Family and Matrimonial Law, Mediation

Family Law Mediator, Arbitrator & Of Counsel

Hon. David J. Issenman, J.S.C. (Ret.) is Of Counsel at Skoloff & Wolfe, P.C., where he leads the firm’s mediation and arbitration practice. With more than 45 years of legal experience, including 20 years on the bench as a Judge of the Superior Court of New Jersey, Family Division, Judge Issenman is one of New Jersey’s most respected authorities in family law. During his judicial tenure, he presided over more than 21,000 divorce cases, providing him with exceptional insight into virtually every aspect of matrimonial litigation.

Practice Focus

Judge Issenman regularly handles:

  • Divorce mediation
  • Family law arbitration
  • Complex matrimonial dispute resolution
  • Child custody and parenting matters
  • Equitable distribution disputes
  • Alimony and child support issues
  • Settlement negotiations
  • Family law consultation for litigation strategy

His practice is devoted to helping parties resolve family law disputes efficiently, privately, and fairly through mediation and arbitration, while also consulting with the firm’s family law attorneys on complex matrimonial matters.

Experience

Judge Issenman has practiced law for more than four decades and served as a Judge of the Superior Court of New Jersey from 1992 through 2011. During his 20 years on the bench, he served in the Family, Civil, Criminal, and Special Civil Divisions before becoming New Jersey’s longest-serving Family Division judge at the time of his retirement.

As a Family Division judge, he presided over more than 21,000 divorce matters and issued decisions that have had a lasting impact on New Jersey family law. Among his most notable opinions is White v. White, the landmark decision establishing important legal principles regarding email discovery and privacy between spouses.

Following his retirement from the bench, Judge Issenman joined Skoloff & Wolfe, P.C., where he now focuses on mediation and arbitration. He assists spouses seeking a private and efficient resolution to their disputes and serves as an arbitrator in complex divorce matters. He also consults with the firm’s attorneys on sophisticated family law issues, drawing upon decades of judicial experience.

Judge Issenman is a frequent lecturer on matrimonial law topics, including custody, parenting issues, equitable distribution, tax matters, and financial discovery. He has presented educational programs for the New Jersey State Bar Association, the Institute for Continuing Legal Education, the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, and numerous other professional organizations.

Professional Leadership and Affiliations

Judge Issenman is actively involved in the legal community and serves as:

  • Member, New Jersey State Bar Association Family Law Executive Committee
  • Master, Barry I. Croland Family Law American Inn of Court
  • Frequent lecturer for the Institute for Continuing Legal Education (ICLE)
  • Speaker for the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Union County Bar Association, and New Jersey Association for Justice

Recognition and Awards

Judge Issenman has been recognized throughout his distinguished judicial and legal career, including:

  • Recipient of the New Jersey State Bar Association’s Alfred C. Clapp Award/Serpentelli Award (2018) for significant contributions to family law
  • Recipient of the Union County Bar Association’s Hon. William J. McCloud Award (2004) for outstanding service to the legal profession

Education and Admissions

  • J.D., Seton Hall University School of Law (cum laude)
  • M.B.A., Adelphi University
  • B.S., Ithaca College

Judge Issenman is admitted to practice law in:

  • New Jersey (1973)
  • Pennsylvania (1979)
  • United States Supreme Court (1983)

Approach and Client Service

Judge Issenman believes that family law disputes are best resolved through thoughtful communication, practical problem-solving, and respect for the individuals involved. His decades of judicial experience enable him to quickly identify the key issues in even the most complex matters and guide parties toward fair and efficient resolutions. Whether serving as a mediator, arbitrator, or consultant, he is committed to helping families resolve disputes with professionalism, impartiality, and dignity.

FAQs

What does Judge David J. Issenman’s practice primarily focus on?
Judge Issenman focuses on family law mediation, arbitration, and consulting on complex matrimonial matters.
What is Judge Issenman known for?
He is widely recognized for his extensive family law experience and for authoring White v. White, a landmark New Jersey decision regarding email discovery and privacy between spouses.
Where did Judge Issenman attend school?
He earned his J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law, his M.B.A. from Adelphi University, and his B.S. from Ithaca College.
How do I contact Hon. David J. Issenman, J.S.C. (Ret.) directly?
Contact Judge Issenman by telephone at 973-232-4027 or by email at dissenman@skoloffwolfe.com.