceedings without her!

      Jonathan S. / Client

      One of the best lawyers around.

      She always fights hard for her clients and never gives up. Mrs. Freeman has the knowledge of a lawyer who has been practicing for decades. She is the cream of the crop!

      Nicole J. / Client

      This was my second time retaining Miss Freeman for a family court case and she again showed me that my confidence in her was well placed. I reviewed her after my first case when she was still with her husband’s office and now I say again she is fantastic.

      Rakesh D. / Client

      Attorney Tanya L. Freeman, As Seen On Leading Legal Directories

      Lead Counsel Seal

      Lead Counsel is a publication of Thomson Reuters. The Lead Counsel Rating is awarded to attorneys who maintain a clean disciplinary history, meet specific verified litigation requirements and receive multiple peer endorsements. The selection process can be viewed at leadcounsel.org. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of NJ.

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      AVVO Ratings are published by Avvo Inc. The Avvo rating system evaluates a lawyer’s background based on response forms completed by clients and other lawyers as well as professional achievements, years of practice and other significant criteria. AVVO’s rating methodology can be viewed at avvo.com. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of N.J.

      Super Lawyers

      Super Lawyers is a publication of Thomson Reuters. The selection process is conducted by an independent firm that determines which lawyers in New Jersey have attained a high degree of peer recognition & professional achievement. The selection process can be viewed at superlawyers.com. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of NJ.

      10 Best Tanya Freeman

      American Institute of Family Law (10 Best Client Satisfaction; Top10 Under 40) “To be named an attorney must be formally nominated by the board, client, and/or fellow Attorney; have attained the highest degree of professional achievement in his or her field of law; and having done so with an impeccable Client Satisfaction rating. Visit aiofla.org to learn more.

      Divorce PDF BG
      9 Mistakes That Can Derail Your Success - A New Jersey Divorce Guide

      9 Mistakes That Can Derail Your Success - A New Jersey Divorce Guide

      Learn what you should and shouldn’t be doing for your child custody concern. Download our free guide.

      LGBTQ+ Divorce: Our experience can help you find a different way out

      One of the biggest misconceptions we find among LGBTQ+ clients who seek our help is that “divorce is divorce.” They have been led to believe that, because societal mores have become more tolerant, the same separation strategies apply as with other types of unions. While the rules of law may be the same, the attitudes held by judges and witnesses can inject even greater uncertainty across what is already an emotional minefield for most clients.

      At Tanya L. Freeman, Attorney at Law. We appreciate, respect, and celebrate the desire of everyone to follow their life’s path. We also understand that a partner whom society may see as “different” will need a distinct approach to achieving a satisfactory marriage dissolution. While exploring many of the same considerations as with hetero-aligned relationships, we may also look at:

      • What stressors have contributed to the dissolution of the marriage and how might they impact divorce resolution?

      • How will the change or lack of change in societal attitudes affect how your demands are presented or how your offense/defense is positioned?

      • What discriminatory claims might a divorcing spouse use to discredit your parental capabilities?

      • And much more. 

      We are experienced in handling the additional complexities that come with unwinding LGBTQ+ partnerships. Changing these relationships can be especially difficult, fraught with pressures and unusually strong emotions. These are the times when you need, more so than ever, a skilled New Jersey LGBTQ+ divorce attorney working on your behalf.

      Tanya L. Freeman, Attorney at Law, offers clarity, focus, and knowledgeable advice, so you can make the decisions you need to move onward.

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      What You Need to Know About LBGTQ Divorce in New Jersey 

      When same-sex couples decide to dissolve their marriage, they go through the same legal process as opposite-sex couples. The process can involve an uncontested divorce, where both parties agree on the terms of the separation, or a mediated divorce, where a neutral third party aids the parties in coming to an agreement. In more complicated cases, the divorce may be contested and require litigation.

      It is important to note that in New Jersey, couples who are already in civil unions or domestic partnerships can legally marry without ending their existing union or partnership. This means that same-sex couples seeking a divorce may need to terminate their civil union or domestic partnership in addition to their marriage. The legal process for dissolving these types of unions can vary depending on the couple’s specific circumstances.

      Terminating a Civil Union or Domestic Partnership

      In the state of New Jersey, registered domestic partnerships with limited rights were first recognized in 2004, followed by civil unions in 2007. If a couple wishes to dissolve their civil union or domestic partnership, the legal process mirrors that of divorcing couples. This involves filing a complaint for dissolution and a case information statement, as well as participating in case management conferences and potentially engaging in formal discovery.

      It is worth noting that New Jersey civil union couples are entitled to all of the same legal rights and benefits as married couples. This means that they may encounter similar issues when ending their relationship. Conversely, domestic partners typically share fewer legal rights and may encounter fewer complications during the dissolution process. However, the overall procedure remains the same.

      Common Issues for Couples Ending Same-Sex Relationships

      It is a well-known fact that all parents are bound by child custody and child support laws. However, it is worth noting that same-sex couples with children may face unique challenges. For instance, many same-sex couples have children who are either adopted or the biological offspring of just one partner. In some cases, a same-sex partner who is not the biological or adoptive parent may still have parental rights if they have acted as the child’s parent in a family relationship. It is important to understand that this area of law can be quite complex and may require the assistance of legal professionals with experience in this field.

      Child Custody and Visitation

      Regarding child custody and visitation orders in New Jersey, the “best interests of the child” are always prioritized. This means that the law assumes a child benefits from having regular and ongoing contact with both legal parents unless specific circumstances suggest otherwise. It’s important to note that New Jersey has three common custody arrangements, each with unique characteristics and requirements.

