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Cecilia Sardiña Guzman

Of Counsel
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Phone: 201-845-7400

50 Market St
Saddle Brook, New Jersey 07663

“I approach every client with a focus on integrity, advocacy, and understanding.”

Cecilia Sardiña Guzman is an aggressive, straight forward, and experienced attorney provides personal attention to each client’s individual circumstances and takes great satisfaction in vigorously representing their positions.

Ms. Guzman graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University with a Bachelor in Spanish Literature. Prior to attending law school, she studied Constitution Law at the University of Miami and thereafter attended Western New England University School of Law where she obtained her Juris Doctorate in 1999.

Following law school, she clerked for the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office handling complex municipal appeals. In 2002, Ms. Guzman expanded her practice to include Family Law when she began practicing at the Law Firm of Fusco & Macaluso where she managed the matrimonial unit. In 2005 Ms. Guzman expanded further by signing on as an associate for the Law Firm of Bastarrika, Guzman & Soto. In 2010, Ms. Guzman launched her own law firm, the Law Office of Cecilia Sardiña Guzman, LLC, in Totowa, New Jersey.

In September 2014 she was appointed as a Municipal Court Judge for the City of Paterson and also served as the Municipal Court Judge for the Town of Dover from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2020. Ms. Guzman closed her practice after 8 years to focus on her judicial responsibilities.

As an attorney with over 20 years of experience, Ms. Guzman has litigated virtually every aspect of family law, including divorce, custody disputes, child support hearings, removal applications, domestic violence restraining orders, palimony matters, same-sex and civil union disputes, contested adoptions and DCPP matters. Ms. Guzman continues to be Court Appointed Guardian Ad Litem in complex child custody, child abuse and child neglect actions and also handles international custody matters and matters dealing with the Hague Convention. Ms. Guzman is also certified as a mediator.

Ms. Guzman volunteered as an expert panelist on the Passaic County Matrimonial Early Settlement Panel. She also volunteers her time as an advocate for victim’s rights and as an inspirational speaker to young girls at school assemblies throughout the state.

Ms. Guzman missed the practice of law and is now working per diem for Peter Van Aulen in addition to continuing as a Municipal Court Judge.

Ms. Guzman has a reputation for being a strong advocate by her adversaries but is also known to be an understanding and compassionate voice for her clients.

A member of the New Jersey State Bar, and the Hispanic Bar Association, Ms. Guzman is of Cuban descent as a 1st generation American and is fluent in Spanish. She and her husband have two children.

Education
  • J.D., Western New England University School of Law, 1999
  • B.A. in Spanish Literature, Fairleigh Dickinson University, 1992
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
  • State of New Jersey, 2002
Professional & Bar Association Memberships
  • New Jersey Bar Association
  • Hispanic Bar Association
Legal Specialties and Certifications

Certified Mediator, 2011


Client Reviews
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Peter has integrity, and values his relationships with his clients beyond his financial relationship with them. For me to say this about any lawyer is really saying something. He is compassionate, straightforward and knowledgeable. I would easily recommend him to anybody. Lewie W.
★★★★★
Peter Van Aulen handled my case with great diligence and integrity. He is also a compassionate individual who realizes what a difficult time divorce can be emotionally. Peter works hard and doesn't take any shortcuts in preparing for a case… I highly recommend Mr. Van Aulen and his staff. Chuck Solomon
★★★★★
Peter is an exceptionally great attorney. He handled my child custody case and was able to ease any of my concerns with honest answers. He always took the time to explain the pros/cons and was always available to answer any questions that I had… I would highly recommend this attorney to anyone who is looking for one. Jessica Cruz
★★★★★
Peter Van Aulen is a very compassionate, honest and straightforward person. He was there for me at my lowest point with a genuine concern not only for my situation, but for me and my child's well being above all… He is fair and he is strong and when push comes to shove he is there for you. Cathy Dodge
★★★★★
Our cousin used Peter's law office to help with a sticky custody situation. He was extremely responsive, very nice and most importantly did an awesome job with the court! He is awesome. Lawrence Polsky
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