Song Law Firm · Practice Areas

New Jersey Family Law Lawyer

Korean-speaking family law attorneys for divorce, child custody, support, prenuptial agreements, domestic violence protection, and international family matters across NJ and NY. Free initial consultation.

5Family Law Attorneys
NJ · NYBar Admissions
EN · KO · ZHDirect Communication
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01 · Our Team

A Five-Attorney Family Law Team

Family law matters are personal, time-sensitive, and often cross borders. Song Law Firm’s family law team includes five attorneys covering divorce and equitable distribution, custody and support, complex prenuptial drafting, domestic violence protection, and Hague Convention international child custody — with Korean, English, and Chinese language capacity.

Joseph D. Song

Joseph D. Song

Founding Member

Admitted in NJ, NY, TX, GA. Directs strategy on high-net-worth divorce, international custody, and complex prenuptial matters. Fluent in English and Korean.

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Stacey Chung

Stacey Chung, Esq.

Senior Associate Attorney

J.D., Cardozo School of Law; B.A., University of Chicago. NJ and NY bar. Focuses on contested custody and equitable distribution. Fluent in English and Korean.

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Howard Z. Myerowitz

Howard Z. Myerowitz, Esq.

Senior Associate Attorney

Former NJ Deputy Attorney General. J.D., Fordham. Tries contested custody and high-asset divorce matters to verdict. Domestic violence (TRO) experience.

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Roy H. Mossi

Roy H. Mossi, Esq.

Senior Associate Attorney

30+ years trial experience. NJ, NY, FL bar. J.D., University of Miami. Argued Magnifico before the NJ Supreme Court. Complex divorce litigation.

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Jing Chu

Jing Chu, Esq.

Associate Attorney

NJ and NY bar. Handles Chinese-American family matters, cross-border custody under the Hague Convention, and adoption cases. Fluent in English and Mandarin.

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02 · Practice Scope

Family Law Matters We Handle

From contested divorce and child custody to prenuptial drafting and international family disputes — full-spectrum family law representation under New Jersey and New York law.

Divorce & Equitable Distribution

NJ contested and uncontested divorce under N.J.S.A. 2A:34-23.1 (equitable distribution). High-net-worth division of marital assets, business valuation, retirement accounts (QDRO), pensions, and complex tax considerations.

Child Custody & Parenting Time

NJ Best Interest of the Child standard under N.J.S.A. 9:2-4 (14 factors). Joint vs. sole legal/residential custody, parenting time schedules, relocation motions (Bisbing v. Bisbing standard), and post-judgment modifications.

Child Support & Alimony

NJ Child Support Guidelines (Rule 5:6A), shared parenting worksheet, sole parenting worksheet. Open durational, limited durational, rehabilitative, and reimbursement alimony. Imputation of income for self-employed and high-earning spouses.

Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements

Drafting and review of premarital and post-marital agreements under the NJ Uniform Premarital Agreement Act (N.J.S.A. 37:2-31 et seq.). Asset protection, separate property, spousal support waivers, and enforceability strategies.

Domestic Violence & TRO

NJ Prevention of Domestic Violence Act (N.J.S.A. 2C:25-17 et seq.). Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) applications and defense, Final Restraining Order (FRO) hearings, and emergency custody when safety is at risk.

International Family Law

Hague Convention international child abduction and custody cases (1980 Convention). Cross-border divorce with Korean, Chinese, or Taiwanese assets. Foreign judgment recognition. International adoption and consular processing.

03 · Timing Matters

When to Call a Family Law Attorney

Family law matters move quickly once filed. Acting early — and confidentially — preserves your options on custody, assets, and safety.

1

Before Filing for Divorce

Initial strategy on residency requirements, grounds, and asset preservation. Filing first can affect venue and temporary orders. Confidentiality is preserved.

2

If Domestic Violence Is Threatened

A TRO can be obtained within hours in NJ. Acting before escalation protects you, your children, and your rights to the marital home.

3

Before Signing a Prenup

Both spouses must have independent counsel for enforceability under NJ law. Last-minute agreements signed without representation are often unenforceable.

4

If a Parent Is Threatening Relocation

NJ relocation now requires the Best Interest standard (Bisbing v. Bisbing). Court permission is required before moving children out of state.

04 · Questions Answered

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions on divorce, custody, support, and family safety — answered by our family law team.

