Francine Aster Esq. - Livingston, NJ
Attorney at Ziegler Law Group LLC
Family and Matrimonial Law Lawyers in Livingston, NJ
651 Old W Mt. Pleasant Avenue Suite 150 Livingston, NJ 07039
Livingston Family and Matrimonial Law Lawyer
Updated: 03/02/2026
Areas of Practice
- Family and Matrimonial Law
- Mediation
- Alimony and Palimony
- Division of Assets - Equitable Distribution
- Pre and Post-Nuptial Agreements
- Adoption and Kinship Legal Guardianships
- Children’s Educational Needs
- Divorce and Legal Separations
- Dissolution of Domestic Partnerships/Civil Unions and Same Sex Marriages
- Child Custody
- Visitation and Parenting Time
- Child Support
- Emancipation
- Enforcement of Child Support
- Enforcement of Alimony
- Paternity
- Domestic Violence Matters
- Relocation out of the State of New Jersey with a child
- Modification of Custody
- Modification of Child Support
- Modification, Reduction or Termination of Alimony
- Enforcement of Custody
Litigation: 50%
Attorney Information
Overview
Francine Aster Esq., is a Partner at Ziegler Law Group LLC, and a seasoned family law attorney with a strong track record of success and client trust. Her practice is devoted exclusively to family and matrimonial law, with extensive experience in areas such as divorce, domestic violence, custody disputes, grandparent visitation, child and spousal support, equitable distribution of assets, adoptions, paternity matters, prenuptial agreements, palimony, alimony, mediation, post-judgment enforcement and modification, and other related issues. She is also certified by the New Jersey courts as an approved mediator.
Francine’s dedication to family law stems from her deep-rooted commitment to helping others. She is known for her personal and proactive approach to client service. Francine listens closely to her clients’ goals and concerns, making herself available and responsive throughout every step of the legal process. Her clients appreciate her steady guidance, prompt communication, and her ability to bring clarity and comfort during uncertain times.
Francine brings a wealth of knowledge to every case, allowing her to develop innovative legal strategies, particularly in contentious or complex matters. Whether resolving issues through negotiation, mediation, or litigation, she tailors her approach to best suit each client’s unique circumstances and is a fierce advocate from start to finish.
Child custody is one of Francine’s particular areas of focus. Her deep understanding of the law is enhanced by her experience serving as a guardian ad litem (GAL), where she assists courts in determining custody arrangements that serve the best interests of the child. She has also acted as a court-appointed parenting coordinator and parenting supervisor, equipping her with insight into managing conflict and supporting cooperative co-parenting.
An active and respected leader within the New Jersey family law community, Francine volunteers with the Matrimonial Early Settlement Panels (ESPs) in Essex and Morris Counties, helping couples reach informed settlement decisions. Through her longstanding role with Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ), she has taught divorce law basics at the Essex County courthouse, ensuring access to legal education for those unable to afford representation. She is also a frequent lecturer at Continuing Legal Education (CLE) programs, where she shares her knowledge with other attorneys.
Francine has held several leadership positions throughout her career, including Chair of the Essex County Bar Association’s Family Law Committee for over 15 years and a seat on the Family Law Executive Committee of the New Jersey State Bar Association. She has also served as a Trustee and past President of the Essex County Bar Association, where she worked closely with judges and attorneys to improve communication and address systemic challenges.
Additionally, she has contributed her time to the New Jersey Supreme Court’s Ethics Committee, serving two terms on District VC (West Essex), and is currently serving her second consecutive four-year term.
Francine’s commitment to the field of family law is unwavering.
Francine earned her Juris Doctorate from Seton Hall University School of Law and holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Seton Hall University as well.
She resides in Essex County and is a widow. When Francine is not with her clients, or learning more about interesting legal issues, she is typically baking, cooking, and spending time with her family.
Awards and Honors
Honors
- Essex County Bar Association, Family Law Attorney Achievement Award, 2002
- Avvo Rating
- AV Preeminent®, 2024 - 2025
Education
-
Legal Education
-
Seton Hall University School of Law,
Newark,
New Jersey, 1987
J.D.
Honors: magna cum laude
-
Seton Hall University School of Law,
Newark,
New Jersey, 1987
-
Non Legal Education
-
Seton Hall University,
South Orange,
New Jersey, 1983
B.S.
Honors: magna cum laude
Major: Psychology
-
Seton Hall University,
South Orange,
New Jersey, 1983
Current Employment Position(s)
-
Attorney & Partner
Past Positions
- Law Offices of Francine M. Aster, Esq., P.C., President, 1996 - 2022
- Aster & Lane, Esq., Partner, 1988 - 1994
- New Jersey Court-Appointed Mediator, 2010-present
- Early Settlement Panel (ESP) Attorney Panelist
- Court-appointed Guardian ad Litem (GAL)
- Parenting Time Coordinator
- Parenting time supervisor
Languages
-
English
-
Spanish
Pro Bono Activities
- Member, District VC Ethics Committee, 2002-2006, 2018
- Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ), Essex County
- Early Settlement Panel, Essex
- Early Settlement Panel, Morris
- Family Law Executive Committee, Essex, Frequent Lecturer
- Blue Ribbon Panel, Essex
- FD and FM Blitz Panel, Essex
Bar Admissions
- New Jersey, 1987
- U.S. Federal Courts, 1987
- United States Supreme Court, 2004
- U.S. District Court District of New Jersey
Other Affiliations
- New Jersey State Bar Association, 1988 - Present (Member)
- ECBA, 1987 - Present (Former FLEC Chair)
- The Barry Croland Family Inns of Court (Master), 2016 - 2017 (Trustee, Secretary, Vice President, President-Elect, President)
- Essex County Bar Association, 1988 - Present
- Trustee, Essex County Bar Association, 2007-2013
- Secretary, Essex County Bar Association, 2014
- Treasurer, Essex County Bar Association, 2015
- Vice President, Essex County Bar Association, 2016
- President, Essex County Bar Association, 2017-2018
- Chaired, Family Law Executive Committee
- Chair, District VC Ethics Committee
- Chair, District VC Fee Arbitration Committee
- Master of the Barry I. Croland Family Inns of Court
Photo
Contact
651 Old W Mt. Pleasant Avenue
Suite 150
Livingston, NJ 07039
Phone: 973-524-6488
Email: Send a message
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