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Laura L. Van Tassel
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Laura L. Van Tassel
The Law Office of Laura L. Van Tassel, Esq.
645 Westwood Avenue
River Vale, NJ 07675
Phone: (201) 664-8566 | Fax: (201) 664-5064
http://www.vantassellaw.com
Collaborative and Mediation: Creating a Lasting Peace
Legal Topic
Divorce
Preferred New Clients
I prefer to handle mediated cases, collaborative matters and instances where the parties are looking for alternate dispute resolution.
Sub-Categories
Divorce
- Alimony/Palimony/Spousal Support
- Annulment
- Child Support
- Custody/Visitation Rights
- Delinquent Support Payments
- Division of Property
- Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution(ADR)
- Restraining Orders
- Uncontested Divorce
- Collaborative Law
Legal Topic
Family Law
Preferred New Clients
I prefer to handle mediated cases, collaborative matters and instances where the parties are looking for alternate dispute resolution.
Sub-Categories
Family Law
- Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
- Restraining Orders
- Child Support
- Custody
Bar Admissions
NJ, Dec 1998
Bar Number: 0147761998
Other Court Admissions
New Jersey and Federal District Court.
Association Memberships
Bergen County Bar Association, New Jersey State Bar Association, New Jersey Association of Professional Mediators (NJAPM), Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC), North Jersey Collaborative Law Group, International Association of Collaborative Professionals (IACP).
Continuing Education
I attend various programs and seminars focusing on different aspects of family law. I try to diversify the programs between substantive issues: tax implications, child support, alimony, etc. I also select programs focusing on mental health issues involved in custody, parenting issues and divorce. I attend programs discussing different methods and techniques for mediation, collaborative practice and other alternate resolution methods.
Example Cases
A couple came to me after they commenced litigation. They did not like the litigation process and quickly realized that they did not want to proceed in that manner.
Education
Degree:
B.A.
School:
Kean College of New Jersey
City:
Union
State:
NJ
Year:
1979
Honors:
Magna Cum Laude.
Degree:
Juris Doctor
School:
Seton Hall University School of Law
City:
Newark
State:
NJ
Year:
1998
Degree:
M.P.A.
School:
Rutgers University - Graduate School
City:
Newark
State:
NJ
Year:
1981
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
New Jersey
Firm Focus and History
My practice was established February 2004 in an effort to provide personalized service to each client and each matter. As a solo practitioner, I can work with each person to ensure that we are proceeding in a way that fits every need and budget.
My focus is a solo practice where each individual is treated with dignity and care in a professional, yet friendly manner. I take pride in working with my clients in an effort to tailor mediation, collaboration or negotiation to meet their specific situations.
Previous Employment Summary
I began my legal career as the law clerk to the Hon. Ellen L. Koblitz, P.J.F.P. Presiding Judge of the Family Part, Bergen Vicinage. I worked in several small firms specializing in family law with an emphasis on negotiation and settlement. Prior to becoming an attorney, I worked in the securities industry.
Activities and Awards
I am a volunteer with the Bergen County Bar Association to work on the Habitat for Humanity Project. I am a member of the New Jersey Statewide Working Group on Domestic Violence - a working group appointed by the Supreme Court of New Jersey to review and recommend on issues relevant to domestic violence.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I strongly encourage my clients to educate themselves. A fully-informed client is in the best position to make informed decisions. As such, the final resolution will help my client and his or her family move forward. Family law, divorce and custody issues involve the most important aspects of anyone's life. I work with my clients to provide information to help make beneficial decisions for the family unit during transition.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I am willing to review documents prepared by my clients and to provide consultation for clients.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I represent clients who I refer to mediation - sometimes called the referral attorney. Throughout the process, I consult and work with my clients to ensure that they are well-informed during the mediation process.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I have always had a strong interest in the law as a means of assisting people. I came to the law a bit later in life and find that my experience has provided me with a wide background to understand and help my clients. I understand that life does not always offer or provide what you planned. I feel that my legal practice is there to help deal with unanticipated problems and situations in a dignified manner.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
Life, in general, has assisted in making me a better lawyer. I have purchased a home, paid a mortgage and I am a parent with children. Basically, I have many of the same concerns as my clients. My parents divorced when I was in middle school, so I can understand and empathize with parents and families from the prospective of a ‘child of divorce.' The impact on the children is often a strong concern and as an adult with divorced parents, I have lived through the issues facing my clients.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I like to work with people and divorce/family law provides me with the opportunity to help individuals as they go through transition. I especially like to work with clients who select alternate methods for resolving their differences whether it is through mediation, collaborative or some other alternate dispute method.
What do you like best about your career?
The individual contact with clients is very rewarding. I know that I am helping an individual and perhaps a family in transition to move forward in a new dynamic.
Tell us about your law firm:
I am a solo practitioner and all of my clients deal directly with me. I pride myself on being available to my clients and working with them to reach a resolution.
What are your strengths and style?
I remain calm in what seems to be a storm of controversy. My clients are often pleased that I am able to quickly and readily assess their situations and work with them to come up with various ways to resolve the problems.
Personal Interests:
My family is a primary focus of my life. My family includes our dog, a much-beloved black Labrador retriever. I enjoy walking my dog, gardening and photography.
Fax
(201) 664-5064
Office Hours
Regular hours:
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Evening hours available by appointment, voice mail available after hours.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Pursuant to New Jersey Rules of Court and my own practice, I do not have a fixed price for matrimonial matters. Transactional matters such as preparation of last will and testament and real estate matters are charged at a fixed rate.
Hourly Rates
$275 per hour.
Free Initial Consultation?
A general consultation is $275 and if I am later retained, I provide one free hour of legal services. For mediation services, I provide a one half-hour free consultation or the first one half-hour of mediation is free.
Typical Retainer
The retainer varies depending on the type of case and the complexity of the matter. A typical retainer will normally be between $3,000 and $5,000.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any bar association.
