How much does it cost to hire Sara for a child custody case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Sara walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Sara offer a free consultation?

Sara charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Sara's office. Some child custody attorneys offer free consults — check Sara's current terms during booking.

How long do child custody cases in New Jersey typically take?

Simple child custody matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Sara gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Sara take my case if I'm outside Montville?

Sara is licensed in New Jersey. Matters governed by New Jersey law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Sara will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with Sara?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Sara will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Sara accepting new child custody clients right now?

Sara's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Sara Sencer McArdle, Child Custody Attorney in Montville, New Jersey

Over 47 years of legal practice · focused on Child Custody, Child Support, and Criminal Defense · 4.8/5 rating from 1 verified client review

MemberatThe Law Office of Sara Sencer McArdle, LLC

Montville, NJ

Practicing child custody in Montville since 1979.

47+: Years practicing
4.8 ★: 1 client review
2: Bar admissions

Practices in

Child Custody Child Support Criminal Defense Divorce DUI/DWI Employment +7 more →

Are you Sara Sencer McArdle?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

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Quick answer

Sara Sencer McArdle is a member based in Montville, NJ. The practice focuses on Child Custody, Child Support, and Criminal Defense. Sara has over 47 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at The Law Office of Sara Sencer McArdle, LLC. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Montville, NJ
Experience: over 47 years
Known for: Child Custody · Child Support · Criminal Defense

Handles Child Custody, Child Support, and Criminal Defense matters from Montville, NJ.
Over 47 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with Peer Reviewed.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Sara takes on

Sara concentrates on child custody, child support, criminal defense, divorce, and dui/dwi. Each area below outlines the kind of case Sara handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Child Custody cases in Montville, New Jersey

Sara takes child custody matters in Montville, New Jersey. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Sara agrees to represent you.

Child Support cases in Montville, New Jersey

Sara takes child support matters in Montville, New Jersey. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Sara agrees to represent you.

Criminal Defense cases in Montville, New Jersey

Sara takes criminal defense matters in Montville, New Jersey. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Sara agrees to represent you.

Divorce cases in Montville, New Jersey

Sara takes divorce matters in Montville, New Jersey. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Sara agrees to represent you.

DUI/DWI cases in Montville, New Jersey

Sara takes dui/dwi matters in Montville, New Jersey. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Sara agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Sara Sencer McArdle — child custody lawyer in Montville

Sara Sencer McArdle embarked on her legal career in 1979, following her graduation from law school. For over two decades, she served with distinction at the Essex County Prosecutor's Office, culminating in a ten-year tenure as the head of the Child Abuse Division. In 2002, Sara transitioned to private practice, and on June 1, 2005, she founded her own law firm specializing in family law and criminal defense.

Sara has maintained continuous certification as a Criminal Trial Attorney by the New Jersey Supreme Court since 1983. Her practice spans a comprehensive spectrum of family and criminal law services, encompassing matters such as child support, child custody, modification of existing court orders, felony defense, and representation in Superior Court. With a track record that includes over 100 jury trials and 50 bench trials, Sara's extensive experience instills confidence in clients facing the challenges of the courtroom.

Within her family law practice, Sara addresses cases involving divorce, child custody, child support, and domestic violence. In the realm of criminal law, her expertise extends to DWI/DUI cases, traffic violations, municipal court issues, and juvenile crime matters. Additionally, Sara adeptly handles real estate transactions and assists clients in estate planning through wills.

Sara's unwavering commitment revolves around her clients. She collaborates closely with them, empowering them to make informed decisions and develop realistic expectations regarding the potential outcomes of their legal concerns.

At the Law Firm of Sara Sencer McArdle, we represent clients in municipal and criminal courts throughout the state of New Jersey. Contact our office today for a free initial consultation.

Past Employment Positions:

• Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, Newark, New Jersey, September 2, 1980 – November 30, 2002

• Child Abuse Unit, Director, November 1, 1999 – November 30, 2002

• Child Abuse Unit, Director, November 1, 1984 – October 22, 1990

• Appellate Section, 1980 – 1981

• Appellate Section, 1991 – 1995

• Hon. Fred C. Galda, Law Clerk, 1979 – 1980

• Public Defender’s Office, 1977 – 1979

• Edith A. Bogert School, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, Teacher, 1971 – 1974

• The American School, Guadalajara, Mexico, Teacher, 1974 – 1976

• The North American Mexican Cultural Institute, Guadalajara, Mexico, Teacher

• Law Offices Edward J. Bilinkas, Esq., 2002 – 2005

Certified Legal Specialties:

• Certified Criminal Trial Attorney

• Criminal Attorney, New Jersey, 1984

• Criminal Attorney, New Jersey, 1991

• Criminal Attorney, New Jersey, 1999

Classes/Seminars:

• Lecturer, Skills & Methods, Institute of Continuing Legal Education, 1990 – Present

• Lecturer, Child Abuse, Gambling, Search and Seizure, and Introduction to the Criminal Laws of New Jersey, New Jersey Attorney General Prosecutor’s, 1990 – 2002

Honors and Awards:

• Division of Youth and Family Service Award, 1986

• Wynona Lipman Child Advocacy Center Award, 2002

• Nominated for Super Lawyers 2012

Professional Associations and Memberships:

• New Jersey State Bar Association, Criminal Division

• New Jersey State Bar Association, Family Division

• New Jersey Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

• Morris County Bar Association, Family Division

How Sara handles child custody matters

Who Sara represents

Sara reviews new inquiries case-by-case for child custody, child support, and criminal defense matters in Montville and the surrounding New Jersey area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

University of Toledo College of Law
J.D. Honors · 1979
Temple University B.S. Elementary Education
—

Jurisdictions

Sara's state bar admissions

U.S. District Court,
1979 · ACTIVE
New Jersey
1979 · ACTIVE

Sara studied at J.D. Honors in University of Toledo College of Law and — in Temple University B.S. Elementary Education.

Law school and academic background

Sara completed J.D. Honors in University of Toledo College of Law and — in Temple University B.S. Elementary Education. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Sara runs in New Jersey is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

Sara has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

Peer Reviewed

Legal awards and honors

Peer Reviewed.

Locations

Sara Sencer McArdle's office in Montville

Sara's primary office is at Building O, 150 River Road, Suite 2B, Montville, NJ, 07045. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

The Law Office of Sara Sencer McArdle, LLC

Building O, 150 River Road, Suite 2B

Montville, NJ 07045

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Sara Sencer McArdle — 4.8/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Sara. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing child custody attorneys in Montville.

4.8

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Sara Sencer McArdle claims this profile.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Sara Sencer McArdle — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new child custody attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Sara usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Sara charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Sara's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Sara will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a child custody attorney in Montville, New Jersey

A short list to run through before you commit: How many child custody matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Sara

Sara discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in child custody practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every child custody matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Sara confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Sara's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many child custody practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Sara Sencer McArdle

How much does it cost to hire Sara for a child custody case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Sara walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Sara offer a free consultation?
Sara charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Sara's office. Some child custody attorneys offer free consults — check Sara's current terms during booking.
How long do child custody cases in New Jersey typically take?
Simple child custody matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Sara gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Sara take my case if I'm outside Montville?
Sara is licensed in New Jersey. Matters governed by New Jersey law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Sara will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Sara?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Sara will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Sara accepting new child custody clients right now?
Sara's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Child Custody attorneys serving Montville, Trenton and Newark in New Jersey

Sara handles child custody matters throughout New Jersey. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified child custody attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Sara's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these child custody attorneys in Montville handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.