Meet Brian G. Paul, Esq.
Brian G. Paul is a Certified Matrimonial Law Attorney and Co-Managing Partner at Szaferman, Lakind, Blumstein & Blader, P.C. For more than three decades, he has appeared as counsel in more than 95 family law appeals in the New Jersey Appellate Division and 14 before the New Jersey Supreme Court. His appellate advocacy has helped shape New Jersey law in matters involving alimony, child support, equitable distribution, parental relocation, grandparent visitation, adoption, and arbitration.
Some attorneys handle appeals. Others help define the law that trial courts must follow. Brian’s appellate practice is built not only on experience, but on appellate impact.
Over the past decade, Brian’s appellate advocacy and amicus work have influenced nearly every major New Jersey Supreme Court family law decision.
Appellate Expertise & Leadership
In addition to direct appellate representation, Brian frequently serves as amicus curiae counsel in landmark family law matters on behalf of the New Jersey State Bar Association. He has served on the Executive Committee of the NJSBA Family Law Section since 2012 and chairs its Amicus Curiae Subcommittee. He is also a past chair and vice-chair of the NJSBA’s statewide Amicus Curiae Committee.
His work extends beyond individual appeals to the broader development of New Jersey family law. Brian also has extensive experience handling complex interim appeals, frequently filing motions for leave to appeal when immediate appellate intervention is required.
Representative Cases
Key New Jersey Family Law Appeals
- Fawzy v. Fawzy, 199 N.J. 456 (2009) — New Jersey Supreme Court decision on arbitration in custody disputes, confirming parents may submit custody issues to binding arbitration if safeguards are followed.
- Cardali v. Cardali, 255 N.J. 427 (2023) — Supreme Court decision lowering the burden of proof for payors seeking to terminate alimony for cohabitation. Held that establishing a prima facie case, which doesn't require proving shared finances, is sufficient to compel discovery.
- S.W. v. G.M., 462 N.J. Super. 522 (App. Div. 2020) — Precedent-setting alimony appeal, reversing a trial court for failing to quantify the marital lifestyle as required under Crews v. Crews. Clarified that temporary “pendente lite” budgets cannot substitute for the marital standard of living.
- Lombardi v. Lombardi, 447 N.J. Super. 26 (App. Div. 2016) — Seminal savings component alimony case, holding that alimony may include a savings allowance where the marital lifestyle included a regular pattern of savings.
Recognition & Professional Distinctions
- Best Lawyers in America® – Family Law (2013 – Present)
- Four-time Best Lawyers “Lawyer of the Year” (Princeton Metro: 2015, 2018, 2023, 2025)
- New Jersey Super Lawyers™ – Family Law (2007 – Present)
- Top 100 NJ Super Lawyers™ (2009, 2019, 2021, 2025, 2026)
- Martindale-Hubbell AV-Preeminent Rating – Family Law & Appellate Practice
- Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Family Law/Matrimonial Attorneys List
- New Jersey State Bar Association Amicus Curiae Award – eight times, including Cardali v. Cardali (2024), Moynihan v. Lynch (2022), Bisbing v. Bisbing (2018)
Commitment to Excellence
Brian selectively represents clients in high-stakes family law appeals, combining technical precision with strategic judgment. He also works with trial counsel seeking experienced appellate or co-counsel support in significant family law matters.
When the issue is not simply whether a result feels wrong, but whether the trial court committed a legal error that can survive appellate review, experience alone is not enough.
Appellate impact matters.