Geraldene Duswalt | Scotch Plains Divorce & Family Law Lawyer

• Member | New York State Bar Association
• Member | New Jersey State Bar Association
• Member | Union County Bar Association
• Member | Essex County Bar Association
• Member | National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys
• Member | The New Jersey Association of Professional Mediators

I recently settled a case where the mother was going to take the children out of the state of NJ making it impossible for the father to continue to be involved with them on a regular basis. I prevented the mother from taking the children out of state. I helped a family discharge the debt from the mother's cancer treatment. The family had no insurance and the debt was so huge that there was no way they could pay it. The hospital had garnished the father's wages and as a result they were in danger of being evicted. I help people to get divorced, to reach fair and reasonable solutions so that they can move on with their lives. I hope people obtain child support so that they can afford to pay their bills and raise their children. Recently, a single mother had to take the biological father to court for contribution to the child's college costs. He had promised to divide the cost but when it came time to actually pay the bill he refused. The judge ordered that he pay half of the college.

Through hard work mostly. I spend much time networking and also on line marketing. I try to treat each client as if their case was the most important case so that when their case is over they are happy with my services and recommend me to others.

A person who is accessible and who is willing to respond to their questions and concerns both during the business day and off hours. Especially in family law, sometimes things come up that cannot wait for the next business day. Someone who is aggressive, but not someone who does things just to increase the legal fees. Someone good at both litigating and negotiating, who is attentive to detail and who knows the law.

Knowing the laws in the State of New Jersey is of the utmost importance. Also, each county does things somewhat different and being familiar with the judges is helpful.

I can give them an idea as to whether they may be a good candidate for bankruptcy. I can also, for family law, get an idea of what the case may entail and although I would not be able to quote a fee until actually meeting with client, I can sometimes give a range of costs. I can tell the prospective client my hourly rate and my office procedures. If they have been served, I can tell them the due date for their Answer.

To know the basics to see if I can help the client and whether they are ready to make an appointment to come see me.

As a solo, I give each case and every client my unique attention. I am accessible off hours, I give client's my cell phone and encourage them to use it if they need to. My office is low key and friendly. I make sure that each case is dealt with individually and not an assembly line. I attend each and every court date, unlike in a larger firm where a client may get different lawyers.

Helping people move on with their lives. The gratitude that I see when the case is finished.

I have two teenage children who I love to spend time with . I am an avid runner, I love to ski as well. I am keenly interested in current events and enjoy reading the paper and listening to various cable new channels daily.

Yes, my son is a boy scout, seeking to obtain his Eagle Scout rank. I am the recording secretary on the troop committee and try to be active in the troop.