At Law Offices of Steven P. Monaghan, we provide legal assistance for fathers who are going through divorce, child custody, child support, and other related family law processes. Unfortunately, when establishing the terms of divorce, there is often a bias toward women. Our team believes in taking a firm stand on behalf of fathers who are entitled to just as much, if not more, rights as the mother. No case is too complex for us to handle and, if your situation must be handled in the courtroom, we are prepared to provide the aggressive advocacy you need. Rest-assured that when you work with our firm, we will do everything within our power to protect your rights as a father, preserve the relationships you have established with your children, and help you obtain the outcome you are seeking.
Actively Protecting the
Rights of Fathers
At Law Offices of Steven P. Monaghan, we believe in taking a stand on behalf of the fathers throughout and the surrounding areas. Call now.
Begin with a Consultation-
Experienced
With plenty of experience representing fathers, we know what it takes to protect your rights and ensure your process goes as smoothly as possible.
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Skilled
Seasoned and skilled in negotiation and litigation practices, we can represent you whether your case is handled in or out of the courtroom.
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Passionate
We genuinely care about our clients and are passionate about doing all we can to look out for the best interests of you and your children.
Fathers’ Rights Attorney
We Proudly Represent Fathers Just Like You: (732) 876-9326
You Matter to Your Child
We know that as a father, you hold a significant importance in your child’s life. In fact, there are countless studies that demonstrate the negative impacts that can occur when a father is not present in their child’s life.
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Children without fathers are more likely to use illegal drugs.
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Children without fathers are more likely to drop out of school.
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Children from fatherless families are more likely to commit domestic violence.
You May Be Wondering...
Frequently Asked Questions
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Questions
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What are fathers’ rights?
Answer
As the biological father of a child, you automatically have fathers’ rights. These rights enable you to obtain custody or visitation of your child, so that you can have guaranteed time with them. Unfortunately, fathers’ rights are often overlooked, as the mother is typically appointed as primary custodian of the child.
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What are mistakes I should avoid making as a father?
Answer
There are a number of common mistakes fathers make that could lead to losing custody or visitation, but these mistakes can be avoided. Such mistakes may include moving out of the home where your child lives, living in a messy home, not maintaining a steady job or income, and not taking a stand against a mother who establishes an order of protection charge.
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Will I have to take my case to court?
Answer
Your case does not have to be handled in court. However, it is not uncommon for fathers’ rights cases to need to be resolved in the courtroom. For example, your former spouse may try to retaliate against you by fighting against your rights to obtain custody. If your case must go to court, our team is prepared to aggressively defend your rights, and we will do everything we can to help you obtain the outcome you deserve.
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Why do I need an attorney?
Answer
The family law system can be complicated, and fathers’ rights cases can be especially personal and overwhelming. You need a lawyer who will guide you through the family law system, ensure your process goes as smoothly as possible, and help you reach a solution that is tailored to protect your rights and meet you and your child’s unique needs.
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Steven P. Monaghan
Board-Certified Matrimonial Law Expert
Steven P. Monaghan, a highly respected divorce lawyers, focuses his practice exclusively in this area, including handling litigation, collaborative matters, and mediation, and has been Certified by the New Jersey Supreme in Matrimonial Law since 2006. This certification is awarded only to attorneys who have demonstrated their skill and achievement in matrimonial law.
With 23 years of experience, Mr. Monaghan has a proven dedication to the law and helping families. He has served on the Monmouth County Family Law Committee and has also been a private arbitrator for the Matrimonial Early Settlement Panel Program for 16 years and is a qualified mediator participating in the Mediation Program for Economic Aspects of Family Law since the program began. He has been appointed as Guardian Ad Litem for children of families going through litigation and has been trusted to resolve hundreds of high conflict cases before litigation.
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Kristin S. Pallonetti
Attorney
Kristin S. Pallonetti, Esq. is one of the top family law attorneys in the area. In 2014 she was named one of the Top Young Attorneys in New Jersey by Super Lawyers Rising Stars. She was again named by Super Lawyers as a New Jersey Rising Star in 2015.
She has an active family law trial practice, and she has tried numerous cases, including cases that involve domestic violence, alimony cohabitation, child support, parenting time, custody, and enforcement of support and custody orders. Before embarking on her private practice, Ms. Pallonetti completed a judicial law clerkship with the Honorable Eugene A. Iadanza, A.J.S.C., former presiding Judge of Monmouth and Mercer Counties, where her focus as a clerk was in the area of family and juvenile law. She also served as a Court Mediator for the Special Civil Division under the supervision of the Honorable Lisa P. Thorton, JA.J.S.C. where she mediated countless cases.
Ms. Pallonetti's prior legal experience also included a clerkship at the New Haven County Court where she aided victims of domestic violence in file temporary restraining orders. She also served in clerkship with the firm Campbell, Foley, Lee, Murphy & Cernigliaro in Asbury Park, New Jersey, and a clerkship with the Law Offices of Erskine D. McIntosh in Hamden, Connecticut.
Ms. Pallonetti graduated Cum Laude from Quinnipiac University with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications and a minor in English in 2003. She received her Juris Doctorate, Cum Laude from Quinnipiac University School of Law in 2008 where she was the Executive VP of the Mock Trial Honor Society, recipient of the Sappern Fellowship, Admissions Ambassador for the law school and a member in both the Family Law and Constitutional Law Societies.
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Jessica L. Berg
Attorney
Divorce Attorney Jessica L. Berg practices exclusively in matrimonial law at the Law Office of Steven P. Monaghan, LLC. Since graduating Widener University School of Law, where she received recognition for her volunteer and pro bono work, she gained valuable experience working at a firm that solely handled family law matters, as well as experience with the non-profit group, the Community Health Law Project, that assists disabled individuals with matrimonial and civil law issues. Ms. Berg also worked with the Delaware Civil Clinic and was certified by the Supreme Court of Delaware to handle and litigate cases involving obtaining protection or restraining orders for those harmed by domestic violence and abuse.
Why Choose Our Firm?
Clients First. Quality Always.
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30+ Years of Combined Experience
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Thousands of Cases Handled
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Exclusively Practicing Family Law
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Certified by the Supreme Court of NJ
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Complimentary, In-Person Consultations