      Joint Legal Custody

      The first arrangement is joint legal custody, which involves both parents making major decisions for the child. In this scenario, one parent is the primary residential custodian, while the other is the alternate. This means that the child primarily resides with one parent, but the other parent still has an active role in their upbringing and decision-making process.

      Sole Legal and Physical Custody

      The second arrangement is sole legal and physical custody, which grants one parent both legal and physical custody of the child. This means that they are responsible for all major decisions regarding the child’s upbringing, as well as their day-to-day care and well-being.

      Shared Legal and Physical Custody

      The third and final arrangement is shared legal and physical custody, which involves equal or nearly equal parenting time for both parents. In this scenario, both parents participate equally in decision-making and caring for the child.

      Our law firm comprehends the significance of safeguarding your rights as a parent and ensuring a positive relationship with your child. Tanya L. Freeman, Attorney at Law, is dedicated to providing you with the guidance and support you need to navigate the complex world of child custody and visitation orders in New Jersey. Whether you’re seeking joint, sole, or shared custody, we’re here to help you achieve a favorable outcome that serves the best interests of you and your child.

      New Jersey Child Support Formula

      In New Jersey, both parents are legally obligated to financially support their children. The determination of the amount of child support for each case is based on a basic child support allocation amount, which is calculated according to the percentage of total income earned by each parent. This allocation is then adjusted to account for additional factors, such as the amount of time the child spends with each parent. While these calculations can be complex, the state has established the New Jersey Child Support Guidelines to provide assistance. These guidelines, found in New Jersey Court Rule 5:6A and Appendix IX, offer a formula that accurately calculates base child support payments for most parents in the state.

      Within Appendix IX, there is a comprehensive table that outlines the fundamental support amounts that correspond to the number of children in the family as well as the combined net weekly income of the parents. Furthermore, the guidelines incorporate three expense categories to account for parenting time adjustments.

      Fixed Expenses

      These include housing costs, such as rent or mortgage, and utility payments. 

      Controlled Expenses

      Controlled expenses refer to items such as clothing, personal care products or services, most entertainment, and miscellaneous items.

      Variable Expenses

      These include costs such as food, transportation, and occasional entertainment that are within the control of the parent currently caring for the child.

      It is important to note that the New Jersey Child Support Guidelines are not intended to be a one-size-fits-all solution. Rather, they are designed to provide a framework for determining child support payments that are fair and equitable for all parties involved. Additionally, it is important to seek the guidance of a qualified legal professional when facing child support issues to ensure that your rights and the rights of your children are protected.

      Property Division and Alimony

      In the event that you are considering ending a civil union or divorce, it is important to understand that the distribution of marital property and spousal support regulations are the same. It is worth noting that any valid prenuptial or postnuptial agreements may also have an impact on these issues. 

      However, in the case of ending a domestic partnership, equitable distribution and alimony are generally not considered because domestic partnerships do not create the same shared property rights or responsibility for debts. It is possible that domestic partners may have cohabitation agreements that can affect post-relationship property rights or partner support. 

      If you and your partner have lived together for many years and then entered a civil union or marriage, there may be some questions about equitable property division and alimony. It is important to understand that the law is still evolving in this area, so there is no definitive answer. If you have any questions or concerns about your specific situation, please do not hesitate to contact us to schedule an initial consultation and obtain more information.

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      Why Do You Need to Hire an LGBTQ+ Divorce Attorney?

      Everybody’s situation is unique, and the way that same-sex couples and LGBTQ+ people are treated under New Jersey law and other state and federal legislation is always changing. Therefore, talking about your concerns with our New Jersey LGBTQ+ divorce attorney who fully comprehends how these developments may affect your particular circumstance is crucial.

      Tanya L. Freeman, Attorney At Law, strongly emphasizes meeting each client’s needs. We listen carefully and allow our clients to choose their objectives. Our mission is to give you the knowledge and guidance you need to safeguard your rights and make the best choices for your future as well as the future of your family. We also recognize that family law issues are complex and can include powerful and conflicting emotions.

      Legal Support for LGBTQ+ Divorce in New Jersey

      Given the emerging and evolving nature of LGBTQ+ family law issues in New Jersey and nationwide, we recommend you speak with a skilled New Jersey LGBTQ+ divorce attorney like Tanya L. Freeman, Attorney At Law. Our team provides legal consultation and advice to clients in New Jersey about child support, civil unions, marriage, divorce, and LGBTQ+-related issues. We are a skilled and compassionate group of legal professionals committed to assisting you in identifying the legal options that will work best for you and the people you value the most. Set an appointment with our LGBTQ+ divorce attorney to learn more.

      Looking for a Reputable LGBTQ+ Divorce Law Firm? Contact Tanya L. Freeman, Attorney at Law at (973) 620-2290

      Client Reviews

      Mrs. Freeman fights hard for her clients and does everything in her power to make sure you get what you want. She makes what could be a nightmare easier than imaginable.

      Joel W.

      Read More Reviews

      Helping Clients Move on to the Next Stage of their Lives

      Divorce and family disputes can be frustrating and emotional. It’s a time when you need experienced legal representation to help you move forward. Tanya L. Freeman serves as a powerful advocate for clients in the following counties in New Jersey.

      Call to set up a confidential consultation in our Paramus or East Hanover, New Jersey Office.

      Contact Tanya L. Freeman Contact Tanya L. Freeman

      Do You Need Legal Help?

        Contact Us for a Confidential Consultation