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I was admitted to the bar in 1976 and established my own solo practice in 1978, which I maintain to this day. Over the years, I have developed expertise in a variety of practice areas, but concentrate my services in the fields of family law/divorce, real estate, business and decedent estates. My background in real estate and business is especially helpful in my family and divorce work, which is my primary field of practice. Having served as a Municipal Court Judge for 13 years has also broadened my understanding of how our court system operates and affords me a unique perspective that serving on the Bench provides. There are many fine matrimonial practitioners and counsel fee rates amongst the top notch family lawyers are within a small range. What separates me is that my practice is boutique, in that when you retain me to assist you, you get me, not an associate or a paralegal, and I make myself available and responsive for emergencies 24/7 by email and/or cell phone.. The law is the same for everyone, but every divorce is different. At the outset, people need a plan. Coming up with that plan, that is applying divorce law to your own particular set of facts, is a work of art. We all have different histories, goals, approaches that work best for us. I try to see the individual and his or her needs as a whole and tailor my recommendations based on those goals and needs. I cannot change your facts, but I can work with your situation to maximize your possibilities. My approach is to take the high road, settle if possible, but also be prepared to wage the battle any way available under the law to achieve the best possible result.. How can one enjoy family law one might ask, when a good percentage of divorces are fraught with fears, strife and uncertainty. The answer is that going through that life stage with a client to the other side is a special privilege. Navigating those minefields, most often meeting the client at or near the emotional or financial bottom and helping to steer that person to a contented new life is enormously rewarding and often long outlives the difficulties we experience together in the litigation process. As a result, I have been fortunate to have developed so many special bonds with clients that have endured through generations, where I have received calls for assistance after 10, 20 and 30 years and from children and grandchildren.. If my philosophies resonate, I invite your call to schedule a no obligation, reasonably priced comprehensive divorce consultation. Those meetings generally take 90 minutes or more in the relaxed and informal atmosphere of my office and we will have a give and take as I familiarize myself with information to advise you of your options. As may be appropriate to you, we will discuss equitable distribution, alimony/spousal support, child support, child custody and causes of action. You will leave with an understanding of the law and the system, how those factors may impact you and with the beginnings of a plan for the rest of your life. I look forward to working with you to maximize your opportunities to make a better life for you and your children, however shape that journey takes.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE:. Additional information about Maggi:. 2005 - Completed semester of law school in a study abroad at the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies at the University of London. 2007 - President of the Young Lawyer Division of the Hudson County Bar Association. 2006 - Present - Member of the American Bar Association. 2006 - Present - Member of the Hudson County Bar Association. 2006 - Present - Member of the New Jersey State Bar Association

I am the managing member of Cobos & Associates LLC doing business as (registered d/b/a) the Cobos Law Firm.  I obtained my Juris Doctorate from Seton Hall University, School of Law and a B.A. from Rutgers University & New Jersey Institute of Technology, jointly conferred.  I am admitted to practice law in New Jersey and New York. I have over eighteen (18) years of legal experience.  I have tried jury and non-jury trials.  I have tried several hundred cases to a conclusion.  I handle family law cases (involving divorce, custody disputes and domestic violence case), immigration cases (involving deportation defense, adjustment of status, citizenship process, immigrant and nonimmigrant visas, and asylum cases), criminal defense cases (involving felony, misdemeanor, Municipal and Superior Court cases), and other administrative business matters.  My legal team is here to help you.  Please visit my website for more information: or call now to schedule an in-office consultation.. IMMIGRATIONImmigration law is complex and marred with obstacles and pitfalls. Our firm is here to ensure that you understand the law and what options are available to you. The keys to our success in the area of immigration law is understanding the process, the thoroughness of our submissions, and never taking shortcuts.. Situations Where We Can Help YouAreas of ServiceFamily Based ImmigrationConsular ProcessingNationality & U.S. CitizenshipInternational AdoptionRemoval & Deportation DefenseAsylumWaiversVAWACriminal Matters involving Immigration IssuesImmigration-BusinessE1 and E2 VisasI-9 Compliance Assistance

Melissa R. Cefalu commenced her career as a corporate attorney specializing in investments and securities where she worked as counsel for some of the largest asset managers in the world. This knowledge serves her well in all aspects of her practice, from drafting and negotiating matrimonial agreements, structuring the distribution of complex financial assets and investments, and her ability to effectively advocate on behalf of her clients in mediations, dispute resolutions, and court.. Ms. Cefalu discovered her calling to transition from the corporate sector to matrimonial and family law as a result of her own personal experience of going through the divorce process. As a result of her experience and personality, Ms. Cefalu is extremely adept to understanding the needs of her clients. It is with such compassion and vigor that Ms. Cefalu approaches each individual matter in the best interests of her clients and their families.. Ms. Cefalu was born and raised in New York City and attended St. John’s University where she applied for and was accepted into the university’s joint-degree program, receiving a B.A. and M.A. in English with a minor in Philosophy. Subsequently, Ms. Cefalu applied and was accepted into Hofstra University’s School of Law’s joint-degree program, receiving a J.D. in Law and M.B.A. in finance.. While in law school, Ms. Cefalu served as a member of the Hofstra Law Review and as President and Editor-in-Chief of Hofstra Law’s Moot Court Board.. Some of Ms. Cefalu's current recreational interests include reading, yoga, golf, dining out, traveling, playing chess, snowboarding, surfing, visiting museums and art galleries.

