team-member

Brian Martel

Hackensack, NJ

Licensed for 18 years

Law Degree

Awards

Primary Practice Area

Child custody

Language

English

About

Brian C. Martel is a Partner in Shapiro Croland's Family Law department.  Brian has devoted 100% of his professional practice to family law and related matters, including all aspects of divorce, separation, custody and parenting time, spousal and child support, equitable distribution of property, prenuptial agreements, mediation, arbitration, domestic violence, post-judgment   matters and   appeals.    Brian   understands   that   your   divorce   and   family-related   matter   can   be   an extremely emotional and financially trying time in your life.  He treats all of his clients with the utmost professionalism, dignity and respect, while at the same time he vigorously advocates for his client’s interests and protects his client’s rights.Brian has been mentioned in New Jersey Monthly Magazine and has been listed in the New Jersey Super Lawyers® for the year 2017 and New Jersey Super Lawyers Rising Stars℠ Editions for the years 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015 and 2016, a list published by Thomson Reuters and which features no more than 2.5% of New Jersey attorneys. Brian volunteers his time to serve as an Early Settlement Panelist in Bergen County, during which he reviews family law cases and makes recommendations towards settlement. Brian has also been appointed by the Court to serve as an Attorney-in-Fact to intervene and assist in high-conflict cases.Brian is an active member of the American, New Jersey State and New York State Bar Associations, as well as the Family Law sections of the American, New Jersey, Bergen and County Bar Associations. He is also a Barrister in the Barry I. Croland Family Inn of Court.Prior to beginning his practice in Family Law, Brian served as Law Clerk for the Honorable Edward V. Torack, J.S.C., in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Chancery Division, Family Part. Through that invaluable experience, Brian had the opportunity to review hundreds of divorce and family-related cases involving all aspects of family law.Brian received his Juris Doctorate degree from Seton Hall University School of Law and his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Maryland, where he also served as Chief Justice for the Interfraternity Council.

Practices Areas

Child custody

Divorce and separation

Family

Domestic Violence

Language

English

Contact

Shapiro, Croland, Reiser, Apfel & Di Iorio411 Hackensack AvenueHackensack, NJ, 07601411 Hackensack AvenueHackensack, NJ, 07601

Office: N/A

Website: N/A

Reviews

Anna Vladi
September 23, 2021

I had great experience with Brian during my divorce. He helped me complete it as quick and as painless as possible without going to court. Highly recomend!

anonymous
September 23, 2021

Brian Martel was my divorce lawyer. At the most difficult time in my life,Brian secured my future. My ex husband did not want to pay any alimony ( after a 25 year marriage) Brian secured my future financial stability by making sure I was able to stay in my home and keep my home ! My alimony was incorporated into the buyout I owed my ex. This was the most crucial part of the divorce for me financially. Brian is thorough and left no stone unturned. He discovered after 25 years of marriage my ex had been depositing marital funds into overseas accounts !! This discovery allowed my settlement to be reached. I would highly recommend Brian Martel. Lucia Esposito l

Paul
April 5, 2019

I really appreciate what Brian and his team have done for me and the level of professionalism they offered. These are the hardest times that people have to go through and Brian and his team made the best of the worst situation I was faced with and kept me sane throughout the whole process. I highly recommend Brian to others.

Jessica
February 3, 2019

Brian Martel is an outstanding attorney and it is my absolute pleasure to highly, highly recommend him. Brian recently represented me in my high-conflict divorce. He was recommended by a friend -- another family law attorney and divorce coach who promised me that Brian would take care of me and my children. He certainly did. Truly, Brian exceeded my expectations. Brian has exceptional knowledge of the law, the courts, the process and years of experience dedicated to family law. He is professional and articulate, strategic and tough. At the same time, he is also patient, understanding, compassionate, and almost always accessible. He always answered my questions, discussed strategy and told me in advance of court appearances exactly what was going to happen so I was always at ease. More than just an excellent attorney, though, Brian is personable and real; there were times throughout the process where Brian and I had a few minutes to just chat and even share some laughs. You may not be able to trust everyone, but you can definitely trust Brian. He was always honest with me and would always tell me the truth, even if it wasn't exactly what I wanted to hear. Just as important, Brian would never litigate just to litigate and run up fees; he endeavored to settle my case more than satisfactorily in as quick a manner as possible. After a tough year dealing with an adversary who seemed to thrive on the contentiousness of the process and court, my divorce was finalized and my children and I are free and living happily. I will continue to use Brian for any issues that may arise in the future. I can't express adequately enough how lucky I feel to have had Brian as my advocate.

