Martine, Katz Scanlon & Schimmel

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Martine, Katz Scanlon & Schimmel MKSS is a boutique family law firm practicing solely matrimonial law.

MKSS is a boutique family law firm, practicing exclusively matrimonial law, including all aspects of divorce, custody, and domestic violence matters as well as drafting prenuptial agreements and appellate work. The firm services Southern and Central New Jersey as well as the Greater Philadelphia area, providing exceptional legal advice and services at competitive rates

All three shareholders have trial experience, and manage their own clientele and utilize a team approach to ensure individualized attention and the highest quality service. MKSS provides personalized service to its clients, akin to a solo practitioner while also having the benefit of multiple attorneys’ opinions, input and experience.

What can you expect at your initial consultation if you come in to talk about divorce or custody issues? Here's a bit of...
10/09/2026

What can you expect at your initial consultation if you come in to talk about divorce or custody issues? Here's a bit of an overview that may also apply to other matters, so you can feel prepared before you start the first conversation. Many of our clients first come to us before they have made any decisions and we encourage having an initial consultation as part of your information-gathering in order to feel confident that when it is time to make a decisions, you can make an informed and empowered choice. When the future is uncertain, knowing what the process looks like and what you can expect can be a total game changer.

Ready for a sneak peek into what you can expect from us in October? We're always trying to bring you practical advice, w...
10/07/2026

Ready for a sneak peek into what you can expect from us in October? We're always trying to bring you practical advice, which is not always easy in bite-sized pieces on these platforms. Check out our regular blog and LinkedIn posts for more in-depth discussions on many of these important topics. Don't worry... we will also continue to share things we think are silly and fun and all our and mascot antics.

10/05/2026

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. 💜

Domestic violence can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, income, race, background, or circumstance. No one should have to navigate abuse, fear, or control alone.

If you or someone you know needs help, support is available.

📞 National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
📱 Text START to 88788

This month, and always, MKSS stands with survivors, as we seek to help raise awareness of the resources available to those who need them.

A question we get a lot, and we mean A LOT, is whether (or how) one party can be forced to leave a marital home during a...
10/02/2026

A question we get a lot, and we mean A LOT, is whether (or how) one party can be forced to leave a marital home during a divorce. New Jersey's domestic violence process has a mechanism for removing a party from a shared home when a restraining order is issued, which is reserved for domestic violence situations. No one wants to find themselves in that position, and without that element, it is extremely difficult to remove a party from a home during a divorce. Technically, a party can be removed to protect a child's wellbeing where there is hostility or volatility in the home, but in practice, this is very difficult to establish. Often, when a party might be able to make this argument, they will qualify for a restraining order, and frankly, domestic violence Court is much better equipped to handle this situation than divorce Court.

It can be extremely difficult to live with your partner while you are getting divorced. Working with an experienced attorney who listens to and understands your goals is the first step in creating a plan to work toward that physical separation and getting some relief.

There is really no wrong way to eat a potato, so let's pretend it is not nearly the end of September and kick off this w...
09/28/2026

There is really no wrong way to eat a potato, so let's pretend it is not nearly the end of September and kick off this week with a . Meanwhile, Roxy (f/k/a Hortence) and her new friend, Fiona (name still pending and open to suggestions!) the frog, get to join in on the delicious fun.

Planning a spring wedding? It's not too soon to start thinking about your prenup! The last thing you want when you are t...
09/25/2026

Planning a spring wedding? It's not too soon to start thinking about your prenup!

The last thing you want when you are trying to pull together all the last-minute details for your special day is finalizing a contract. We've posted plenty about why prenups are important and the purpose they can serve. Many people underestimate how long it can take to finalize even a simple prenup.

It's better to finish the paperwork well in advance of the wedding than scramble to execute your prenup at the rehearsal dinner. Planning ahead is exactly what the prenup is for, so why not plan ahead to get it done before it becomes an extra stressor before the big day?

After last week's legalese translator, we thought we would share some more things family lawyers say... and what they re...
09/23/2026

After last week's legalese translator, we thought we would share some more things family lawyers say... and what they really mean. We have tons more where these came from!

What are your favorite lawyerisms (whether they appear here or not)??

Quiet quitting marriage? We don't recommend it.While staying married and living together while living separate lives, i....
09/21/2026

Quiet quitting marriage? We don't recommend it.

While staying married and living together while living separate lives, i.e. silent divorce, may have its appeal (sharing expenses, less drama, not having to tell grandma you're getting divorced), it can create big problems later.

Hoping to outlive someone is just bad karma, and anyone who is still married, can't get married again (because, polygamy). While you are still in a marriage you no longer want to be in, you may not think about your future self wanting to remarry. But if that time comes, then you will have to face all the regular issues in a divorce, plus the unique problems of legal divorcing after a silent divorce and potentially extended "separation" (even without a physical separation).

FAQ Friday is back with a question most people don't like the answer to, but knowing and having realistic expectations i...
09/18/2026

FAQ Friday is back with a question most people don't like the answer to, but knowing and having realistic expectations is better than being surprised!

You should expect that income from any and all source will be counted when determining alimony. Earned income, whether that is from a W-2, 1099, or even K-1, dividend income, trust income, cash, unemployment, a generous benefactor, a prior alimony award. All of them will be considered, although some are harder to prove.

Sometimes income a person doesn't even earn will be imputed when they are unemployed or underemployed (or don't report income, which we do not recommend, but happens all the same).

09/16/2026

Sometimes, as lawyers, we use our own language. This is legalese we can get behind! Here's a little key to help you translate what we mean when you hear us say....

* As previously discussed = I already told you not to do this. Probably many times

* Be guided accordingly = FAFO (IYKYK)

* My client has not authorized me to consent to an adjournment = I tried to convince them, but they would not agree, so I have to object.

* Perhaps your client could reconsider their position = Please talk some sense into your client.

* I’m not sure we need to involve the Court in this = Is your client seriously going to make us incur fees and bother a Judge with this?

* I don’t believe additional correspondence on this issue will be productive = I am not answering another email about this.

* For purposes of resolving this issue = you’re wrong, but I want this conversation to end and so does my client.

* Please advise = Your move.

Are there any phrases you have heard and wondered what your lawyer really meant? Feel free to share and we will be happy to translate for you!

Address

10 Melrose Avenue, Suite 440
Cherry Hill, NJ
08003

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

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