Dear Members,
The Bergen County Bar Association leadership meets with the Bergen County Assignment Judge bimonthly to discuss issues of mutual interest to the judiciary and our membership. For matters of general importance which you believe should be raised at our next meeting, please email the BCBA.
This is a summary of the March 10, 2026, meeting with the Hon. Carol Novey Catuogno, A.J.S.C.
1. Division Information
A. Family Division
Hon. Michelle Marose, has returned to Bergen County and will handle the FG docket while also assisting with the FD docket.
Hon. Francis McGrogan, serving on recall and cross-designated, will assist with the FV, FO (weapons) and FN dockets.
Hon. Joseph Mecca, J.M.C. will handle civil commitments at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center.
The FM Blue Ribbon Blitz will be held twice per month.
FD Blitzes: Hon..Jane Galina-Mecca thanks members of the bar for serving as mediators.
The County has declined to continue paying an attorney to represent indigent defendants charged with having violated a DV restraining orders (FO calendar). Attorneys will be chosen from the Madden List to fill that role going forward. In response, the BCBA will offer a complimentary CLE on April 8, 2026, on how to try a contempt case.
The Judiciary’s Family Division Conference: March 23-24, 2026
The State of the Family Law Bench and Bar will be held on May 5, 2026.
B. Criminal Division
The Criminal Division currently ranks first statewide in pre-indictment resolutions, thirteenth in post-indictment resolutions, fifth in municipal appeals, and twelfth in post-conviction relief.
A new Judicial Warrant System will be implemented on June 1, 2026, introducing a uniform platform for more efficient warrant review.
The Judiciary’s Criminal Division Conference: April 29 – 30, 2026.
In partnership with CarePlus, the Prosecutor’s Office is launching a Mental Health Diversion Program for eligible defendants with underlying mental health issues. Participants will be placed on a structured probationary track that includes treatment, supervision, and community service. They will also be required to follow individualized treatment plans through CarePlus. Successful completion may result in reduced charges or dismissal, where appropriate.
C. Civil Division
Nicole Manalio has been appointed Assistant Division Manager.
Dana DeSanto has been appointed Arbitration Administrator.
Insurance Days:
- Plymouth Rock March 11, 2026
- GEICO March 25, 2026
- Westfield (GSP) March 31, 2026
- State Farm April 16, 2026
- Westfield (GSP) April 17, 2026
- Farmers April 23, 2026
From January 2025 through 2026, the Civil Division reduced its backlog by 15%.
The Judiciary’s Civil Division Conference: April 27 – 28, 2026. Chancery judges will require in-person first appearances in all contested matters. Chancery Seminar: June 3, 2026. Second class of Guardianship training: TBD. Hon. Benjamin Choi, J.M.C., has been designated as the Presiding Municipal Court Judge for Bergen County. An increase in municipal court activity is anticipated in June and July due to events including the World Cup, Fleet Week, and the 250th Anniversary of the United States. Expungement Clinic: April 10, 2026. The New Jersey Reentry Program, operated by the New Jersey Reentry Corporation under former Governor Jim McGreevey, provides job training, education, and support services to individuals returning from incarceration. Courthouse Attorney room: The County is undertaking moderate renovations to the attorney room, including updated electrical work, lighting, new carpeting, and fresh paint, to enhance the space.
E. Municipal Division
2. Miscellaneous