How is property divided in a New Jersey divorce?
New Jersey is an equitable distribution state under N.J.S.A. 2A:34-23.1. “Equitable” does not mean 50/50 — courts weigh 16 statutory factors including length of the marriage, age and health of spouses, income, present economic circumstances, and contributions to the marital estate. Only marital property (acquired during marriage) is divided; separate property (pre-marital, gifts, inheritance) is excluded if kept separate.
How does NJ decide child custody?
NJ courts apply the Best Interest of the Child standard under N.J.S.A. 9:2-4, weighing 14 factors: parents’ ability to communicate, willingness to share custody, the child’s relationship with each parent, history of domestic violence, safety, stability of the home, fitness of each parent, geographic proximity, employment responsibilities, age and number of children, and the child’s preference (if of sufficient age). Custody has two parts: legal (decision-making) and residential (where the child lives).
How is child support calculated in NJ?
NJ uses the Child Support Guidelines codified in Court Rule 5:6A and Appendix IX. Two worksheets apply: Sole Parenting (one parent has the child more than 73% of overnights) and Shared Parenting (28%+ overnights with the alternate parent). Combined net income is used, with adjustments for health insurance, work-related childcare, prior child support orders, and other dependents. Above approximately $187,200 combined net income, the court has discretion to exceed the guidelines.
How long does alimony last in New Jersey?
Under the 2014 NJ Alimony Reform Act (N.J.S.A. 2A:34-23), for marriages under 20 years, alimony cannot exceed the length of the marriage absent exceptional circumstances. Four types exist: open durational (marriages of 20+ years), limited durational, rehabilitative (training/education), and reimbursement. Alimony typically ends at the payor’s “full retirement age” (66–67) absent a rebuttable presumption.
Are prenuptial agreements enforceable in New Jersey?
Yes, under the NJ Uniform Premarital Agreement Act (N.J.S.A. 37:2-31 et seq.), prenups are generally enforceable if they are in writing, executed voluntarily, with full and fair disclosure of assets, and with independent legal counsel (or a knowing written waiver). Unconscionability is judged at the time of execution, not at divorce. Last-minute prenups signed without counsel are frequently challenged.
What is a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) in NJ?
Under the NJ Prevention of Domestic Violence Act (N.J.S.A. 2C:25-17), a TRO can be obtained ex parte (without the other party present) when there is alleged domestic violence by a current or former spouse, household member, or person with whom the victim has a child or dating relationship. A TRO can grant temporary custody, exclusive possession of the home, and bar contact. A Final Restraining Order (FRO) hearing typically follows within 10 days.
Can my spouse and I relocate out of New Jersey with our children?
Under Bisbing v. Bisbing (2017), NJ now applies the Best Interest of the Child standard for inter-state relocation after divorce, even when one parent is the primary residential custodian. Prior law (Baures) applied a more relocation-friendly test. Court permission is required before moving children out of state — unilateral moves can result in immediate return orders and contempt.
I am Korean / Chinese and my spouse is overseas. Can I divorce in New Jersey?
You can file in NJ if you have been a NJ resident for at least one year immediately before filing (N.J.S.A. 2A:34-10). Service on an overseas spouse is governed by the Hague Service Convention (Korea, China are signatories). Korean and Chinese assets, real estate, and businesses can be addressed in equitable distribution, though enforcement abroad may require foreign judgment recognition. International family law experience is critical.
What is the Hague Convention on international child custody?
The 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction provides a mechanism to return children who have been wrongfully removed or retained across borders. Korea and the United States are signatories (China is not for the 1980 Convention, though it has the 1996 Convention). Hague petitions must typically be filed within one year for automatic return, and require detailed legal strategy.
How long does a NJ divorce take?
Uncontested divorce with no minor children: typically 3 to 6 months. Contested divorce: 12 to 24 months, sometimes longer for high-asset or complex custody cases. NJ requires Early Settlement Panel (ESP) and Mandatory Economic Mediation (MEM) before trial. Filing fees are $300 plus $25 for a name change.
How much does it cost to hire Song Law Firm for a family law matter?
Family law matters are typically billed hourly with an initial retainer. Uncontested matters and prenuptial agreements may be available on a flat fee. Initial consultations are free. Court filing fees are quoted separately. Fee shifting under N.J.S.A. 2A:34-23 may apply where one spouse has substantially greater income.
I am undocumented. Can I still file for divorce and seek custody?
Yes. NJ family court jurisdiction does not depend on immigration status. Undocumented spouses can file for divorce, seek custody, request alimony and child support, and obtain TROs. Song Law Firm does not share client information with immigration authorities. VAWA and U visa options may also be available for survivors of abuse.

05 · Service Area

Areas We Serve — New Jersey & New York

From our Fort Lee headquarters we represent family law clients across all NJ counties and the broader New York metropolitan area, plus international family matters globally.

New Jersey

Fort Lee, Palisades Park, Englewood, Tenafly, Hackensack, Paramus, Closter, Bergenfield, Teaneck, Hoboken, Jersey City, Newark, Edison and all NJ counties.

Courts: NJ Superior Court Family Part (Bergen, Hudson, Essex, Middlesex, Union, Passaic), Domestic Violence Calendar, Appellate Division.

New York & International

Manhattan, Queens (Flushing), Brooklyn, Long Island, Westchester. Family Court and Supreme Court matrimonial parts.

International: Cross-border matters involving Korea, China, Taiwan. Hague Convention petitions in U.S. District Court.

Office: Parker Plaza, 400 Kelby St, 19th Floor, Fort Lee, NJ 07024.

06 · Recent Articles & Columns

Family Law Articles

Recent columns and updates from Song Law Firm.

07 · Success Stories

Recent Success Stories

Selected case outcomes from Song Law Firm.

08 · Get in Touch

Free Initial Consultation

Whether you are considering divorce, fighting for custody, drafting a prenup, or seeking a TRO — Song Law Firm offers a confidential, no-obligation initial consultation.

Phone
201-461-0031
Email
family@songlawfirm.com
Office
Parker Plaza
400 Kelby St, 19th Fl
Fort Lee, NJ 07024
Hours
Mon–Fri 9 AM – 6 PM
After-hours intake available
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