Family Archives - Bergen County Bar Association

Bergen County Bar Association Announces Honorable Peter Ciolino Professional Lawyer of the Year Award Recipient: Bruce E. Chase, Esq.

By J.G.September 22, 2023

After careful consideration and deliberation, the Officers and Trustees of the Bergen County Bar Association are thrilled to announce that Bruce E. Chase, Esq., is the distinguished recipient of this year’s prestigious Honorable Peter Ciolino Professional Lawyer of the Year Award.

Bruce’s remarkable career in the legal field has been marked by a consistent display of exceptional professionalism, unwavering dedication, and a profound commitment to the principles of justice and integrity. His contributions to the legal community in Bergen County and beyond have left an indelible mark, and his peers hold him in the highest regard.

Bruce’s journey in the legal profession was deeply influenced by his father, who served as his mentor and a shining example of professionalism, civility, courtesy, and what it means to be a “lawyer’s lawyer.” In 1978, following his father’s guidance, Bruce became a member of the BCBA on the day he was admitted to the bar. Over the years, he followed in his father’s footsteps and became actively involved in the BCBA, eventually rising to the esteemed position of the 99th President of the BCBA. Following his presidency and immediate past presidency, Bruce continued his service as the BCBA’s representative to the New Jersey State Bar Association for a commendable six years. He takes particular pride in his role as the BCBA’s Chair or Co-Chair of its Family Law Committee, where he dedicated more than two decades of his time and expertise.

Beyond his involvement with the BCBA, Bruce has also made significant contributions as a trustee and later as President of Bergen County Legal Services. Further honoring his father’s legacy, he undertook the state and national exams to become a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Attorneys (AAML). In his journey with AAML-NJ, he held various esteemed positions and eventually ascended to the presidency in 2015. Bruce’s dedication to the field is evident through his numerous publications and wide-ranging lectures for the BCBA, NJSBA, and AAML-NJ.

We cordially invite you to join us in celebrating Bruce’s outstanding achievements and recognizing his profound contributions to the legal profession. The award ceremony will occur on Monday, November 6, 2023, at Seasons.

Bruce E. Chase, Esq., exemplifies the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in the legal field, and we look forward to honoring his remarkable career at this special event.

NOTICE TO THE BAR – FAMILY DIVISION REASSIGNMENTS

By J.G.July 31, 2023

Effective August 1, 2023, the Judicial assignments are as follows:

PRE-JUDGMENT- Dissolution (FM) Motions & Trials

Docket Nos.
01-25 Jane Gallina-Mecca, P.J.F.P.

26-70 Julie Lee Kim, J.S.C.
71-100 Robert E. Landel, J.S.C.

POST-JUDGMENT- Dissolution (FM) Motions & Plenary Hearings

01-05 Jane Gallina-Mecca, P.J.F.P.
06-10 Julie Lee Kim, J.S.C.
11-15. Robert E. Landel, J.S.C.
16-32. Magali Francois, J.S.C.
33-49. Jaclyn Medina, J.S.C.
50-66. Michael Antoniewicz, J.S.C.
67-83. Amy E. Lefkowitz, J.S.C.
84-100 William C. Soukas, J.S.C.

In addition, the Judges will hear the following matters:

Judge Gallina-Mecca (Room 265) – CIC (Central), Dissolution, FC & Benchmark Hearings, ISC, Backup for all dockets
Judge Kim (Room 113)- 2^nd Juvenile Back up
Judge Landel (Room 317)- DV Wednesday Calendar
Judge Francois (Room 152)-Juvenile, CIC (South)*, SIJ
Judge Medina (Room 338)- Non-Dissolution, CSE, SU, 2^nd Backup Contempts
Judge Antoniewicz (Room 108)- Domestic Violence, TPR, Weapons, Backup Contempts
Judge Lefkowitz (Room 262)- Domestic Violence, Contempts, Backup Weapons, Juvenile Backup
Judge Soukas -(Room 336) Non-Dissolution, Backup CSE

On Recall:

Judge Janeczko (Room 161) FM Default Calendar

HO Appeals will rotate among the judges assigned to the FD Docket

DV Appeals will rotate among the judges assigned to the FV Docket

*Judge Gallina-Mecca will continue with ½ of the Bergen South docket until September 1.

