Carmela L. Novi - Hackensack, NJ
Attorney at Weinberger Divorce & Family Law Group, LLC
Family & Matrimonial Law Lawyers in Hackensack, NJ
21 Main Street Suite 354 Court Plaza South-West Wing Hackensack, NJ 07601
- 1 Super Lawyers®
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30
Years
Experience
Hackensack Family & Matrimonial Law Lawyer
Updated: 04/28/2026
Areas of Practice
- Family & Matrimonial Law
- Divorce and Legal Separations
- Visitation and Parenting Time
- Child Support
- Alimony and Palimony
- Division of Assets - Equitable Distribution
- Pre and Post-Nuptial Agreements
- Adoption and Kinship Legal Guardianships
- Children's Educational Needs
- Emancipation
- Modification of Custody
- Modification of Child Support
- Modification
- Reduction or Termination of Alimony
- Enforcement of Custody
- Enforcement of Child Support
- Enforcement of Alimony
- Paternity
- Grandparent's Rights
- Domestic Violence Matters
- Post Divorce Matters
Attorney Information
Overview
Carmela L. Novi is a family law and divorce attorney at Weinberger Divorce & Family Law Group in New Jersey. She began her legal career over 20 years ago as a paralegal to a well-known Manhattan criminal defense attorney just weeks after graduating from college. Her exposure to family law began while she was a second year law student working for an attorney in Fort Lee, New Jersey.
Ms. Novi made her first official appearance as an attorney by arguing a family court motion just hours after being sworn in as a member of the bar in December of 1996. Since then, Ms. Novi has litigated cases throughout the state. She has litigated, settled, and mediated for clients engaged in disputes involving every aspect of divorce and family law, including: parenting time, child support, alimony, college contribution, equitable distribution of assets, and prenuptial agreements. She also has extensive experience in domestic violence matters, both in helping victims obtain needed restraining orders, and in defending those wrongly accused of domestic violence.
Ms. Novi is also a trained mediator who has been approved by the Administrative Office of the Courts for inclusion on the official roster of family law mediators in New Jersey. She also serves on the Early Settlement Panel for the family court in Morris County, where she volunteers her time to assist couples in settling the economic aspects of their divorce disputes.
Ms. Novi believes that in order to provide exceptional service and value to her clients, she must keep abreast of developments in family law. She regularly attends continuing legal education seminars on a wide range of topics, including the annual Family Law Symposium in New Brunswick.
Ms. Novi has been recognized for her pro bono work by Alternatives to Domestic Violence of Bergen County; the Bergen County Executive; Partners for Women & Justice; and Volunteer Lawyers for Justice. She has been recognized as a "New Jersey Super Lawyers - Rising Star"* in the field of family law.
Ms. Novi is also active in her local community. She was elected to the Montville Township Board of Education; is a former board member (and current general member) of the Kiwanis Club of Montville; and is a former member and Chair of the Montville Township Residents with Disabilities Advisory Committee. She is also a co-founder and former board member of the Towaco Civic Association, which sponsors the annual Towaco Jazz & Arts Festival. Prior to moving to Morris County, she was a co-founder of the Mid-Town Children's Fund, a non-profit organization serving children in need in her hometown of Union City, New Jersey.
Awards and Honors
Honors
- Treasurer, Phi Alpha Delta pre-law fraternity, Montclair State University, Montclair, New Jersey, 1990 - 1992
- Member, Mock Trial Competition Team, Montclair State University, Montclair, New Jersey, 1991 - 1992
- 10 Best Client Satisfaction for Family Law – American Institute of Legal Counsel
- New Jersey Super Lawyers-Rising Star, 2006 - 2007
- New Jersey’s Best Lawyers For Families, 2021
- Martindale-Hubbell - Client Champion Platinum, 2019 - 2025
- Best Lawyers, 2025 - 2026
- New Jersey Super Lawyers, 2024 - 2026
Other Sources of Feedback About Carmela L. Novi
Included on the 2026 New Jersey Super Lawyers list
Past Lists
- 2025 New Jersey Super Lawyers list
- 2024 New Jersey Super Lawyers list
- 2007 New Jersey Super Lawyers list
- 2006 New Jersey Super Lawyers list
Education
-
Legal Education
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New York Law School,
New York,
New York, 1996
J.D.