Divorce and family law issues can be difficult to navigate without the use of skilled legal counsel. As the child of divorced parents, and having initiated my own divorce, I understand the importance of counseling my clients on methods they can use to move their divorce along in a manner which does not negatively impact their children or their dignity. I also understand the fear that often comes by engaging in this foreign process and know full well how to help you harness that fear by turning it into power while you navigate through this process.. I founded this law practice to bring integrity to the practice of divorce law in a time when mistrust of divorce lawyers and the matrimonial (divorce) law system is at an all-time high. The training I received as a law clerk and law secretary (Judge’s Personal Attorney) to two divorce/family law judges has given me a unique understanding of the way judges make decisions in family law matters. I pride myself in providing teaching-based representation so that you understand the law and the way it will work in your case. It is that knowledge which we will use to turn your fear of the divorce process into your power as we work together to protect your legal interests and the best interests of your children.. If you aren’t yet married and you want to protect your assets in the event of a divorce, or if you have rekindled a marriage and want to limit the legal argument you would have in the event of an eventual divorce, I will help you craft an agreement which fairly and properly protects your assets and those of your children.. While most cases settle without going to trial, it is important to hire an attorney who can litigate your matter in the event a trial becomes necessary. Skilled litigators can advise you about whether your case has the potential to be litigated and about ways to avoid trial, if that is possible. Approximately 10% of cases go to trial. If your case is one of the 10%, we are here to help.. While I am an adept litigator, I also know that it is important to hire an attorney who can assess when your interests can be better served with non-litigation tactics, such as collaborative law and mediation. I am a trained collaborative divorce lawyer and can help you to navigate the waters of divorce without the cost and emotional expense of litigation.. Born in Manhattan and raised in Brooklyn, New York, I am a truth-speaker who “keeps it real” even when what I have to say isn’t necessarily what my client wants to hear. I relocated to Staten Island at the age of 16 and attended Wagner College, Grymes Hill, where I received my Bachelor’s degree in English and minored in Sociology. After taking a few years off to sell real estate and save money for law school, I attended the City University School of Law in Flushing, Queens, where I received my Juris Doctorate degree. I have been practicing law for over a decade and enjoy helping and developing long-lasting relationships with my clients. I reside with my husband, Michael E. Dow, Jr., a Staten Island native, and our two children.

I am a Certified Matrimonial Law Attorney in New Jersey and a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. I am trained in collaborative divorce.  I am also a divorce mediator and certified arbitrator. I pride myself on a pragmatic, no-nonsense approach to resolving family law matters. I love helping client's solve their problems and weather the storm they find themselves in, coming out whole and renewed on the other side.  My diverse background, focusing on family law after having practiced in several other areas, helps me to identify issues that are often overlooked in family law matters.. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame and Seton Hall University School of Law, I am admitted to practice in the State of New Jersey, the State of New York and the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey.. I am a member of the New Jersey State Bar Association, Family Law Section and the Family Law Executive Committee. I am Past President of the New Jersey Chapter of the AAML. I regularly serve as an Early Settlement Panelist in Morris County and sit on the Morris County Child Support Partnership Committee and Domestic Violence Committee. I am a supporter of the Battered Women Legal Advocacy project, where I volunteer as an attorney for domestic violence victims. I have also served as a volunteer attorney with the Partners for Women and Justice Clinic. My practice focuses on family law, including divorce, custody, domestic violence, complex financial issues, college contribution, child support, grandparents' rights and other non-dissolution matters. I am committed to finding families a better way to resolve their issues through alternate dispute resolution, such a collaborative law, mediation and arbitration having spent the last year increasing my knowledge and skills in those areas.

I devote my  practice to matrimonial and family law matters, including divorce, child custody, alimony, child support, equitable distribution, domestic violence, prenuptial agreement and more.. Prior to attending law school, I earned a bachelor's degree in accounting from Seton Hall University.  I then spent approximately five years working in public accounting.  After I graduated from law school in 1994, I clerked in the New Jersey Superior Court Family Part in Morristown,  NJ for the former Robert L. Penza.. My background in accounting enables me to readily and sharply address the economic issues that are always integral to family law matters.

