Ms. Von Ellen's practice is devoted exclusively to family law.  Her goal is to assist individuals/ families in transitioning to happier, sucessful futures.  Although a seasoned litigator, it is her preference to "stay out of court" and she utilizes various techniques, such as mediation and the Collaborative Divorce Process to help resolve issues with the least amount of angst and expense.  However, if litigation is needed, Ms. Von Ellen is more than capable in this regard, as well.  With  30 years of experience, Ms. Von Ellen is certain she has the knowledge and expertise to assist client's to analyze the cost/ benefit of various alternative options and make good decisions on their own behalf.  Her goals are the goals of her clients.

Ms. Von Ellen has been a practicing attorney since 1986 and her practice is devoted exclusively to Family Law.   She received her B.A. at the State University of New York, University at Albany and her Juris Doctorate at Union University, Albany Law School. Ms. Von Ellen is Certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Matrimonial Law Attorney. She was named a New Jersey Super Lawyer for 11 years straight from 2005 through 2015.  In 2009, she was selected as one of the Top 50 Women Attorneys in New Jersey. In 2014, she was selected as one of the top 10 family lawyers in New Jersey by the National Academy of Family Law Attorneys.  Ms. Von Ellen has been appointed by Courts in Essex, Middlesex and Union Counties as arbitrator, mediator, guardian ad litem and law guardian. She has an extensive mediation practice and received her mediation Certification from the Institute for Dispute Resolution at Seton Hall University Law School in 1996.  She is a current Member of the New Jersey State Bar Association Family Law Section Executive Committee; a Member of the Matrimonial Committee of the Middlesex County Bar Association; the Middlesex County Assignment Judge's Family Lawyers' Committee; and the Union County Bar Association Family Lawyers Committee. She serves as a panelist with the Early Settlement Program, Matrimonial Division, in both Union and Middlesex Counties; and was a member of the District XII (Union County) Ethics Committee for the term expiring August 31, 2004. She is a member of the Union County, Middlesex County, State of New Jersey and American Bar Associations.   Ms. Von Ellen has lectured extensively on various Family Law topics, both on the county level and statewide.