anonymous
January 22, 2019

Brian has taken over my case half way thru the divorce process. He was extremelly professional, concise, available any time i had questions. He always presented all the possible options and provided advice, while being mindful of the delicate situation i was in. He always put my children’s and my interests first. Brian worked dilligently to finalize my case as soon as possible. Highly recommend

Antonio C.
February 25, 2018

I was recently represented by Brian Martel in my divorce proceedings and I am very pleased with not only the results achieved, but also the manner in which he represented me. He is first of all, a gentleman, and very professional in his conduct. Brian explained each step of the process and gave me great advice with respect to my interaction with my former spouse. He achieved both the financial and custody results which were in my best interest. With his support and guidance I am out of a difficult marriage and leading a stress free life with my daughter. I could not have gotten through this situation without him. Thank you Brian!

Rachel
February 12, 2018

Brian Martel represented me in my recent divorce. Brian is calm, reasonable and experienced. He was very helpful in setting realistic expectations and served as the voice of reason during a difficult and emotional time. I always felt well prepared for court dates and mediation. Outcomes were always as Brian said they would be. By contrast, I found the opposing counsel to be extremely unprofessional — and, at times, disrespectful. Brian was able to mange my stresses and knew which battles to pick. This made the process easier and reduced the number of costly arguments that would have had little to no impact on the overall case. It was very clear that he is well liked and respected among his peers and everyone at the court house. Fees are obviously a big part of the divorce equation and Brian was very honest and upfront about costs and fees. He kept me updated and did a lot of cost/benefit analysis throughout the entire process. There were never any surprises in my bills and everything was always clearly documented. Besides his abundance of family law experience, Brian is an involved father which made it easier to discuss sensitive parenting time and custody issues. There's no need to explain, he just gets it. I strongly recommend Brian for all family law cases, but especially those that involve young children.

Julie
November 26, 2017

Having been through a turbulent marriage and difficult divorce from a narcissistic partner, Brian held my hand and gave me the strength and hope throughout the divorce process. He has the legal knowledge and experience you need- he helps you understand the process, communicates and negotiates well, and is experienced in the court system. Brian is knowledgeable, responsive and compassionate. He is an attorney you trust and feel comfortable with. Brian was a strong advocate for my children and me. He recognized the importance of my children and put them first in the legal process. Even after the divorce has been finalized several months ago, Brian continues to advise me on how to co-parent with someone who is extremely difficult and also helps all of us cope through a very hard transition in our lives. With Brian, you have found the right advocate for you and your children— the one who listens to what you want, advises you well and has your best interest at heart. I feel very fortunate to have found Brian as my attorney.

anonymous
November 14, 2017

I was Brian Martel's client for about 2 years. I have continued to consult with Brian over an additional year after that. I have been completely satisfied and impressed with Brian Martel's service. Brian is passionate, persuasive, and articulate. He is extremely sensitive, yet tough in every way. He does what he says he will do, and in a timely manner. I felt that he took excellent care of me. Each and every one of my personal needs were taken into consideration. I feel lucky to have had Brian to represent me. Thank you!

Deb
November 11, 2017

I consulted with Brian Martel regarding some post divorce issues that needed attention. I knew from my consultation that he was the attorney for me. I hired him immediately and we started the process. Brian is extremely knowledgeable, organized and very professional. He is tough and gets his point across, while also very attentive to his client and their needs. Brian returned my emails and phone calls the day I called and I never felt rushed off the phone. I felt he had a vested interest in my case and never made me feel like I was just another client. He actually cared and fought for me. The office staff is very professional, organized and friendly. I highly recommend Brian Martel to anyone that is in need of legal services.

