NJSBA Family Law Section

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  • 1.  Seeking Attorney willing to volunteer as a pro bono GAL for a 7 year old in Essex Co.

    Posted 04-15-2021 02:31 PM
    I represent the mom in a disputed custody matter, with a background FRO.  The matter has now reached the stage where she is asking to have her son returned to her care after his custody was temporarily given to dad.  Neither party can afford to pay for a Law Guardian or GAL, and in this situation, I think the objectivity that a GAL could offer would be of assistance to the Judge, given the child's age.  He has expressed his desire to return to his mother, his father disputes this.  Given his young age, he can't be interviewed by the Judge.  I'm happy to discuss the matter in detail with anyone interested or curious.

    Thank you in advance,
    Sadaf Trimarchi, Esq.

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    Sadaf Trimarchi Esq.
    Law Offices of Sadaf Trimarchi
    River Edge NJ
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  • 2.  RE: Seeking Attorney willing to volunteer as a pro bono GAL for a 7 year old in Essex Co.

    Posted 04-15-2021 03:15 PM

    Sadaf, why GAL? in cases of temporary sole custody as part of an FRO I look to RK v FK 437 N.J.Super. 58. I will usually approach with an incremental parenting plan, maybe offer a family member for supervised for 30days with cmc to implement stage two of no supervision, then stage 3 expansion of parenting time. Its all so case specific. You will need a plenary to amend the FRO for joint legal custody.
    Best,

    Tom King

     

    Thomas R. King, Esq

    O: 973-750-8348 Fax: 888-576-8997
    www.njfamily.law - www.njdivorce.law - www.thomaskingesq.com

    45 Broadway, 2nd floor, Denville, NJ 07834

     

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  • 3.  RE: Seeking Attorney willing to volunteer as a pro bono GAL for a 7 year old in Essex Co.

    Posted 04-15-2021 03:23 PM

    Hi Tom,

    I made a motion to appoint a GAL given the child's age - old enough to talk to an attorney, too young to talk to the Judge.  Also, because I am asking that the Court waive fees, I hoped a GAL interview and report would make it simpler.  We have not had a best interest hearing yet, that has been reserved pending this motion.  So, my hope is that a report will convince the judge to return the child to his mom, which was the default custodial arrangement before the FRO upended things.  Client has been having unsupervised weekends and midweek visits.. but this has been going on for three years now.  Enough.

    Best,

    Sadaf



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    Sadaf Trimarchi Esq.
    Law Offices of Sadaf Trimarchi
    River Edge NJ
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    Original Message