I Learned About Divorce in 2 Real-Life "Classrooms".

One was a New Jersey Family Court courtroom.

The other was a divorced family.

In 1986, I was a young lawyer beginning my judicial clerkship with Family Court Judge Ronald B. Graves.

During the week, I watched divorce cases move through the court system.

I learned how judges think.

I learned how lawyers negotiate.

I learned how divorce is supposed to work.

But that was only half my education.

At the exact same time, I was dating a divorced woman with two young children.

 

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One evening, I met those children for the first time.

The little boy was about two and a half years old.

His father dropped him off at the house.

As the little boy walked inside, he looked at the walls.

Then the stairs.

Then the ceiling.

Then the furniture.

He looked confused.

Not because he was visiting someplace unfamiliar.

Because he was standing in his own home.

I remember thinking:

This is what divorce looks like in real life.

Not court papers.

Not legal arguments.

Not statutes.

People.

Parents.

Children.

Fear.

Confusion.

Heartbreak.

And decisions that follow families for years.

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That Moment Changed Me.

During the week, I was learning divorce in court.

On weekends, I was learning divorce inside a family.

And I realized something that has stayed with me for nearly 40 years:

People are expected to make some of the biggest decisions of their lives without ever being taught how divorce works.

That is backwards.

Divorce education should not begin after you have already made mistakes.

It should begin before you make the decisions.

That is the idea behind Divorce Smarter.

What Our Clients Say:

"Steve Kaplan represented me in a grueling two year divorce. A trained attorney myself, I give Steve the highest marks."

F.M., Esq.

"As a psychotherapist, I have quite a few clients who have been represented by Steve Kaplan, and have found him to be honest, direct, approachable, and focused."

M.M.S., LCSW

"From the time of the initial consultation through to the end, I felt like I had a big brother in my corner that you did not want to mess with, who had an answer to any and every situation that might arise."

B.N.

"I was in such a difficult situation with little to no hope of ever recovering when I was blessed with finding Steve Kaplan. This man is truly a miracle worker and directs a team of professionals like an orchestra conductor."

L.W.

"He is the most knowledgeable family law attorney I know. He has helped each of my clients obtain extremely favorable results.."

V.M., Esq.

"As a physician in the community, I have benefited greatly from Steve's expertise"

S.S., MD

"In addition to his caring demeanor, his knowledge of the law is unmatched."

K.L., Esq.

"He is the consummate professional that you can trust with the most complicated, emotional process you can possible go through. I have recommended him to others and will continue to do so. Hire him, he's the best!"

J.R.

"Hands down, the best divorce attorney in New Jersey."

D.H.

"He is a very honest man and I believe his honesty is known throughout the Monmouth/Ocean county court system which gives him credibility with both judges and his peers."

A.A.

"Steve Kaplan is without question one of the most caring, knowledgeable and patient Divorce Lawyers."

D.Z.

"I’m glad that I listened to him then, and now 8 years later I’m still glad that I listened to him."

J.F.

"One of New Jersey's best family law attorneys."

J.T.

"Steve Kaplan has earned his place as one of the best lawyers in New Jersey through his knowledge, wisdom, dedication and many long years of experience."

H.S.

"His passion is to provide reliable information for people struggling with divorce issues who need regular support with their legal questions."

M.W.

"He fought hard for what he believed was in my best interest, and Thank God he did. With his help, I was able to rebuild my life. I survived because of Mr.Kaplan's services and highly recommend him."

K.S.

"He is relatable, kind, and straight forward."

C.Z.

"I can't say enough about how well Mr Kaplan treated me and the exceptional service I received by him and his firm."

M.C.

"I want to personally thank you for everything you have done for me. You are a true professional. A miracle happened in my life when I met you."

MJ

"If you want an attorney with straightforward integrity, conscientious with your money, and gives extremely honest viewpoints based on his 30 plus years of experience, Steve is the attorney for you."

B.P.

"Steve Kaplan is the only family law attorney I will ever refer anyone to see. He helped me through a difficult divorce with issues including child custody, child support and division of property about 10 years ago and has been available and easily reachable for any concerns I’ve had over the years since."

C.L.

"Steve advised me and worked with me each step of the way, always knowing the specific details of my case. He made me feel like we were working together as a team to get to a positive end result."