Anna Vladi
September 23, 2021

I had great experience with Brian during my divorce. He helped me complete it as quick and as painless as possible without going to court. Highly recomend!

anonymous
September 23, 2021

Brian Martel was my divorce lawyer. At the most difficult time in my life,Brian secured my future. My ex husband did not want to pay any alimony ( after a 25 year marriage) Brian secured my future financial stability by making sure I was able to stay in my home and keep my home ! My alimony was incorporated into the buyout I owed my ex. This was the most crucial part of the divorce for me financially. Brian is thorough and left no stone unturned. He discovered after 25 years of marriage my ex had been depositing marital funds into overseas accounts !! This discovery allowed my settlement to be reached. I would highly recommend Brian Martel. Lucia Esposito l

Paul
April 5, 2019

I really appreciate what Brian and his team have done for me and the level of professionalism they offered. These are the hardest times that people have to go through and Brian and his team made the best of the worst situation I was faced with and kept me sane throughout the whole process. I highly recommend Brian to others.

Jessica
February 3, 2019

Brian Martel is an outstanding attorney and it is my absolute pleasure to highly, highly recommend him. Brian recently represented me in my high-conflict divorce. He was recommended by a friend -- another family law attorney and divorce coach who promised me that Brian would take care of me and my children. He certainly did. Truly, Brian exceeded my expectations. Brian has exceptional knowledge of the law, the courts, the process and years of experience dedicated to family law. He is professional and articulate, strategic and tough. At the same time, he is also patient, understanding, compassionate, and almost always accessible. He always answered my questions, discussed strategy and told me in advance of court appearances exactly what was going to happen so I was always at ease. More than just an excellent attorney, though, Brian is personable and real; there were times throughout the process where Brian and I had a few minutes to just chat and even share some laughs. You may not be able to trust everyone, but you can definitely trust Brian. He was always honest with me and would always tell me the truth, even if it wasn't exactly what I wanted to hear. Just as important, Brian would never litigate just to litigate and run up fees; he endeavored to settle my case more than satisfactorily in as quick a manner as possible. After a tough year dealing with an adversary who seemed to thrive on the contentiousness of the process and court, my divorce was finalized and my children and I are free and living happily. I will continue to use Brian for any issues that may arise in the future. I can't express adequately enough how lucky I feel to have had Brian as my advocate.

anonymous
January 22, 2019

Brian has taken over my case half way thru the divorce process. He was extremelly professional, concise, available any time i had questions. He always presented all the possible options and provided advice, while being mindful of the delicate situation i was in. He always put my children’s and my interests first. Brian worked dilligently to finalize my case as soon as possible. Highly recommend

Antonio C.
February 25, 2018

I was recently represented by Brian Martel in my divorce proceedings and I am very pleased with not only the results achieved, but also the manner in which he represented me. He is first of all, a gentleman, and very professional in his conduct. Brian explained each step of the process and gave me great advice with respect to my interaction with my former spouse. He achieved both the financial and custody results which were in my best interest. With his support and guidance I am out of a difficult marriage and leading a stress free life with my daughter. I could not have gotten through this situation without him. Thank you Brian!

Rachel
February 12, 2018

Brian Martel represented me in my recent divorce. Brian is calm, reasonable and experienced. He was very helpful in setting realistic expectations and served as the voice of reason during a difficult and emotional time. I always felt well prepared for court dates and mediation. Outcomes were always as Brian said they would be. By contrast, I found the opposing counsel to be extremely unprofessional — and, at times, disrespectful. Brian was able to mange my stresses and knew which battles to pick. This made the process easier and reduced the number of costly arguments that would have had little to no impact on the overall case. It was very clear that he is well liked and respected among his peers and everyone at the court house. Fees are obviously a big part of the divorce equation and Brian was very honest and upfront about costs and fees. He kept me updated and did a lot of cost/benefit analysis throughout the entire process. There were never any surprises in my bills and everything was always clearly documented. Besides his abundance of family law experience, Brian is an involved father which made it easier to discuss sensitive parenting time and custody issues. There's no need to explain, he just gets it. I strongly recommend Brian for all family law cases, but especially those that involve young children.

