Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
5.0 /5.0
45 Client Reviews
PRO
Melissa Ruvolo
also known as Melissa M. Ruvolo, Melissa Marie Ruvolo Esq.
Virtual Consultation Available
About Melissa
Biography
FREE CONSULTATION IF YOU RETAIN MY FIRM!
I am a founding partner of Ruvolo Law Group, LLC, which is now Family Focused Legal Solutions. I am a member of the New Jersey Bar and practice exclusively in the area of family and matrimonial law.
I represent clients in all stages of family law litigation and my practice involves all aspects of family law.
My practice areas include:
-
Alimony
- Appeals
- Child Custody and ParentingTime (including high conflict matters)
- Children’s Educational Needs
- Child Support
- Collaborative Divorces
- College Contributions
- Dissolution of Civil Unions
- Dissolution of Domestic Partnerships
- DivorceAgreements
- Divorce and Legal Separations
- DivisionofAssets/Liabilities–Equitable Distribution
- Domestic Violence Matters(Temporary and Final Restraining Orders, Dissolution of Restraining Orders, and Contempt of Restraining Orders)
- Emancipation
- Emancipation of a Child
- Enforcement of Court Orders, Matrimonial and/or Family Law Agreements
- Enforcement of Custody, Child Support,and Alimony
- Family and Matrimonial Law
- Grandparent Rights
- Litigation
- Mediation and Arbitration
- Modification of Custody
- Modification of Child Support
- Modification,Reduction or Termination of Alimony
- Palimony and Rights of Cohabitants
- Paternity
- Pre-and Post-Nuptial Agreements
- Post-Judgment Matters (after Divorce)
- Relocation within and outside of NewJersey
- Third Party Visitation
- Uncontested Divorces / “Divorce on the Papers”
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) and Enforcement of QDROs
I have spoken at various seminars and engagements. I have participated in the Early Settlement Panel program in Morris and Essex counties to assist litigants in settling their cases. I have served as a trustee on the Morris County Bar Association. I am also frequently appointed by the court as a Guardian ad Litem.
As a court-approved Family Law Mediator, I mediate matters (with or without attorneys present) in all stages of pre-litigation, litigation, and post-judgment matters.
I have been published in the September 16, 2013 edition of the New Jersey Law Journal, "A New Standard for Prenuptial Agreements".
As a mother of four children, one of whom is autistic, I am laser focused on the specific needs of each child in each case. Rather than merely adopting positions regarding custody and parenting time and making the standard legal arguments accordingly, I aim to also understand each child’s specific needs and circumstances, including their personalities, educational needs, medical needs, and psychological needs. Most importantly, if there is any reasonable prospect of helping that child’s parents learn how to overcome their differences enough to co-parent their child in a healthy and productive way, I will make every effort to assist them in reaching that milestone – whether I am communicating with opposing counsel or directly working with the parties as a mediator.
When working with her clients, I emphasize the importance of collaboration, strategy, and self-empowerment. I am a straight-talking, compassionate, tenacious, and responsible advocate capable of tailoring my responses and strategies to the issues and personalities involved in each case. My ultimate goal is to ensure my clients are educated, empowered, and prepared for their journey during and after the legal process. I believe every case is unique and deserves a well-thought, organized, and unique approach customized to the needs and goals of the people involved.
To further discuss my specialties and qualifications, feel free to contact me.
Family Law Attorney, Collaborative Attorney and Family Law Mediator
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Alimony
20%
Child Custody
20%
Child Support
20%
Divorce and Separation
20%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2018 2016 2013
Licenses
Licensed in New Jersey for 19 years
State: New Jersey
Acquired: 2006
No misconduct found
Location
Family Focused Legal Solutions - Ruvolo Law Group, LLC
(973) 993-9961
Fax
360 Mount Kemble Ave., Suite 3001, Morristown, NJ, 07960
familyfocusedlegal.comGallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Melissa online.
Melissa Ruvolo's Reviews
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Practice Areas
Showing 6 - 10 of 14 reviews | Family
Posted by anonymous | December 02, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Family
Review of Legal Services
Melissa helped make a really difficult situation much easier for me. She was attentive, responsive, thorough, and understanding of my unique case and always had me and my children's best interest in mind. She was always helpful and informative, and maintained a professional demeanor with me and my ad...
Posted by James | August 16, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Family
Best service you can get!
It was a year ago that for the first time Melissa and I talked about my case in her office. I still remember how effective and professional she made me feel I am in good hands for my case. She always responds my question in the sense of urgency and pushes this case moving forward as fast as it could ...
Posted by anonymous | August 10, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Family
Melissa Ruvolo, Esq. among the best family lawyers
I went to see Melissa under recommendation and she exceeded my expectations. After years of struggling to get my ex-spouse to increase child support, she immediately went to work to see if I had a case and gave me the confidence to pursue a settlement revisit. Melissa and her team were professional,...
Posted by Liz | February 28, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Family
Highly recommend!
I was contemplating mediation and not getting a lawyer, a lawyer friend told me that if she were getting a divorce she would definitely get a lawyer! That gave me pause and someone had recommended Melissa - I had an initial phone conversation with her and am so grateful. She was able to share what ...
Posted by Julie | January 18, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Family
The best of the best in family law
I wish I would have known Melissa when I was going through my divorce. I used a general practice lawyer who did not even address a parenting time schedule... the entire PSA was so vague that I have spent the last 5 years battling my ex husband over matters not addressed at the time of divorce. Than...