L.G.

"The absolute best experience with this team. Working with Steven was one of the best decisions I made during my process. Everyone, and I mean everyone at this firm was so pleasant to work with."

F.J.

"...He proved to be very compassionate and I want to thank him and Valerie for their professionalism throughout the process. Highly Recommend."

C.C.

"He goes the extra mile to make sure that he has all the important information needed to assist the client and reach the best results. I was very satisfied and highly recommend Steve."

P.J.

"Steven takes the time to personally understand your case. He is definitely a great lawyer, who works for his clients , and it's never driven by money, you come first...this is a rare trait in this world today."

P.S.

"Steve is an excellent attorney and is always looking for new and innovative ways to better serve his clients. Easy to work with and draws on his extensive knowledge and experience to get great results."

K.M.

"Steven J. Kaplan took what was literally a spiraling out of control legal situation due to a conflict between two other attorneys....he locked it down and wrapped it up with a mutually agreeable bow for two formerly warring ex-spouses who share a minor child. He makes miracles happen."

P.Y.

"Steve is a fantastic divorce lawyer who deeply cares about his clients. Exactly who you'd want by your side in a difficult time."

R.M., Esq.

"I found him to be a compassionate, caring professional with a good grasp of the details at a time when I was drowning in a lot of difficult feelings. I have concluded the dissolution of my marriage, and have the strength to carry on, and I give him and his firm a lot of credit for that."

P.O.

"Steve is a stellar individual and professional. From the outset, Steve handles cases with a strategic and realistic approach. Most importantly, he does this with enormous compassion and genuine concern. Steve masterfully tackles difficult, contentious family dynamics, in order to preserve sanity, finances and heartache. In every interaction, the common theme that pervades is one of practicality and cooperation. Steve takes matters related to well the being of children seriously. As a physician in the community, caring for adults and children alike, I have benefited greatly from Steve's expertise. I recommend Steve without hesitation to anyone searching for representation and/or regarding all family/divorce related matters."

S.S., M.D. (2018)

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PLEASE NOTE:

The testimonials presented on this website are from actual clients and professional colleagues of The Law Office of Steven J. Kaplan, Esq., and are reprinted with permission. They reflect the individual experiences of those clients and colleagues. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances. Past results do not guarantee or predict a similar result in any future matter.

 

 

 

 

CHECK OUT THE 2 FULL REVIEWS BELOW



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WELCOME TO DIVORCE SMARTER.

Divorce Smarter is my free divorce school for New Jersey residents.

It is designed to help you understand the divorce process before you make decisions involving your children, finances, home, support, retirement, and future.

Because in my experience, people who understand divorce usually make better divorce decisions.

Better decisions for themselves.

Better decisions for their children.

Better decisions for their future.


 

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WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

1.  How divorce works in New Jersey

2.  Common mistakes people make

3.  Child custody and parenting time

4.  Alimony and child support

5.  Protecting your finances

6.  Dealing with conflict

7.  Negotiation strategy

8.  How to prepare before you act

9.  How to make smarter divorce decisions

DIVORCE SMARTER Sign-Up

VIDEO: Should You Mediate? Or Go To Court? (60 second video answer)

WHY I CREATED THIS


I have been practicing New Jersey divorce law since 1987.

Before that, I served as Judicial Law Clerk to Family Court Judge Ronald B. Graves.

Over the years, I have represented thousands of people during one of the hardest periods of their lives.

But the most important lesson I ever learned about divorce did not come only from the courtroom.

It also came from watching how divorce affects real families after they leave the courthouse.

That is why education has become the foundation of my work.

You should not have to walk into divorce blind.

You should not have to guess.

You should not have to rely only on fear, anger, pressure, or advice from people who may not understand New Jersey divorce law.

You deserve to understand what is happening.

You deserve to know what questions to ask.

You deserve to make informed decisions.

That is why DIVORCE SMARTER exists.

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START YOUR "DIVORCE SCHOOL" TODAY.

Get free access to Divorce Smarter.

Learn how divorce works in New Jersey.

Start making decisions with knowledge instead of fear.

Divorce Smarter!

Steven J. Kaplan, Esq.

Free Divorce Education For New Jersey Residents

Start The Course