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

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

Does Chris offer a free consultation?

Chris charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Chris's office. Some child custody attorneys offer free consults — check Chris'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. Chris gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Chris take my case if I'm outside Summit?

Chris 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 — Chris 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 Chris?

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. Chris will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Chris accepting new child custody clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Chris Nielson, Child Custody Attorney in Summit, New Jersey

Over 27 years of legal practice · focused on Child Custody, Child Support, and Divorce

AssociateatCooper & Smith (Summit)

Summit, NJ

Practicing child custody in Summit since 1999.

27+: Years practicing
1: Bar admission

Practices in

Child Custody Child Support Divorce Family Law Personal Injury

Are you Chris Nielson?

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Quick answer

Chris Nielson is an associate based in Summit, NJ. The practice focuses on Child Custody, Child Support, and Divorce. Chris has over 27 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cooper & Smith (Summit).

Based in: Summit, NJ
Experience: over 27 years
Known for: Child Custody · Child Support · Divorce

Handles Child Custody, Child Support, and Divorce matters from Summit, NJ.
Over 27 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Chris takes on

Chris concentrates on child custody, child support, divorce, family law, and personal injury. Each area below outlines the kind of case Chris handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Child Custody cases in Summit, New Jersey

Chris takes child custody matters in Summit, 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 Chris agrees to represent you.

Child Support cases in Summit, New Jersey

Chris takes child support matters in Summit, 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 Chris agrees to represent you.

Divorce cases in Summit, New Jersey

Chris takes divorce matters in Summit, 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 Chris agrees to represent you.

Family Law cases in Summit, New Jersey

Chris takes family law matters in Summit, 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 Chris agrees to represent you.

Personal Injury cases in Summit, New Jersey

Chris takes personal injury matters in Summit, 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 Chris agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Chris Nielson — child custody lawyer in Summit

Chris Nielson is a lawyer practicing family law, divorce, personal injury and 2 other areas of law. Chris has been licensed for 27 years. Chris practices at Cooper & Smith (Summit) in Summit, NJ.

How Chris handles child custody matters

Chris Nielson is a lawyer practicing family law, divorce, personal injury and 2 other areas of law. Chris has been licensed for 27 years. Chris practices at Cooper & Smith (Summit) in Summit, NJ.

Who Chris represents

Chris reviews new inquiries case-by-case for child custody, child support, and divorce matters in Summit and the surrounding New Jersey area.

Jurisdictions

Chris's state bar admissions

New Jersey
1999 · ACTIVE

Affiliations

Chris's professional memberships and bar associations

Bar of Lynnette 1983 Bar of MH 1996 Bar of Alexis 20189
membership

Locations

Chris Nielson's office in Summit

Chris's primary office is at 34 Broad Street Suite 5A, Summit, NJ, 07902. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Cooper & Smith (Summit)

34 Broad Street Suite 5A

Summit, NJ 07902

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Chris Nielson

Chris has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Chris Nielson — 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 Chris usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Chris charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Chris'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; Chris will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a child custody attorney in Summit, 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 Chris

Chris 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. Chris confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Chris'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 Chris Nielson

How much does it cost to hire Chris for a child custody case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Chris walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Chris offer a free consultation?
Chris charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Chris's office. Some child custody attorneys offer free consults — check Chris'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. Chris gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Chris take my case if I'm outside Summit?
Chris 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 — Chris 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 Chris?
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. Chris will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Chris accepting new child custody clients right now?
Chris'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 Summit, Trenton and Newark in New Jersey

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