When facing a divorce or family law matter, it is common to feel like your life is hanging in the balance. Not knowing where things stand or what steps to take next may feel daunting. In this situation, having caring and diligent legal counsel in your corner can provide you peace of mind and make all the difference to you and your case. Shawn Jarrett is a dedicated Senior Associate Attorney. Based out of our Fort Wayne, Indiana family law office, Shawn can represent clients throughout Allen County, Indiana, and nearby.. Shawn attended the Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan where she earned her Juris Doctorate in 2008. While in law school, she served as a member of the Law Student Division of the American Bar Association, a member of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Association, and as an Associate Member of the Mock Trial Board. Prior to studying law, Shawn obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Business Communication from Concordia University in Fort Wayne. During her time in undergraduate school, she served as the Campaign President for Toys for Tots. Shawn is licensed and ready to help clients in the state of Indiana.. Shawn brings over 15 years of legal experience to her role at Stange Law Firm. Before joining Our Fort Wayne, Indiana team, Shawn most recently spent four years working in private practice as a Defense Attorney. In this role, she worked mainly with CHINS defense, criminal defense, and adoptions. She worked hard to represent clients in court and communicated with them effectively to help interpret laws, rulings, and regulations that may affect their case. She also conferred with judges, developed key legal research skills, and worked hard to be well-prepared and organized in her cases. During this time, Shawn has also worked as an independently contracted Defense Attorney for the CHINS Division of the Public Defender’s Office. Shawn also previously worked for the Department of Child Services in Fort Wayne for eight years in various roles including Chief Counsel, Deputy Chief Counsel, and a Local Office Attorney. Shawn understands the difficult nature of family law cases and is eager to work hard to help her clients get back on their feet.. Outside of her legal work, Shawn enjoys giving back where she can. She has participated in Mudgirl Obstacle Races to support breast cancer charities and has also run a marathon in Alaska supporting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.. Note: The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely on advertisements.

Mike began practicing law in 2002 in Fort Wayne and the surrounding counties.  Mike has focused his scope of legal practice to all issues involving family law, which include dissolution (divorce), post-dissolution modifications, child support matters, parenting time, custody, paternity, guardianships, and adoption.  Mike and his law partner Perry Shilts have been named as Top Lawyers in Fort Wayne in the divorce area of law.In Mike's family law practice he strongly emphasizes the benefits of working toward a well-crafted settlement (usually time and money).  While Mike encourages his clients to work toward a successful agreement, he also understands that some matters will just not settle (for various reasons), and that it is necessary to take the matter to trial.  With his fourteen-plus years of litigation experience, Mike is confident in his abilities inside the Courtroom and the preparation that is required to assist his clients in meeting their goals.  Mike is committed and focused to provide his clients, along with Perry's clients, the attention they require and deserve.  After meeting with Mike, you will understand and appreciate the dedication he has for you and the willingness and desire to see that your legal needs are met.. In addition to Mike's family law practice, he also is a licensed family law mediator and arbitrator.  As a mediator, Mike is always working to assist the parties and their attorneys in working toward a well crafted settlement agreement with the hope of keeping them from having to take the matter to court.. When Mike is not assisting his clients, he is spending time with his wife and his two daughters.  He is also an avid outdoorsman and escapes to the tranquility of woods and water during his limited free time.  In addition to enjoying nature, Mike loves to attend baseball games and to support his favorite team, the Chicago Cubs.  In addition to following the Cubs, Mike roots for and backs all Chicago sport teams.. Follow this link to hear commonly asked questions of Mike on the Business Leader Spotlight radio spot:

Admitted: Indiana Supreme Court & United States District Court, Northern District of Indiana. Law School: Juris Doctorate, Thomas M. Cooley Law School, 1999. License Number: 22197-02. Our Philosophy. Family law is not a static entity; it evolves, grows, fluctuates, and transitions to find harmony with modern changes in the family structure.  By necessity, therefore, and in order to provide the most competent and creative representation to our clients, we subscribe to a philosophy of continuing scholarship.  We stay abreast of changes in statutory and common law, and integrate these changes into our strategy as they occur.  Law and procedure that might have been acceptable in months or even days prior might no longer be the accepted approach, and our philosophy ensures the best possible representation for  our clients.. Our Approach. We understand that each matter is unique and carries with it unique goals.  When we handle matters, we carefully analyze every detail of your situation to offer strategic and intelligent representation. Rather than merely duplicate strategy and procedure in every case, our approach to your particular case is tailor made; accustomed and acclimated to your specific needs and desired results.. We believe in upholding the highest standards and setting the benchmark for quality.  More than just a group of legal professionals, we are a team of caring individuals, each with the singular objective of providing our clients with the best legal representation possible.. We offer aggressive yet affordable legal services in a comfortable environment, with a commitment to the full satisfaction of our clients. Our practice has grown tremendously due to the referrals that we receive from our clients, and as a result of our dedication to fighting to achieve the results that our clients want and deserve.  We are a unique firm that offers consistent accessibility between the client and attorney.  We always promptly and courteously respond to emails and phone calls from clients.  We provide a personal touch and compassion to each and every case.

I’m a family law attorney who understands the needs of my clients. I will provide you with clear communication and compassion while guiding you through the tough issues that you are dealing with. I’m here to help you get the best possible outcome.