- 45 Essex St, Hackensack, NJ 07601
- (201) 820-3460
- attorney@attorneyrobertdavies.com
Some divorces don't go quietly. When spouses can't agree on custody, property, support, or really anything — you need a lawyer who knows how to fight effectively in a Bergen County courtroom. Attorney Robert Davies has been doing exactly that for more than four decades. He's tried hundreds of contested family law cases in this court system and he's prepared to put that experience to work for you. We represent clients throughout Rochelle Park and Bergen County in contested divorce proceedings. If you're in the middle of a difficult divorce — or you can see one coming — we offer a free consultation so you can understand your options before you commit to any course of action.
A divorce becomes contested when spouses can’t reach agreement on one or more key issues and those disagreements end up before a judge. Most divorces start somewhere between amicable and complicated. Some get resolved through negotiation. Others need courtroom litigation to get resolved at all.
The most common contested issues we handle:
When one of these issues can’t be resolved, a judge decides. Our job is to make sure the court hears your side clearly, with the facts and evidence needed to support the outcome you’re seeking.
Here’s how a contested divorce moves through the system in NJ:
Most contested divorces settle before reaching full trial. But we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial — because that preparation is exactly what gives you leverage in settlement negotiations. When the other side knows you’re ready for court, they negotiate differently.
Custody is the most emotionally charged issue in most contested divorces. New Jersey courts evaluate custody based on the best interests of the child, considering 14 specific statutory factors.
Those factors include:
We present your parenting history, your relationship with your children, and your ability to provide stability in a way that’s both compelling and credible. We also know how to challenge the other parent’s claims when they’re overstated or inconsistent with the actual facts.
New Jersey is an equitable distribution state. That doesn’t mean a 50/50 split — it means property is divided fairly based on all the circumstances. The court weighs:
Figuring out what’s fair starts with knowing what everything is worth. We work with financial experts when needed to value businesses, real estate, retirement accounts, and other complex assets. We also watch closely for hidden assets — spouses who try to undervalue or move marital property before the divorce is finalized.
Alimony is one of the most contested issues in Bergen County divorces. New Jersey recognizes four types — open durational, limited duration, rehabilitative, and reimbursement — and the type, amount, and duration are all subject to argument. We handle alimony cases from both sides. Whether you’re fighting for the support you need to rebuild your financial life, or defending against an alimony claim you believe is excessive, we know how to make your case.
Child support gets determined as part of contested divorce cases when the parties can’t agree. New Jersey’s formula-based approach still leaves significant room for dispute — over income figures, parenting time calculations, expense claims, and more. We handle child support litigation as an integrated part of contested divorce representation, not as an afterthought.
Contested divorce isn’t just about knowing the law. It’s about knowing how to present evidence persuasively, how to cross-examine witnesses effectively, and how Bergen County Family Court actually works on a daily basis. That kind of knowledge takes years to develop — and it can’t be faked when you’re standing in front of a judge.
Robert Davies has practiced here for more than four decades. He’s tried hundreds of contested family law cases. When you’re in a genuinely contested divorce, that level of courtroom experience matters in ways that are hard to quantify.
It varies significantly. Less complex contested divorces can resolve in 6-12 months. High-conflict cases involving major asset disputes or custody battles can take 18 months or longer. We’ll give you a realistic estimate once we understand your specific circumstances.
Most don’t. The majority of contested divorces settle at some point — through mediation, at a pretrial conference, or during the trial process itself. But we prepare every case as if it will go to trial, because that preparation is what creates meaningful settlement leverage.
Under equitable distribution, courts divide marital property fairly — not necessarily equally. Separate property (assets owned before the marriage or received as gifts or inheritance) is generally not subject to division. Marital property includes most assets acquired during the marriage.
Yes. Final orders for custody, child support, and alimony can all be modified when there’s been a substantial change in circumstances. We handle post-judgment modifications as well.
The quality of your attorney matters more than the size of their firm. Robert Davies has 40+ years of experience in exactly this type of litigation. Small firm doesn’t mean less effective — it often means more direct attention to your case.
Equitable distribution is NJ’s approach to dividing marital property. It means fair, not equal. Courts consider factors including the length of the marriage, each party’s contributions, and each party’s financial circumstances going forward.
Contact The Davies Law Firm for a free consultation. We represent clients in contested divorces throughout Rochelle Park and Bergen County, NJ.
THE DAVIES LAW FIRM, P.A.
Robert F. Davies, Esq.