Julie
November 26, 2017

Having been through a turbulent marriage and difficult divorce from a narcissistic partner, Brian held my hand and gave me the strength and hope throughout the divorce process. He has the legal knowledge and experience you need- he helps you understand the process, communicates and negotiates well, and is experienced in the court system. Brian is knowledgeable, responsive and compassionate. He is an attorney you trust and feel comfortable with. Brian was a strong advocate for my children and me. He recognized the importance of my children and put them first in the legal process. Even after the divorce has been finalized several months ago, Brian continues to advise me on how to co-parent with someone who is extremely difficult and also helps all of us cope through a very hard transition in our lives. With Brian, you have found the right advocate for you and your children— the one who listens to what you want, advises you well and has your best interest at heart. I feel very fortunate to have found Brian as my attorney.

anonymous
November 14, 2017

I was Brian Martel's client for about 2 years. I have continued to consult with Brian over an additional year after that. I have been completely satisfied and impressed with Brian Martel's service. Brian is passionate, persuasive, and articulate. He is extremely sensitive, yet tough in every way. He does what he says he will do, and in a timely manner. I felt that he took excellent care of me. Each and every one of my personal needs were taken into consideration. I feel lucky to have had Brian to represent me. Thank you!

Deb
November 11, 2017

I consulted with Brian Martel regarding some post divorce issues that needed attention. I knew from my consultation that he was the attorney for me. I hired him immediately and we started the process. Brian is extremely knowledgeable, organized and very professional. He is tough and gets his point across, while also very attentive to his client and their needs. Brian returned my emails and phone calls the day I called and I never felt rushed off the phone. I felt he had a vested interest in my case and never made me feel like I was just another client. He actually cared and fought for me. The office staff is very professional, organized and friendly. I highly recommend Brian Martel to anyone that is in need of legal services.

Anna Vladi
September 23, 2021

I had great experience with Brian during my divorce. He helped me complete it as quick and as painless as possible without going to court. Highly recomend!

anonymous
September 23, 2021

Brian Martel was my divorce lawyer. At the most difficult time in my life,Brian secured my future. My ex husband did not want to pay any alimony ( after a 25 year marriage) Brian secured my future financial stability by making sure I was able to stay in my home and keep my home ! My alimony was incorporated into the buyout I owed my ex. This was the most crucial part of the divorce for me financially. Brian is thorough and left no stone unturned. He discovered after 25 years of marriage my ex had been depositing marital funds into overseas accounts !! This discovery allowed my settlement to be reached. I would highly recommend Brian Martel. Lucia Esposito l

Paul
April 5, 2019

I really appreciate what Brian and his team have done for me and the level of professionalism they offered. These are the hardest times that people have to go through and Brian and his team made the best of the worst situation I was faced with and kept me sane throughout the whole process. I highly recommend Brian to others.

Jessica
February 3, 2019

Brian Martel is an outstanding attorney and it is my absolute pleasure to highly, highly recommend him. Brian recently represented me in my high-conflict divorce. He was recommended by a friend -- another family law attorney and divorce coach who promised me that Brian would take care of me and my children. He certainly did. Truly, Brian exceeded my expectations. Brian has exceptional knowledge of the law, the courts, the process and years of experience dedicated to family law. He is professional and articulate, strategic and tough. At the same time, he is also patient, understanding, compassionate, and almost always accessible. He always answered my questions, discussed strategy and told me in advance of court appearances exactly what was going to happen so I was always at ease. More than just an excellent attorney, though, Brian is personable and real; there were times throughout the process where Brian and I had a few minutes to just chat and even share some laughs. You may not be able to trust everyone, but you can definitely trust Brian. He was always honest with me and would always tell me the truth, even if it wasn't exactly what I wanted to hear. Just as important, Brian would never litigate just to litigate and run up fees; he endeavored to settle my case more than satisfactorily in as quick a manner as possible. After a tough year dealing with an adversary who seemed to thrive on the contentiousness of the process and court, my divorce was finalized and my children and I are free and living happily. I will continue to use Brian for any issues that may arise in the future. I can't express adequately enough how lucky I feel to have had Brian as my advocate.

