Richard T. Garofalo

Since becoming an attorney in 1985, Mr. Garofalo has focused his practice on litigation, particularly in construction litigation, family law, mediation, collaborative law, commercial litigation, employment law, and real estate.

Mr. Garofalo’s direct approach ensures that his clients fully understand all legal issues so that informed and intelligent decisions can be made. Mr. Garofalo recognizes that his clients expect and must receive direct answers to their questions, that direct communication between the attorney and the client is a must, and that a client’s ability to reach Mr. Garofalo, even during non-business hours, is important. Mr. Garofalo and his firm are always fully prepared to handle a client’s legal needs and to provide a result-oriented approach, from the inception of a matter to its conclusion.

As a construction litigator, Mr. Garofalo has represented owners, developers, general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and manufacturers in a variety of commercial construction disputes. They include municipal projects, private projects, surety bond litigation, and arbitration. Mr. Garofalo has achieved outstanding results on behalf of his construction clients. In addition, Mr. Garofalo has represented homeowners in claims against contractors and subcontractors for poor workmanship and defective construction. He handles New Jersey Home Warranty Act claims, Miller Act claims, construction lien claims, and Municipal Mechanics Lien issues. Mr. Garofalo also advises clients on Public Works Bond matters. He has successfully obtained six and seven figure settlements as a construction attorney for his clients. For more information about construction litigation, click on this link.

As a Family Law attorney, Mr. Garofalo has handled many cases involving divorce litigation, including spousal and child support, equitable distribution of assets and other financial issues, child custody, parenting time, distribution of marital debt, prenuptial agreements, relocation by one parent with the child to another state or within the state, separation agreements, domestic violence, palimony, paternity, and post-judgment litigation. Mr. Garofalo appreciates that when a client is experiencing a matrimonial problem, he or she is often faced with having to make difficult decisions while dealing with stress, anxiety, and uncertainty. Mr. Garofalo makes sure that a matrimonial client feels relaxed, informed and in control of a legal issue and, most importantly, engaged in a proactive solution to problems.

In 2003, Mr. Garofalo obtained the training to become a divorce mediator. Since then, he has worked with many couples in successfully resolving their family law issues in an environment that is comfortable, private, and less stressful than a courtroom. As a divorce mediator, Mr. Garofalo provides clients with expertise in resolving issues such as asset allocation, tax issues, support, custody, and co-parenting plans. Mr. Garofalo also participates in collaborative law, a process where both parties agree with their respective attorneys to work in cooperation with each other to resolve their family law matters. For more information about family law, click on this link.

As a commercial litigator, Mr. Garofalo has handled cases for both plaintiffs and defendants in corporate and partnership disputes, shareholder litigation, officers and directors liability claims, temporary and permanent injunctions, employment law and real estate litigation. Mr. Garofalo handles wrongful termination cases involving breach of employment agreements, sexual harassment, discrimination, gender, age, and sexual orientation claims. For employers, Mr. Garofalo has advised companies on employment agreements, employee handbook policies, termination of employment, severance agreements, restrictive covenants, and wage and hour issues. For more information about these practice areas, click on this link.

Bar Admissions:

New Jersey, 1985
United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, 1985
United States Court of Appeals, Third Circuit, 2001
United States Supreme Court, 1989

Education:

J.D., Seton Hall University School of Law, 1985
B.A., Iona College, 1982

Certifications:

Divorce Mediator, 2003