Norris McLaughlin, P.A. announced the rebuilding of its New Jersey matrimonial and family law department, by welcoming Karolina A. Dehnhard and David R. Tawil as members. They join the firm after leaving the Short Hills based firm of Budd Larner, P.C., where they were shareholders in the family law department.
Dehnhard and Tawil have devoted their entire practice to family and matrimonial law matters, including divorce actions, prenuptial agreements, child custody, parenting time, alimony, child support, and domestic violence issues. They handle same-gender and international custody matters, post-judgment motions, as well as complex business valuation and high net-worth divorces. The team, who will now have more resources to better serve their clients’ needs, will be based out of the firm’s Bridgewater office, and will also be debuting a new office in Short Hills, to continue serving their clients in Essex County and the surrounding geographic areas.
Dehnhard, named Chair of the New Jersey matrimonial and family law department, assists with complex financial issues, including valuation of businesses both domestically and abroad; international custody rights; the impact of immigration status on divorcing spouses and their children; addressing and enforcing foreign divorce decrees; and the complexities associated with alimony rights and post-judgment cohabitation.
Dehnhard has appeared on various TV shows and news programs, published articles on family law topics in numerous print publications, including North Jersey Woman Magazine, Industry Magazine, VUENJ, and various Polish publications. In addition, she has co-authored a chapter in Understanding the Legal Issues Surrounding Same-Sex Marriage. She is the co-host of two radio shows, “The Law Matters,” on WMTR Radio, and “There’s Always a Way Out,” on Radio RAMPA, hosted in Polish.
Dehnhard has been a featured presenter at numerous women in business events on topics including “Women Protecting their Assets,” “Becoming the CEO of your Home,” “Promoting Financial Awareness Before and During Divorce,” and planning for the future. She has also taken part in U.S. delegations to Ireland, Cuba, and Spain, to develop international business relations amongst women in business. Dehnhard was recognized by the Trade and Investment Section of the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland for her influence and leadership in integrating women owned businesses in both Poland and the United States. In 2018, Dehnhard launched the Polish American Chamber of Commerce, North East (covering Maine to Florida) with a focus on creating business opportunities for both American and Polish businesses.
Prior to entry into private practice, Dehnhard clerked for the Honorable Rosemary E. Ramsay, J.S.C., in Morris County Superior Court, Family Part and Civil Part.
Tawil, an experienced trial attorney with over seventeen years of focus in Matrimonial and Family Law and domestic violence matters, has previously been a partner at two other law firms in his career; first in a boutique firm in Short Hills and Morristown which limited its practice only to those matters, and then at Budd Larner. He has an extensive background in handling complex divorce proceedings, including business valuations, custody disputes, high income alimony, child support proceedings, and equitable distribution of assets; including distribution of multi-faceted assets, business interests and deferred compensation. He has tried numerous family law matters, including domestic violence proceedings, as well as Appellate proceedings, post-judgment cohabitation, alimony modification applications, and also handles cases in all aspects of mediation and arbitration.
Tawil is the co-author of both the 14th and 15th editions of the Domestic Violence chapter of the New Jersey Family Law Practice Series, the foremost Family Law treatise in use by family law practitioners in New Jersey. He, along with Dehnhard, speak regularly on all aspects of matrimonial and family law, including domestic violence and custody issues, financial security, equitable distribution and support. He is the co-host of "The Law Matters" on WMTR Radio, soon to be entering its sixth season.
Prior to entering private practice, Tawil served as a law clerk for the Honorable Thomas P. Zampino, Judge of the Superior Court, Essex County, New Jersey, one of the longest-tenured matrimonial judges in the State of New Jersey.