Domestic Violence and the Law in New Jersey

Credits in

General Icons 1.00 General

Practice Areas:

Criminal Law, Family Law

Icon About This Course

Domestic Violence is a serious societal problem that is dealt with on a state-by-state basis. It is an important area of the law to have a thorough understanding of. The laws vary significantly from state to state, and it is essential to understand the nuances specific to the State of New Jersey to be an effective practitioner. 

This course will cover essential laws and cases that have impacted the domestic violence practice area. Attendees will explore concepts such as trial strategies when representing both the plaintiff and defendant. These trials' outcomes are significant, so effective counsel is key. 

This course will be structured with a presentation of course materials in lecture format with interspersing personal stories from the presenter’s representation of multiple domestic violence victims throughout a long career in this practice area.

This program would target entry-level family law practitioners, criminal law practitioners who want to transition into domestic violence work, and attorneys seeking to enter the family law profession.

Learning Objectives:

  • Examine the timelines of a domestic violence case
  • Explore the nuances of a NJ domestic violence case and how it may differ from a similar matter in another state
  • Recognize the different predicate acts that can form the basis of a domestic violence complaint
  • Explore how to represent a domestic violence victim empathetically
  • Evaluate how technology has changed the landscape from both sides
  • Defend against a domestic violence claim
  • Review current case law concerning domestic violence and changes in the law
  • Differentiate between domestic violence being a civil matter and when a criminal element is introduced
  • Discuss the future of domestic violence laws


Production Date: 12/20/2024 | Closed captioning (CC) available

About the Presenters

Melissa Cohen, Esq.

Seiden Family Law

Practice Area: Family Law

Melissa E. Cohen, Esq. is a partner at Seiden Family Law, LLC, in Cranford, New Jersey. Melissa graduated from Seton Hall University in 1998 and Seton Hall University School of Law in 2001. Immediately after her graduation, Melissa clerked for the presiding family judge in the Family Division, in Passaic County, New Jersey. She has worked exclusively as a matrimonial practitioner for her entire career. She worked for a boutique family law firm in Bergen County, New Jersey for 18+ years before moving to Seiden Family Law, LLC, in May 2021, where she is now proud to be a partner. ...

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