With two decades of experience in family law, I guide clients through some of life’s most difficult and deeply personal transitions. Whether through negotiation, mediation, or litigation, I work to protect my clients’ rights, preserve their dignity, and pursue the best possible outcome for their families.
As a seasoned trial attorney and certified mediator, I combine strategic legal thinking with a compassionate, grounded approach. I understand that every family law case carries emotional and financial complexities, especially in high-conflict situations, and I take pride in navigating them with precision, care, and fierce advocacy. My goal is to provide clarity and confidence at every stage of the legal process, helping clients make informed decisions when it matters most.
Recognitions
• New Jersey Family Magazine - Best New Jersey Lawyers for Families, 2022
• 2018 American Institute of Legal Counsel, 10 Best Attorneys
• 2017 American Institute of Legal Counsel, 10 Best Attorneys
• Admitted by the Judiciary of the State of New Jersey as a court-approved parenting coordinator
• Admitted by the Judiciary of the State of New Jersey as a court-approved mediator
Appointments:
• New Jersey Association of Professional Mediators, Board Member
• District XII Ethics Division, Member, Appointed by the Supreme Court of New Jersey
Notable Cases
Superior Court Cases
Ferrer v. Colon, 463 N.J. Super. 12 (Ch. Div. 2019)
• This matter addresses the calculation of child support and the issue of whether available overtime which has not been elected, should be imputed to a parent for purposes of calculating child support. The court determined that, as long as a party is employed full-time, while their complete salary (including overtime and second jobs) will be utilized in calculating child support, there cannot be an imputation of income above that for potential or available overtime.
Appellate Division Cases
State v. Duprey, 427 N.J. Super. 314 (App. Div. 2012)
• Elena successfully argued, and the Appellate Division found, that testimony given by a party during a trial of a domestic violence matter can be used to cross-examine the party in a related criminal trial.
L.S.R. v. S.T., 2021 N.J. Super. Unpub. LEXIS 2862
• Appellant appealed the lower court’s decision as to allocating the child tax exemption, modification of child support, and an award of counsel fees. The Appellate Division affirmed the lower court determination.
Feinstein v. Feinstein, 2018 N.J. Super. Unpub. LEXIS 1459
• Appellate division matter in which the termination of alimony after a 7-day trial, was appealed. The Appellate Division upheld the lower court’s termination of alimony.
Coney v. Banks, 2020 N.J. Super. Unpub. LEXIS 1548
• Appellant appealed the lower court’s decision as to modification of parenting time and parenting time transportation obligations, as well as an award of attorney fees. The Appellate Division agreed with Appellant’s arguments, reversing and remanding the matter to the lower court.
N.B. v. J.A.B., 2017 N.J. Super. Unpub. LEXIS 56
• In an appeal of a Final Restraining Order, the issue was the lower court’s consideration of social media posts, statements made during therapy, and that the plaintiff had proven the offenses contained within the restraining order. The Appellate Division reversed and vacate the final restraining order.
Zhang v. Lou, 2022 N.J. Super. Unpub. LEXIS 1731
• Appellant appeals the lower court determination as to costs associated with sale of a real estate asset; college tuition and related expenses for their two daughters; child support arrears; and counsel fees. The Appellate court reversed and remanded.
Nixon v. Nixon, 2011 N.J. Super. Unpub. LEXIS 1401
• The lower court denied the appellant’s motion to amend the judgement of divorce arguing that the written agreement differed from the terms placed orally on the record. The Appellate Division determined that there should be an amendment to reflect the intent of the parties which was placed orally on the record.
C.K. v. A.P., 2010 N.J. Super. Unpub. LEXIS 2590
• Elena successfully argued the appeal of a Final Restraining Order, arguing that the parties did not have a dating relationship, and as such there was no jurisdiction for the lower court to have issues a temporary or final restraining order.
C.R.S. v. H.D., DOCKET NO. A-2870-22 (App. Div. 2023)
• Appellant sought to appeal the lower court’s denial of his request to change of parenting time. Elena successfully defended the lower court’s decision, and the Appellate Division upheld the denial of the change in parenting time.
K.F. v. J.C.C, DOCKET NO. A-3609-18T2 (2020)
• After a Final Restraining Order was issued by the lower court, Appellant sought to vacate the Order, which was denied by the Appellate Division, who upheld the issuance of the Final Restraining Order.
Featured Works
Speaking Engagements
• "Valuing, Dividing, and Offsetting Complex Financial Assets in Divorce Mediation Including Language for MOUs," NJAPM's 10th Annual Civil and Divorce Mediation Seminar, Panel Moderator, May 2, 2025
Professional Affiliations
• New Jersey Bar Association, Member
• New York Bar Association, Member
• Union County Bar Association, Member
• Essex County Bar Association, Member