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New York Law School,
New York,
New York, 1996
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Non Legal Education
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Montclair State University,
Montclair,
New Jersey, 1992
B.A.
Major: English Liturature
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Montclair State University,
Montclair,
New Jersey, 1992
Current Employment Position(s)
-
Partner
Past Positions
- Casha & Casha, LLC, Associate, 2005 - 2012
- Law Offices of Carmela L. Novi, Partner/Owner, 2003 - 2005
- New York Life Insurance Company, Compliance Officer, 2001 - 2003
- Seeger Weiss, LLC, Associate, 1999 - 2001
- Law Offices of Susan Servis, Associate, 1996 - 1999
- Law Offices of Susan Servis, Paralegal, 1995 - 1996
- Honorable Walter M. Schackman, Supreme Court of New York, Commercial Division, Judicial Intern, 1994 - Present
- Law Offices of Susan Kellman, Paralegal, 1992 - 1993
Pro Bono Activities
- Morris County Early Settlement Panelist, 2010 - 2012
- Board Member, Kiwanis Club of Montville
- General Member, Kiwanis Club of Montville
- Member, Montville Township Residents with Disabilities Advisory Committee
- Chair, Montville Township Residents with Disabilities Advisory Committee
- Co-Founder & Board Member of the Towaco Civic Association
- Co-Founder of the Mid-Town Children's Fund
- Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (Newark, NJ)
Bar Admissions
- New Jersey
- New York
- U.S. District Court District of New Jersey
Specialties and Certifications
- Certified Matrimonial Attorney, New Jersey Supreme Court
- Qualified Family Law Mediator
- New Jersey Court Appointed Parenting Coordinator
Other Affiliations
- New Jersey State Bar Association (Family Law Section)
- American Bar Association (Family Law Section)
- Morris County Bar Association
Fraternities and Sororities
- Phi Alpha Delta
Reviews
Highlights
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5.0 Value
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5.0 Quality of Service
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5.0 Professional Competence
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Hired Attorney 2025-2026Divorce—especially from a toxic person—is one of the hardest processes to go through, and I’m grateful I had an attorney who was sharp, persistent, and deeply experienced in my corner. Carmela is not a hand-holder—and that was ultimately a strength for me. She focused on strategy, outcomes, and protecting my interests, even when the process was emotionally exhausting. At times, the office dropped the ball on some administrative details, but she took responsibility when that happened. What consistently stood out was her commitment to regular, structured communication. She set up a standing weekly call and made a genuine effort to work through my entire list each time, which helped me stay grounded and prepared in an otherwise overwhelming situation. Most importantly, she fought for me. I never doubted that she took my case seriously or that she was advocating forcefully on my behalf. Beyond her legal skill and honed instincts, I believe she genuinely cared about me as a client and as a person, and that made a meaningful difference. If you’re looking for a divorce attorney who is strategic, confident, and willing to go the distance—rather than someone who sugarcoats the process—I would strongly recommend her.
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Hired Attorney 2022-2025Carmela Novi is an extremely experienced and compassionate family law attorney. Her combination of legal expertise, professionalism, and genuine understanding made a difficult and emotional time easier. She was my biggest advocate from start to finish. Carmela was always accessible to answer questions no matter how big or small. She took the time to explain every option, ensuring I understood the process and concluded my case with the best possible outcome. I highly recommend Carmela to anyone in search of a family law attorney who combines legal excellence with heartfelt care. She is truly the hardest working family law attorney I have ever met.
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Hired Attorney 2022-2023Having Carmela Novi on my side in my divorce was a game-changer. Carmela isn't just top-notch at her job, but she's got this genuine warmth about her. She always made sure my kid's best interests were front and center, and she kept me clued in on everything. It felt like having a friend, not just a lawyer, fighting in my corner. If you're dealing with family drama, I'd seriously recommend putting your faith in Carmela to get the job done.
Photo
Videos
Contact
21 Main Street
Suite 354
Court Plaza South-West Wing
Hackensack, NJ 07601
Phone: 551-245-6288
Fax: 201-880-9720
Email: Send a message
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