Frank J. LaRocca

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.

Admissions

Superior Court of New Jersey
United States District Court, District of New Jersey
United States Court of Appeals, Third Circuit
United States Tax Court

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.

Organizations and Positions

Attorney Member, Supreme Court of New Jersey, Office of Attorney Ethics, District IIA Ethics Committee (2006-2010 term)
Attorney Member, Supreme Court of New Jersey, Office of Attorney Ethics, District IIA Fee Arbitration Committee (September 2003-August 2007 term)
Attorney Alternate Member, Supreme Court of New Jersey, Office of Attorney Ethics, Ethics Committee (2005 term)
Member, Bergen County Bar Association, Judicial Selection Committee (2006-present)
Member, New Jersey State Bar Association, Family Law Section (1996-present)
Executive Member, Bergen County Bar Association, Family Law Committee (1999-2001)
Member, Bergen County Bar Association, Family Law Committee (1996-present)
American Inns of Court, New Jersey Family Law Section (1997-present)
Member, Monmouth County Bar Association, Family Law Committee (1999-2001)
Member, Association of Trial Lawyers of America (1994-present)
Member, New York State Bar Association (1994-present), Family Law Section (1999-present)
Chair, Superior Court of NJ Mandatory Early Settlement Program, Family Part, Bergen County (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)

Awards and Accommodations

Supreme Court of the State of New Jersey. Certified as one of approximately one hundred attorneys state-wide as a Certified Matrimonial Law Attorney (2004-2010)
New Jersey Super Lawyer (2006). Selected as one of the top 100 Family Law Attorneys and top 5% of all attorneys in the State of New Jersey
Ten Leaders of Monmouth and Middlesex County (2005). Named as one of only ten attorneys in Monmouth and Middlesex County as a leader in the practice of law
Ten Leaders of Matrimonial & Divorce Law (2004-2005). Named as one of only ten attorneys in Northern New Jersey recognized as a leader in the practice (under 45 age group).
Honored Member, American Registry of Distinguished Professionals Honored Member (2003-2004)
The Best Lawyers in America. Selected for inclusion in the Best Lawyers Consumer Guide (2001-2005)
Martindale-Hubbell Bar Register of Pre-Eminent Lawyers. (LaRocca & Associates, P.C. 2006-2007)

Appointments

Superior Court of New Jersey, Chancery Division, Family Part. Appointed as counsel in several Family Part Contempt Proceedings.
Superior Court of New Jersey, Chancery Division, Family Part. Appointed as special matrimonial counsel in Family Part Receivership Proceedings.
Superior Court of New Jersey, Chancery Division, Family Part. Appointed as counsel in Division of Youth and Family Services Parental Rights Termination Proceeding.
Superior Court of New Jersey, Chancery Division, General Equity. Appointed as counsel in several Competency Proceedings.

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 dischargeability of terms and conditions of a Property Settlement Agreement and Judgment of Divorce in the U.S. Bankruptcy

Lectures and Seminars

New Jersey Institute for Continuing Legal Education, “Death Taxes & Divorce: Planning for Marital Relationships.” Panelist. An overview of Ross v. Ross and the Qualified Domestic Relations Order.
New Jersey Association of Certified Public Accountants, “Innocent Spouse Relief: Ethical Obligations & Practical Solutions.” Lecturer. An overview of Sheridan v. Sheridan and the new innocent spouse regulations.
National Business Institute. “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.
New Jersey Institute for Continuing Legal Education. “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 Association of Certified Public Accountants. “Issues Affecting Equitable Distribution.” Lecturer. An overview of the law of Equitable Distribution in New Jersey.
National Business Institute. “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.

Education

Pace University School of Law, White Plains, New York, Juris Doctor (May 1995).
William Paterson University, Wayne, New Jersey, BA Psychology (December 1988).