Emerald Sheay

Emerald Sheay

Attorney at Gomperts Penza McDermott & Von Ellen, LLC
  • Animal & Dog Law, Family Law, Divorce
  • New Jersey
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Biography

Emerald devotes her practice exclusively to family law. In addition to issues relating to divorce, alimony, child support, equitable distribution of assets, custody/parenting, relocation, and post-judgment matters, Emerald has unique experience with disputes involving the custody and time sharing of family pets. She takes an empathetic approach to lawyering and believes that zealous advocacy for her clients, along with finding creative solutions to the problems they face, comes from a client-centered approach.

Education
Seton Hall University School of Law
J.D.
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Rowan University
B.A.
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Professional Experience
Associate Attorney
Gomperts Penza McDermott & Von Ellen, LLC
- Current
Publications
Articles & Publications
Empathy Sparks Innovation
NJ Law Journal
Back N.J. bill that lets pets have lawyers in cruelty cases
Star Ledger
People Who Hurt Animals Don't Stop with Animals: The Use of Cross-Checking Domestic Violence and Animal Abuse Registries in New Jersey to Protect the Vulnerable
Animal Law 26, no. 2 (2020): 445-474
Grieving during a time with COVID-19 has “turned into a nightmare”
Star-Ledger Guest Columnist
Awards
Student Scholarship - New Jersey
American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
Professional Associations
New Jersey State Bar Association
Member
Current
Activities: Animal Law Committee.
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Transformative Leadership in Disruptive Times Program
Advisory Board Member
Current
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NJ LEEP Program
Attorney Mentor
Current
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Animal Legal Defense Fund
Pro Bono Attorney
- Current
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Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
New Jersey
New Jersey Courts
ID Number: 333882021
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Fees
  • Credit Cards Accepted
Practice Areas
Animal & Dog Law
Family Law
Child Custody, Child Support, Father's Rights, Paternity, Prenups & Marital Agreements, Restraining Orders, Same Sex Family Law
Divorce
Collaborative Law, Contested Divorce, Property Division, Same Sex Divorce, Spousal Support & Alimony, Uncontested Divorce
Languages
  • English: Spoken, Written
Legal Answers
Q. my fiances mother fostered our dogs without consent and is withholding their whereabouts information, is this illegal?
A: I'm sorry to hear you are experiencing this. As animals are still considered "property", this appears to be theft of your dogs by your fiancé's mother. But, typically disputes over pets are treated as a "civil" dispute, however, which is why the police do not want to get involved. As the police suggested, you can file a complaint in court asking for the return of your dogs. You should check the rules in your state on where to bring this claim - sometimes it is tricky to find where to file. Once you have obtained a court order stating the dogs must be returned to you, you can contact the police for their assistance.
Q. My spouse has a no contact order against me. Can I send my in-laws a gift for their wedding?
A: Generally this would not violate a restraining Order, but you should very carefully review the terms of the no contact Order. While this action may not typically violate a restraining Order, it may not be prudent to reach out to her family while this restraint is in place.
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Social Media
Websites & Blogs
Website
Contact & Map
Gomperts Penza McDermott & Von Ellen, LLC
959 S. Springfield Ave.
3rd Floor
Springfield, NJ 07081
Toll-Free: (973) 258-1440
Monday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Wednesday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Thursday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM (Today)
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed