Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Experienced Family Law Attorneys in Parsippany, NJ
Simon, O'Brien, & Knapp has been a trusted name in New Jersey family law since 1967, providing compassionate and strategic legal representation to individuals and families facing complex legal challenges. Our firm specializes exclusively in family law, offering tailored solutions for divorce, child custody, alimony, and other sensitive matters that require both legal expertise and emotional understanding. With decades of combined experience, our attorneys are deeply familiar with New Jerseys legal landscape, including local court practices and judicial expectations, ensuring clients receive informed and effective advocacy.We prioritize amicable resolutions through negotiation and mediation but are fully prepared to litigate when necessary, always focusing on protecting clients rights and long-term interests. Recognized for excellence by Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America, we combine professionalism with personalized service, ensuring accessibility and transparency throughout every case.
Services
Alimony
Child Custody
Child Support
Divorce
Mediation
Equitable Distribution
Paternity
Grandparents Rights
Domestic Violence
Prenuptial Agreements
Details
- Year established: 1967
Highlights and features
- We have over 50 years of combined experience in New Jersey family law.
- Our attorneys are recognized by Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America.
- We prioritize amicable resolutions through negotiation and mediation.
- Our team is accessible 24/7 for urgent client needs.
- We provide transparent, client-focused strategies tailored to individual cases.
Associations and certifications
- Super Lawyers
- Best Lawyers in America
What people say
Best of the best
Extremely knowledgeable
Patient, dedication, expertise
Skilled advocacy
Strong moral compass
Services
Alimony Representation
Our firm provides strategic alimony representation, addressing temporary and long-term spousal support needs in divorce cases. We analyze financial complexities, negotiate fair terms, and litigate when necessary to protect clients interests. With deep knowledge of New Jerseys alimony guidelines, we ensure outcomes align with clients financial realities and future stability.
Child Custody Advocacy
We specialize in child custody cases, prioritizing childrens best interests while safeguarding parental rights. Our attorneys craft tailored parenting plans, address relocation disputes, and modify existing arrangements. With expertise in Morris County court practices, we guide clients through mediation and litigation to secure stable custody agreements.
Divorce Litigation
Simon, O'Brien, & Knapp handles contested and uncontested divorces, focusing on equitable asset division, debt allocation, and post-divorce modifications. Our team navigates high-net-worth cases, business valuations, and complex property disputes, ensuring fair resolutions. We combine aggressive litigation skills with a commitment to minimizing emotional strain.
Child Support Guidance
We assist clients in establishing, modifying, and enforcing child support orders under New Jersey law. Our attorneys analyze income, custody arrangements, and living expenses to ensure compliance with state guidelines. We also address enforcement challenges and income discrepancies to protect childrens financial needs.
Family Law Mediation
Our certified mediators facilitate cooperative solutions for divorce, custody, and support disputes. We reduce adversarial tensions while ensuring legally sound agreements. With experience as court-appointed mediators, we help clients achieve cost-effective, mutually beneficial outcomes without prolonged litigation.
People
John T. Knapp
Attorney
Licensed in New Jersey for 18 years, John T. Knapp specializes in divorce, child custody, and high-net-worth cases. A Super Lawyers honoree, he joined Simon, O'Brien, & Knapp in 2009 and became a partner in 2012, focusing on strategic litigation and mediation.
Sarah E. Kapitko
Attorney
Sarah E. Kapitko represents clients in family law matters, including divorce, alimony, and child support. She emphasizes compassionate advocacy and negotiated settlements, leveraging her expertise in Morris County court procedures to achieve favorable outcomes.
Katherine E. Giusti
Attorney
Katherine E. Giusti focuses on child custody, domestic violence, and post-divorce modifications. She prioritizes client education and proactive legal strategies, ensuring clear communication throughout complex cases.
Rita Schultz
Legal Assistant
Rita Schultz supports the firms attorneys with case management, client communication, and document preparation, ensuring efficient handling of family law matters from initial consultation to resolution.
Lorraine Scheer
Office Manager
Lorraine Scheer oversees daily operations, coordinating client services and administrative tasks to maintain the firms commitment to accessibility and personalized legal support.
Questions
What is the difference between contested and uncontested divorce?
An uncontested divorce requires mutual agreement on all terms, while contested cases involve court intervention for disputed issues like custody or asset division.
How does child custody work in New Jersey?
New Jersey courts prioritize the child’s best interests, evaluating factors like parental fitness, living arrangements, and the child’s needs to determine custody and visitation rights.
Can alimony payments be modified?
Yes, alimony can be modified due to significant life changes, such as job loss or remarriage, by filing a motion with the court.
What factors influence child support calculations?
Child support depends on both parents’ incomes, custody arrangements, healthcare costs, and the child’s specific needs under New Jersey’s guidelines.
Is mediation required before divorce litigation?
While not mandatory, New Jersey courts often encourage mediation to resolve disputes amicably before proceeding to trial.
How long does a divorce take in Parsippany?
Uncontested divorces may finalize in 3-4 months, while contested cases can take 12-18 months or longer, depending on court schedules and complexity.