/s/ Jane Gallina-Mecca, P.J.F.P.

FAMILY DIVISION REASSIGNMENTS

INITIAL JUDICIAL ASSIGNMENT FOR NEW SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE WILLIAM C. SOUKAS WILL BE TO THE SUPERIOR COURT, FAMILY DIVISION, BERGEN COUNTY

By J.G.July 14, 2023July 14, 2023

It is ORDERED that the initial judicial assignment for new Superior Court Judge William C. Soukas will be to the Superior Court, Family Division, Bergen County (Vicinage 2); this amends the June 27, 2023 order that supplemented the 2022-2023 General Assignment Order dated August 15, 2022.

/s/ Honorable Stuart Rabner

Chief Justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court

ORDER – JUDGE SOUKAS

NOTICE TO THE BAR: Family Division Reassignments

By J.G.April 5, 2023

Effective April 1, 2023, the Judicial assignments are as follows:

PRE-JUDGMENT- Dissolution (FM) Motions & Trials
Docket Nos.
01-100 Darren T. DiBiasi, J.S.C.

POST-JUDGMENT – Dissolution (FM) Motions & Plenary Hearings
Docket Nos.
01-05 Jane Gallina-Mecca, J.S.C.
06-10 Darren T. DiBiasi, J.S.C.
11-35 Magali M. Francois, J.S.C.
36-60 Jaclyn Medina, J.S.C.
61-80 Michael Antoniewicz, J.S.C.

81-100. Amy E. Lefkowitz, J.S.C.

Due to the high number of judicial vacancies, the Bar is encouraged to exhaust all methods of alternate dispute resolution prior to filing an application in the FM docket. The vacancies, coupled with the high volume of filings, have also necessitated the Court to run on a delayed motion schedule. Judges Melchionne and Guida will be handling ISCs and Judge Janeczko will be handling defaults and domestic violence trials until the end of May.

In addition, the following matters will be heard by:
Judge Gallina-Mecca – Non-Dissolution, Children in Court, FC Summary Hearings
Judge Francois – Juvenile, Domestic Violence, Summary Immigrant Juvenile, Children in Court
Judge Medina -Non-Dissolution, Summary Immigrant Juvenile, Child Support Enforcement
Judge Antoniewicz -Domestic Violence, Termination of Parental Rights, Weapons
Judge Lefkowitz – Domestic Violence, Contempts

/s/ Peter J. Melchionne, P.J.F.P.

FAMILY LAW REASSIGNMENTS

A Message From the Honorable Bonnie J. Mizdol, A.J.S.C., and the Honorable Carol Novey Catuogno, J.S.C.

By J.G.March 16, 2023

With the approval of the Chief Justice, Judge Catuogno and I are delighted to announce:

Hon. Robert M. Vinci, J.S.C., in addition to his civil assignment, is being temporarily assigned to the Chancery Division. It is anticipated that upon Hon. Lisa Perez-Friscia’s permanent elevation to the Appellate Division as of August 1, 2023, Judge Vinci’s re-assignment to Chancery shall become permanent as well.
Hon. Gregg A. Padovano, J.S.C., will, upon Hon. Rachelle Lea Harz’s retirement on June 1, 2023, be named our Multi-County Litigation Judge.
Hon. Mary F. Thurber, J.S.C., has been named our Complex Business Judge, effective immediately; and
Hon. Jane Gallina-Mecca will, upon Hon. Peter J. Melchionne’s retirement on June 1, 2023, be named the Presiding Judge of the Family Part.

FAMILY LAW PRACTIONERS – NEW DOCKET NUMBERS

By J.G.November 14, 2022November 14, 2022

Click below for the new docket numbers for Pre-Judgment-Dissolution Motions/Trials and Post-Judgment – Motions/Plenary Hearings.

