Experienced New Jersey Divorce & Family Law Attorney

Karen Meislik is a certified matrimonial attorney with more than 20 years of experience helping families in Montclair, Essex County and across New Jersey navigate divorce, alimony, child custody, child support, mediation and property division with compassion and level-headed advocacy.

Request a Consultation Why Choose a Certified Matrimonial Lawyer?

Our Philosophy

A person contemplating divorce is under stress — worried about finances, the well-being of children, emotional conflicts and serious changes in one's way of living. As a matrimonial attorney, my job is to be an expert advocate for your interests, and an empathetic buffer between you and the legal system.

Compassionate Guidance

We assess your family's situation in a way that is both compassionate and level-headed, reducing the emotional toll that often accompanies divorce and parenting issues.

Realistic Assessment

With more than 20 years of experience, we realistically assess your case from the court's point of view and negotiate honestly for the fairest possible result.

Certified Expertise

Karen Meislik is certified as a Matrimonial Law Attorney by the New Jersey Supreme Court and approved as a mediator — a distinction held by only a small number of attorneys.

Divorce & Family Law Practice Areas

We handle the full range of matrimonial and family law matters under New Jersey law.

Alimony

Permanent, rehabilitative, limited-duration and reimbursement alimony based on need, the length of the marriage and the ability to pay.

Learn about alimony →

Child Support

Guideline-based child support that reflects both parents' income, parenting time and the child's needs.

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Child Custody

Joint or sole legal custody, parenting time and shared parenting arrangements focused on the best interests of the child.

Learn about child custody →

Dividing Property

Equitable distribution of marital property, including the home, retirement funds, businesses and investments.

Learn about property division →

Marital Debt

Fair allocation of marital debt and responsibility for obligations incurred during the marriage.

Learn about marital debt →

Mediation

Court-approved mediation to help you and your spouse reach a resolution without the expense of litigation.

Learn about mediation →

Steps to a New Jersey Divorce

Understanding the process can reduce anxiety. We guide you through each step of your divorce.

Step 1 — Finding an Attorney

How to choose the right family law attorney and prepare for your first appointment.

Read Step 1 →

Step 2 — Initial Consultation

What to expect at your initial consultation and the documents you should bring.

Read Step 2 →

Step 3 — The Actual Process

Filing the complaint, discovery, negotiation and settlement.

Read Step 3 →

Step 4 — If You Cannot Settle

Pendente lite motions, custody mediation and what happens before trial.

Read Step 4 →

Step 5 — Final Hearing

What happens at the final hearing, trial and appeal.

Read Step 5 →

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about cost, timing, mediation and preparing for divorce.

Read the FAQs →

Why Choose Karen Meislik?

A certified matrimonial attorney with a record of trusted, honest advocacy.

Certified Matrimonial Attorney

Karen Meislik is certified by the New Jersey Supreme Court and approved as a mediator, and she is a partner at Meislik & Levavy.

About Karen Meislik →

Awards & Recognition

Recipient of the 2004 Essex County Bar Association Family Law Attorney Achievement Award.

Awards & Certifications →

Further Reading

A few of the resources our clients ask about most, on this site and beyond it.

Mediation in New Jersey

How a court-approved mediator can help you resolve your divorce without the expense and stress of litigation.

Read about mediation →

Divorce in New Jersey, Start to Finish

Our complete guide to the New Jersey divorce process — from the complaint through the final hearing.

Read the complete guide →

When a Watch Collection Is at Stake

Why a thriving market for replica timepieces can affect how a luxury watch collection is valued and divided in a divorce.

Learn more about replica watches →

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to the questions we hear most often.

How long will my divorce take?

Once the complaint is filed, the divorce should not take more than one year.

How much will my divorce cost?

The answer is up to you. If you and your spouse can work out some of your issues and limit the scope of your disagreements, your divorce will be less costly.

Is it better to settle or go to court?

A settlement is almost always better than going to court. A settlement allows both parties to participate in the final outcome.

Read All Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Our Office

We are located in Montclair, New Jersey and serve clients throughout Essex, Union, Bergen and Morris Counties.

Meislik & Levavy

66 Park Street
Montclair, New Jersey 07042

Phone: 973-783-3000, ext. 111
Toll-free: 1-888-MEISLIK, ext. 111
Fax: 973-744-5757

Email: familylaw@meislik.com

Get In Touch

For more information about your particular situation, please call Karen Meislik or use our contact form.

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