Emerald Sheay

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.

Seton Hall University School of Law

J.D.

2020

Rowan University

B.A.

2017

Associate Attorney

Gomperts Penza McDermott & Von Ellen, LLC

2022 - Current

Empathy Sparks Innovation

NJ Law Journal

February 16, 2022

Back N.J. bill that lets pets have lawyers in cruelty cases

Star Ledger

December 6, 2021

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

2020

Grieving during a time with COVID-19 has “turned into a nightmare”

Star-Ledger Guest Columnist

April 15, 2020

Student Scholarship - New Jersey

American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers

2020

New Jersey State Bar Association

Member

Current

Activities: Animal Law Committee.

Transformative Leadership in Disruptive Times Program

Advisory Board Member

Current

NJ LEEP Program

Attorney Mentor

Current

Animal Legal Defense Fund

Pro Bono Attorney

2021 - Current

New Jersey

New Jersey Courts

ID Number: 333882021

• Credit Cards Accepted

Q. my fiances mother fostered our dogs without consent and is withholding their whereabouts information, is this illegal?

February 8, 2022

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?

December 10, 2021

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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