anonymous
January 22, 2019

Brian has taken over my case half way thru the divorce process. He was extremelly professional, concise, available any time i had questions. He always presented all the possible options and provided advice, while being mindful of the delicate situation i was in. He always put my children’s and my interests first. Brian worked dilligently to finalize my case as soon as possible. Highly recommend

Antonio C.
February 25, 2018

I was recently represented by Brian Martel in my divorce proceedings and I am very pleased with not only the results achieved, but also the manner in which he represented me. He is first of all, a gentleman, and very professional in his conduct. Brian explained each step of the process and gave me great advice with respect to my interaction with my former spouse. He achieved both the financial and custody results which were in my best interest. With his support and guidance I am out of a difficult marriage and leading a stress free life with my daughter. I could not have gotten through this situation without him. Thank you Brian!

Rachel
February 12, 2018

Brian Martel represented me in my recent divorce. Brian is calm, reasonable and experienced. He was very helpful in setting realistic expectations and served as the voice of reason during a difficult and emotional time. I always felt well prepared for court dates and mediation. Outcomes were always as Brian said they would be. By contrast, I found the opposing counsel to be extremely unprofessional — and, at times, disrespectful. Brian was able to mange my stresses and knew which battles to pick. This made the process easier and reduced the number of costly arguments that would have had little to no impact on the overall case. It was very clear that he is well liked and respected among his peers and everyone at the court house. Fees are obviously a big part of the divorce equation and Brian was very honest and upfront about costs and fees. He kept me updated and did a lot of cost/benefit analysis throughout the entire process. There were never any surprises in my bills and everything was always clearly documented. Besides his abundance of family law experience, Brian is an involved father which made it easier to discuss sensitive parenting time and custody issues. There's no need to explain, he just gets it. I strongly recommend Brian for all family law cases, but especially those that involve young children.

Julie
November 26, 2017

Having been through a turbulent marriage and difficult divorce from a narcissistic partner, Brian held my hand and gave me the strength and hope throughout the divorce process. He has the legal knowledge and experience you need- he helps you understand the process, communicates and negotiates well, and is experienced in the court system. Brian is knowledgeable, responsive and compassionate. He is an attorney you trust and feel comfortable with. Brian was a strong advocate for my children and me. He recognized the importance of my children and put them first in the legal process. Even after the divorce has been finalized several months ago, Brian continues to advise me on how to co-parent with someone who is extremely difficult and also helps all of us cope through a very hard transition in our lives. With Brian, you have found the right advocate for you and your children— the one who listens to what you want, advises you well and has your best interest at heart. I feel very fortunate to have found Brian as my attorney.

anonymous
November 14, 2017

I was Brian Martel's client for about 2 years. I have continued to consult with Brian over an additional year after that. I have been completely satisfied and impressed with Brian Martel's service. Brian is passionate, persuasive, and articulate. He is extremely sensitive, yet tough in every way. He does what he says he will do, and in a timely manner. I felt that he took excellent care of me. Each and every one of my personal needs were taken into consideration. I feel lucky to have had Brian to represent me. Thank you!

Deb
November 11, 2017

I consulted with Brian Martel regarding some post divorce issues that needed attention. I knew from my consultation that he was the attorney for me. I hired him immediately and we started the process. Brian is extremely knowledgeable, organized and very professional. He is tough and gets his point across, while also very attentive to his client and their needs. Brian returned my emails and phone calls the day I called and I never felt rushed off the phone. I felt he had a vested interest in my case and never made me feel like I was just another client. He actually cared and fought for me. The office staff is very professional, organized and friendly. I highly recommend Brian Martel to anyone that is in need of legal services.