New Jersey Family Law — Calm, Strategic, Relentless
The Most Personal Legal Battles Deserve the Most Prepared Attorney.
Family law matters are unlike any other legal dispute. They involve the people you love most, the assets you worked hardest to build, and the future you are trying to protect. The emotional stakes are as high as the legal ones — and the decisions made in these cases can affect your life for decades.
Sean Branigan brings the same calm, strategic, and relentless approach to family law that he brings to every matter. He does not let emotion drive strategy. He does not let the other side's aggression dictate the pace. He assesses the situation, develops a plan, and executes with precision — protecting his clients' interests at every stage.
He is particularly effective in high-conflict cases — where the other party is using the legal process as a weapon, where assets are being hidden or dissipated, or where children are being used as leverage. His trial lawyer reputation means that opposing counsel knows he will take a case to trial if the settlement is not right.
Whether you are going through a divorce, fighting for custody, seeking support, or dealing with a domestic violence situation — Sean is the attorney who will protect you, your children, and your future.
Reach Sean Directly
Direct Cell
973.519.3332
Office
973.744.2223
Free diagnosis & strategy session available.
Strategic consultation: $1,000.
True victims & the wrongfully accused are never turned away.
Bilingual — English & Spanish.
Scope of Representation
What Sean Handles in Family Law
Divorce & Dissolution
Contested and uncontested divorces, equitable distribution of assets, and dissolution of domestic partnerships — Sean handles divorces with the strategic precision of a trial lawyer and the sensitivity these matters demand.
Child Custody & Parenting Time
Legal custody, physical custody, and parenting time disputes require an attorney who understands both the law and the best interests of the child. Sean fights for his clients' parental rights — and for the children's wellbeing.
Child Support
New Jersey child support calculations are complex, involving income, expenses, parenting time, and other factors. Sean ensures that child support orders reflect the true financial picture — for both payors and recipients.
Alimony & Spousal Support
New Jersey's alimony law was significantly revised in 2014. Sean advises clients on alimony — including open durational alimony, limited duration alimony, and modification of existing orders.
Equitable Distribution
New Jersey divides marital assets equitably — not necessarily equally. Sean identifies, values, and fights for a fair share of all marital assets, including business interests, retirement accounts, and real property.
Domestic Violence
Victims of domestic violence need immediate protection and experienced legal counsel. Sean obtains restraining orders, represents victims in final restraining order hearings, and pursues all available legal remedies.
Post-Judgment Modifications
Life changes — and court orders can be modified when circumstances change significantly. Sean pursues and defends modifications of custody, support, and alimony orders.
High-Asset Divorce
Divorces involving significant assets — businesses, real estate, investment portfolios, and executive compensation — require a lawyer who understands both the legal and financial dimensions. Sean's Harvard Business School training is a significant advantage in these cases.
Who Calls Sean
This Practice Area Is Built for You If…
Representing families throughout New Jersey — with particular depth in Essex County (Montclair, Bloomfield, Livingston, Maplewood, South Orange), Morris County (Morristown, Madison, Chatham), and Hudson County.
- You are going through a divorce and need an attorney who will protect your assets and your future.
- You are fighting for custody of your children and need a relentless advocate.
- You are owed child support or alimony that is not being paid.
- You are a victim of domestic violence and need immediate protection.
- You are going through a high-asset divorce involving a business, real estate, or significant financial assets.
- You need to modify an existing custody, support, or alimony order.
- Your ex-spouse is violating a court order and you need enforcement.
- You are in a high-conflict custody dispute and need an attorney who will not be intimidated.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is equitable distribution in New Jersey?
New Jersey divides marital assets equitably — meaning fairly, but not necessarily equally. Courts consider factors including the length of the marriage, each spouse's income and earning capacity, contributions to the marriage, and the standard of living established during the marriage. Sean fights for a fair share of all marital assets.
What is the standard for child custody in New Jersey?
New Jersey courts determine child custody based on the best interests of the child, considering factors including the parents' ability to cooperate, the child's relationship with each parent, the stability of each home environment, and the child's needs. Sean builds custody cases that demonstrate his client's commitment to the child's best interests.
How is alimony determined in New Jersey?
New Jersey courts consider multiple factors in determining alimony, including the length of the marriage, each spouse's income and earning capacity, the standard of living during the marriage, and the needs of each party. Sean advises clients on realistic alimony expectations and fights for outcomes that reflect the true financial picture.
What should I do if I am a victim of domestic violence in New Jersey?
Call 911 if you are in immediate danger. Then call Sean. New Jersey's Prevention of Domestic Violence Act provides for temporary restraining orders (TROs) that can be obtained on an emergency basis. Sean represents domestic violence victims in final restraining order hearings — fighting for the protection they need.
Can a custody order be modified after it is entered?
Yes. New Jersey courts can modify custody orders when there has been a substantial change in circumstances since the original order was entered. Sean pursues and defends custody modifications — including emergency applications when a child's safety is at risk.