You can be a part of something and still be apart from it.
-Padraic F.X. Dugan Esq.
Who we are
“Seeking Justice Through Compassion”
Padraic F.X. Dugan Esq.
For over a decade, Padraic F.X. Dugan, Esq., has prided himself on treating his clients with great patience and dignity during what can be an exceedingly difficult time in their lives. Mr. Dugan is licensed to practice in New Jersey, New York, Washington DC and New Mexico. After law school, Mr. Dugan obtained a prestigious Judicial Clerkship with the Honorable Robert A. Coogan, J.S.C. in the Superior Court of New Jersey Division of Equity and Chancery Family Part. After his clerkship, he began his private practice career specializing in all family law areas including but not limited to: divorce and separation, domestic violence, high asset complex financial matters, and contentious child custody issues. Mr. Dugan has been a contributing editor on the Yudes Consumer Guide to Divorce, the Yudes Family Law Citator. Mr. Dugan has also been a contributing editor and presenter of a yearly update of family law opinions, court rules and statutes before the Middlesex County Bar Association Annual Family Law CLE, sponsored by the Middlesex, Union and Somerset Bar Associations. He was joined on the panel by fellow family law experts including the Presiding Family Part Judges of Middlesex, Union and Somerset Counties, respectively Honorable Deborah J. Venezia, Honorable Lisa F. Chrystal and Honorable Kimarie Rahill. Mr. Dugan is an active member of the Hudson County Bar Association and the New Jersey Bar Association. He is a founding member and serves as Barrister in the Justice Virginia Long American Inns of Court. In his spare time he enjoys giving back to the community as a member of Volunteer Lawyers for Justice and various other community organizations. He is a leader of the Positive Divorce Movement, accredited mediator and divorce coach. Mr. Dugan has actively litigated divorce cases throughout New Jersey, including Hudson, Bergen, Union, Essex, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, Morris, Sussex, Somerset, Passaic, Hunterdon, Camden and Burlington Counties. Mr. Dugan believes that there is no case too big or too small and treats his clients as if they were family.
Co-Parenting Specialist
Taking a child centered approach
We are committed to helping separating and divorcing clients bring the voices of their children into the room while they work to redefine their family. It is a child’s right not to be put in the middle and to instead have their best interests placed at the center.
Complex & High Asset Cases
Experience you can trust
Friendly Family Law has extensive experience working closely with leading experts in a wide range of fields that provide the tools necessary for your case to withstand scrutiny. We have worked with leaders in forensic accounting, child psychology, real estate appraisals and vocational experts. The valuable trial experience in litigating cases to their conclusion, not just at the trial level but also at the Appellate and Supreme Court level, offers a strategic advantage.
Online Mediation
works for your busy life
No matter where you find yourself in the separation process, online mediation is a safe, cost effective and innovative method to dispute resolution. Friendly Family Law is accredited in family law mediation utilizing a virtual platform. We have worked with innovative leaders in this field and stand ready to help couples reach amicable and lasting solutions to their family law needs.
The Better Apart Method
The radically positive way to separate
At Friendly Family Law we are innovative champions of the Positive Divorce Movement and are dedicated to the practice of consideration, cooperation and communication. We will empower you to make informed decisions that are in the best interest of your family.
Friendly Family Law is certified in the Better Apart Method through instruction with Gabrielle Hartley, Esq. which “radically reframes the way couples experience, execute and recover when ‘for better or worse’ is no longer an option, and helps you find the road map to a better life.”
Divorce veteran Gwenyth Paltrow has called the book BETTER APART: The Radically Positive Way to Separate a “potent, accessible tools for your family and your future.”
Convenience of Remote Meetings
At friendly family law, we value your time
All consultations, meetings, mediations and uncontested divorce hearings will be remotely conducted via videoconference and/or telephone.
Contact Us
Book an appointment
Use the form below to tell us generally about your legal inquiry and contact information. Please include the name of the other party so that we may run a conflicts check to make sure we have not consulted with them in the past before we set up a time to discuss further. If you are seeking mediation services, please contact the office jointly. You may also email us directly at info@friendlyfamilylaw.com.
