As a Certified Matrimonial Law Attorney, Frank J. LaRocca is one of the leading practitioners of family law in the State of New Jersey. In addition to representing clients across the state, Mr. LaRocca is also a sought-after speaker and writer on wide range of family and divorce-related issues – including equitable distribution of asset, child custody, and pre-nuptial agreements.
Appellate Representation
Argued and appeared before the Superior Court of New Jersey, Appellate Division, on a wide range of domestic, family and matrimonial law issues including custody, domestic violence, alimony, equitable distribution and jurisdictional issues. Argued precedent setting law before he the N.J. Supreme Court.
Trials and Hearings
• Extensive appearances in the Superior Court of New Jersey-including appearances before almost every Family Part Judge in: Bergen, Monmouth, Passaic, Essex, Middlesex, Somerset, Morris, Ocean, and Hunterdon Counties.
• Financial Matters: Responsible for and assisted in every aspect of many state-wide, highly contested high-end divorce matters dealing with complex valuation, distribution and support issues-the most substantial of which was tried to conclusion over the course of six months.
• Custody Matters: Responsible for many highly contested custody, termination and relocation matters-the most substantial of which was tried to conclusion for eight days.
• Domestic Relations Matters: Tried to conclusion and responsible for the disposition of many domestic violence and contempt matters-the most substantial of which was tried to conclusion for five days.
• Bankruptcy Related Family Law Matters: Tried issues of discharge ability of terms and conditions of a Property Settlement Agreement and Judgment of Divorce in the U.S. Bankruptcy
Legal Appointments
• Keyport Municipal Court, Municipal Court Judge, 2015 – 2017
• Supreme Court of New Jersey, Office of Attorney Ethics, District IIA Ethics Committee, Attorney Member, 2006 – 2010
• Supreme Court of New Jersey, Office of Attorney Ethics, District IIA Fee Arbitration Committee, Attorney Member, 2003 – 2007; 2015 – 2019
• Supreme Court of New Jersey, Office of Attorney Ethics, Ethics Committee, Attorney Alternate Member, 2005
• Superior Court of New Jersey, Chancery Division, Family Part, Counsel (Family Part Contempt Proceedings
• Superior Court of New Jersey, Chancery Division, Family Part, Special Matrimonial Counsel (Family Part Receivership Proceedings)
• Superior Court of New Jersey, Chancery Division, Family Part, Counsel (Division of Youth and Family Services Parental Rights Termination Proceeding)
• Superior Court of New Jersey, Chancery Division, General Equity, Counsel (Competency Proceedings)
Certified Legal Specialties
• Certified Matrimonial Law Attorney (2004-present), Supreme Court of the State of New Jersey
Classes/Seminars
• “Death Taxes & Divorce: Planning for Marital Relationships.” Panelist. An overview of Ross v. Ross and the Qualified Domestic Relations Order, New Jersey Institute for Continuing Legal Education
• “Innocent Spouse Relief: Ethical Obligations & Practical Solutions.” Lecturer. An overview of Sheridan v. Sheridan and the new innocent spouse regulations, New Jersey Association of Certified Public Accountants
• “Equitable Distribution in Divorce Settlements in New Jersey: Valuation, Tax and Other Issues.” Faculty. An overview of the doctrine of equitable distribution highlighting key issues of valuation, ethics, experts, closely held businesses and tax consequences, National Business Institute
• “Child Custody and Visitation in New Jersey.” Faculty. Discussion on legal basis and criteria for custody, relocation and modification applications in New Jersey, National Business Institute
• “Issues Raised By Second Marriages.” Moderator and Panelist. An overview of prenuptial agreements, estate planning issues, dealing with separate assets, child support and business eligibility issues, New Jersey Institute for Continuing Legal Education
• “Issues Affecting Equitable Distribution.” Lecturer. An overview of the law of Equitable Distribution in New Jersey, New Jersey Association of Certified Public Accountants
• “Divorce Law in New Jersey.” Faculty. A broad discussion of: drafting and litigating premarital agreements; causes of action for divorce; and, the New Jersey Domestic Partnership Act, National Business Institute
Pro Bono Activities
• Superior Court of NJ Mandatory Early Settlement Program, Family Part, Monmouth County, 2006 to Present
• Chair, Superior Court of NJ Mandatory Early Settlement Program, Family Part, Bergen County, 2001 to Present
• Panelist, Superior Court of NJ Mandatory Early Settlement Program, Family Part, Bergen County, 1998 to 2001
• Committee Member, Superior Court of NJ Mandatory Early Settlement Program, Family Part, Bergen County, 1998 to 2001
Professional Associations and Memberships
• New Jersey State Bar Association, Family Law Section, Member, 1996 to Present
• American Inns of Court, New Jersey Family Law Section, 1997 to Present
• Monmouth County Bar Association, Family Law Committee, Member, 1999 to 2001
• Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Member, 1994 to Present
• Supreme Court of New Jersey, Office of Attorney Ethics, District IIA Ethics Committee, Member, 2006-2010
• Supreme Court of New Jersey, Office of Attorney Ethics, District IIA Fee Arbitration Committee , September 2003-August 2007 term
• Superior Court of NJ Mandatory Early Settlement Program, Family Part, Bergen County, Chair, 2001-present
• Panelist, Superior Court of NJ Mandatory Early Settlement Program, Family Part, Bergen County (1998-2001), Committee Member (1998-2001), Monmouth County (2006-present)
• American Registry, 2016
• New Jersey State Bar Association Family Law Executive Committee , 2013 to Present