FAMILY LAW DOCKET NUMBERS

Civil and Family – Resumption of Courtesy Copy Requirement as of January 1, 2023

By J.G.November 9, 2022

The Supreme Court in the attached October 24, 2022 Order has concluded the temporary suspension of the requirement to submit paper “courtesy copies” to the judge in Civil and Family matters. Accordingly, effective January 1, 2023, attorneys must send paper copies to the judge as required by Rule 1:6-4 (“Superior Court; Place for Filing Motions, Orders to Show Cause and Orders”).

Questions on the Court’s Order may be directed to the Civil Practice Division at (609) 815-2900 X54900 or the Family Practice Division at (609) 815-2900 x55350.

/s/ Glenn A. Grant

Administrative Director of the Courts

Dated: October 25, 2022

Notice – Civil and Family – Resumption of Courtesy Copy Requirement as of January 1, 2023 – Notice Dated 10-25-22

Order – Rescinding Temporary Suspension of Courtesy Copy Requirement – Dated 10-24-22 – Effective 01-01-23

GUARDIANSHIP MATTERS

By J.G.October 21, 2022

As of November 1, 2022, the standard hourly fee in guardianship matters for court appointed counsel shall increase to $275.00 per hour.

In matters in which individuals have greater financial resources, Chancery Judges shall consider augmenting that hourly amount.

For those individuals who have contributed their time and energies at a reduced rate, your efforts and generosity are recognized and appreciated.

/s/ Hon. Bonnie J. Mizdol, A.J.S.C.
Dated: October 21, 2022

Notice to the Bar – Guardianship Matters

USER ACCESS ROLE IN eCOURTS FOR ATTORNEYS’ STAFF EXPANDED TO eCOURTS FAMILY

By J.G.September 29, 2022September 29, 2022

The Judiciary in October 2021 announced the creation of a new eCourts user access role for attorneys’ staff using an independent user ID; see the October 1, 2021 Notice. Initially limited to Criminal eCourts, this user access role for attorneys’ staff was expanded in March 2022 to also include eCourts for Civil Law, General Equity, Special Civil Part, and Tax Court, as well as the eCourts Expungement System; see the March 24, 2022 Notice. This notice is to advise that this user access role for attorneys’ staff is being further expanded to eCourts Family effective September 30, 2022.

To acquire this user access, attorneys’ staff must first register via the Judiciary website at the self-registration portal. Once registered, the attorneys’ staff person must provide that new user ID to the attorney so that the attorney can associate the staff person’s account to the attorney’s bar ID. Once that has been done, the attorneys’ staff may electronically file documents, view the case jacket, and save and print documents using their user access without the need to use the attorney’s credentials.

Questions regarding this notice may be directed to the Superior Court Clerk’s Office at SCCO.mailbox@njcourts.gov or 609-421-6100.

/s/ Glenn A. Grant,

Administrative Director of the Courts

September 29, 2022

Notice – User Access Role in eCourts for Attorneys’ Staff Expanded to eCourts Family – as signed – 09-29-22

Family Division Reassignments

By J.G.July 28, 2022July 28, 2022

NOTICE TO THE BAR FAMILY DIVISION REASSIGNMENTS

Effective September 6, 2022, the Judicial assignments are as follows:

Dissolution (FM) Motions and Trials/ Post-Judgment – Motions and Plenary Hearings

Pre-		Post-
Docket Nos.	JUDGE	Docket Nos.
01-25	Peter J. Melchionne, P.J.F.P.	01-05	Peter J. Melchionne, P.J.F.P.
26-55	James J. Guida, J.S.C.	06-10	James J. Guida, J.S.C.
56-70	Jane Gallina-Mecca, J.S.C.	11-15	Darren T. DiBiasi, J.S.C.
71-00	Darren T. DiBiasi, J.S.C.	16-25	Jane Gallina-Mecca, J.S.C.
		26-40	Magali M. Francois, J.S.C.
		41-55	Jaclyn Medina, J.S.C.
		56-70	Mark T. Janeczko, J.S.C.
		71-85	Nina C. Remson, J.S.C.
		86-00	Michael Antoniewicz, J.S.C.