I almost forgot how much I missed my office view. I’d like to thank everyone @indiegrove for keeping our brick and mortar office open during this time. I am so grateful for how the people of Jersey City have looked Covid-19 in the eye and flattened t

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

TESTIMONIALS

“I needed Padraic to help me with a civil case and it was the best decision I could have made. He understood, he listened, he took care of me, he was responsive, he was interested in what was best for me. I was his priority and in every way I felt protected. But, what made Padraic so effective is that he didn’t win. Rather, he encouraged reconciliation and made it possible for an outcome that was better than I could have expected. He did what was right for me and not him. He put me first. He could have won. He had a plan to win. I was confident in the strength of our position and case. Sure, he had the ability to be a bulldog and control the conversation in court or with opposing council. He was cool under pressure and capable of getting the outcome I wanted. But he wanted what was best for me which fell outside of the legal mandate and he enabled that outcome.

If you want a lawyer to take care of you, call Padraic and you’ll be in good hands.”

— Jeremiah Wilson

“Padraic Dugan is a fantastic family attorney. He truly cares for his clients and makes sure that their interests are well represented. He is very diligent and knowledgeable. He is familiar with every county court in the state of NJ. He does not waste any of the clients time, he works fast, follows up, and always comes through on anything discussed with the client. He is very professional, reliable and responsive. I felt very well represented and confident with Padraic on my side.”

— Inna Yelisevich

“A Brilliant Attorney - “The Fixer”

Padraic Dugan came into my divorce case late in the litigation process when I was in dire straits due to poor legal representation and he turned things around - in effect righting many of the wrongs. Thanks to Padraic’s incredible ability to process the details of my complex case history, his tireless preparation and cohesive arguments, I went on to prevail in court decisions. I also note that he treated me with great patience and dignity at this exceedingly difficult time in my life.
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— Past Client