Law Offices of Steven P. Monaghan
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Proven Legal Guidance for

Marital Agreements

Through arbitration, mediation, or litigation, we can fight to see that your interests are protected during the dissolution of marriage.

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Marital Agreements Attorney in

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Marital agreements are not the most romantic of subjects – couples may be understandably hesitant to entertain the idea that their marriage may not succeed. While no one gets married intending to divorce, it is a possibility for which proper planning can be tremendously helpful. A well-drafted agreement can help couples to avoid costly and time consuming litigation by solving potential issues before they arise. While establishing an arrangement can be tricky, you do not have to go through the process alone. At Law Offices of Steven P. Monaghan, we are here to help. Backed by years of experience, we know the law, we know the courts, and we can help you understand your legal options. Our team can be a guiding voice in your corner so that you and your spouse are prepared for whatever lies ahead.

What Can Marital Agreements Cover?

Generally, marital agreements deal with a spouse’s property and debts. They can act to classify community and separate property, specify financial rights, allocate debts, and help resolve potential conflicts before they arise. These agreements can include numerous types of assets and debts.

  • The Family Home
  • Shared Bank Accounts
  • Rental Properties
  • Business Interests
  • Mortgages and Loans
  • Artworks and Collectibles

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Questions

  • Is My Marital Agreement Enforceable?

    Answer

    While a marital agreement can be a helpful tool in the case of a divorce, a signed document doesn’t guarantee its enforceability. There are numerous requirements an agreement must meet to be upheld in court. If you have an existing agreement, it is highly recommended that you review its terms with an attorney from our firm.

  • What If My Spouse Is Hiding Assets?

    Answer

    The accurate reporting of property is a vital component in the distribution of property. However, a spouse may not always be playing by the rules. It is against the law to attempt to conceal or hide assets and the act may invalidate terms of an existing marital agreement.

  • Should I Hire an Attorney?

    Answer

    The terms of a marital agreement can affect you for years if not decades to come. With so much on the line, you can’t afford to leave anything to chance. Experienced legal advocates like those at our firm can help you protect your interests every step of the way. Call us today and discover how we can help.

  • Will a Marital Agreement Expedite a Divorce?

    Answer

    As valid terms included in an existing agreement typically do not need to be fought over in the courtroom, a well-drafted document can help to reduce setbacks and areas of conflict in a divorce. However, this will not negate the waiting periods or residency requirements associated with the dissolution of marriage.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 30+ Years of Combined Experience

  • Thousands of Cases Handled

  • Exclusively Practicing Family Law

  • Certified by the Supreme Court of NJ

  • Complimentary, In-Person Consultations

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