Melissa Ruvolo's Lawyer Endorsements
"I was searching for a mediator for one of my divorce cases and Melissa came highly recommended. I could not have been happier with her services. She listened to my client to understand the client's position, reasons and feelings. This allowed her to think of creative ways to accomplish the clients' goals in a manner acceptable to both parties. When we appeared to be at an impasse, she found a way to resolve the issue. Where other mediators would have given up, she used her skill set and dug in to achieve results. As attorneys, we can be hesitant to use new professionals rather than those with whom we are familiar. In this case, I am so glad that I trusted the recommendation."
"I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. Melissa is a zealous advocate for her clients. She is knowledgeable, compassionate, and well-respected. Melissa is passionate about her work and cares about her clients and getting them the best possible outcome. She is excellent at settling and mediating cases to reach a fair resolution. However, she is also an extremely skilled litigator, when needed."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"In 2011, I was fortunate enough to meet Melissa and I knew almost immediately that I would have no hesitation referring clients to her. I felt even better about steering clients to her after she and her sister formed the Ruvolo Law Group. Melissa limits her practice to the areas of matrimonial and family law, and, as a result, she is highly knowledgeable in these areas. I have heard nothing but positive reviews from those who I have referred to Melissa and I strongly endorse her."
"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. Ms. Ruvolo is professional, knowledgeable and experienced. All qualities she brings to the table when advocating for her clients and working with counsel."
"I endorse this lawyer. Ms. Ruvolo is fantastic to work with and very professional. I highly recommend her to anyone."
"Melissa brings to family law a perfect combination of advocacy styles. When a case can be settled, she works calmly and compassionately with the divorcing parties as well as with her adversaries. She respects the fact that at the end of the day, it is important for a divorcing couple to learn how to communicate effectively and manage their anger and disappointment toward each other because they will have to co-parent their children together long after the attorneys and judges are out of the picture. However, if a case cannot be fairly settled, Melissa is a zealous advocate and skilled litigator in any courtroom."
"Melissa is a very knowledgeable and talented family law attorney. She is a tremendous advocate for her client. While her courtroom presence and trial skills are top notch; when a softer touch is needed, she is consistently successful in bringing opposing parties together through negotiation and mediation. When Melissa asked me to join her and Laura at their firm, I graciously accepted without hesitation. I am proud to be affiliated with Melissa and Ruvolo Law Group."
"Melissa was my adversary on a prior matrimonial matter for which she had only been retained a year after a judgment of divorce was entered. Although Melissa faced significant challenges in attempting to put her client's case "back on track", she handled those challenges with a high degree of professionalism and courtesy. In addition, she zealously advocated her case for her client, patiently challenging, presenting and arguing each and every issue in controversy for her client. I enjoyed working with her and would recommend her as a family law attorney."
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Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2018
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2017
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2016
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2015
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2014
Rising Star, New Jersey Monthly Magazine
2013
Selected for Inclusion, National Association of Professional Women
2013
Rising Star, New Jersey Monthly Magazine
2012
Rising Star, New Jersey Monthly Magazine
2011
Rising Star, New Jersey Monthly Magazine
2010
Rising Star, New Jersey Monthly Magazine
2009
Rising Star, New Jersey Monthly Magazine
2006
Pro Bono Award, Rutgers School of Law - Camden
N/A
Client Champion Award, Martindale-Hubbell
Work Experience
2013 - Present
Owner and Partner, Family Focused Legal Solutions - Ruvolo Law Group, LLC
1900 - Present
Partner, Ruvolo Law Group, LLC
2012 - 2013
Of Counsel, Law Offices of Laura Ruvolo Lipp, LLC
2011 - 2012
Associate Attorney, Fox Rothschild, LLP Attorneys At Law
2007 - 2011
Associate Attorney, Donahue, Hagan, Klein, Newsome, O'Donnell & Weisberg, PC
2006 - 2007
Law Clerk to Judge, Law Clerk to Francine Axelrad, J.S.C., Appellate Division
Associations
2013 - Present
National Association of Professional WomenMember
2013 - Present
New Jersey Association of Professional MediatorsMember
2007 - Present
New Jersey State Bar AssociationMember
2007 - Present
Barry Croland Family Law American Inn of CourtPupil
2007 - Present
Essex County Bar FoundationMember
2013 - 2013
Morris County Bar AssociationTrustee
2011 - 2013
Morris County Bar Association, Young Lawyers Co-TrusteeTrustee
Sample of Legal Cases
Ducey v. Ducey
Reversed trial court.
Education
2006
Rutgers University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2003
College of New Jersey
BA
Speaking Engagements
2016
Morris County Early Settlement Panel
Divorce Resolution
2013
Financial Fitness in Divorce
Post-Judgment Divorce Issues
2013
Accounting Firm CPE
Divorce 101
2012
Essex County Early Settlement Panel
Divorce Resolution
Publications
2015
New Jersey Law Journal
Improving the Efficiency of the Family Part Mediation Program
2015
New Jersey Law Journal
Addressing Preschool in Custody Agreements
2013
New Jersey Law Journal
A New Standard for Prenuptial Agreements
2011
FR NJ Family Law Blog
Modifying Your Support - Show Me The (Lack of) Money!
2011
FR NJ Family Law Blog
Domestic Violence: Bad Haircuts and an Unwanted Hug Can Constitute Harassment
2011
FR NJ Family Law Blog
Paying Child Support through Probation – Anticipating a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA)
Languages
English