SF_Karen Ulmer_Profile_1023 - edit3_Profile 10 / 27 / 23 4 : 22 PM Page 1 p a r t n e r p r o f i l e sf D.C . ’ s , marginalizedcommunities who were facing abusive situations or custody cases during his first clinical . He both lives and practices in New Jersey taking the lead on many of the matrimonial cases for the firm as well as custody , support and domestic violence cases . He is a skilled litigator who is able to bring closure either in the courtroom or by agreement and has himself , over 20 years of experience but in and out of the courtroom . He is a long - standing member of the New Jersey State Bar Association as well as the Pennsylvania State Bar Association . Suburban Family spoke with Annese about how to navigate the modern complexities of family law in New Jersey . What are your backgrounds and passions ? I started law school in 1993 , and I TERRANCE ANNESE : came in at a very interesting time in litigation … I worked in the attorney general's office for a while , and after that I went into private practice . I had my own firm for about a decade pre - COVID . Coming out of COVID , I made a decision that I no longer wanted to operate my own firm , and now work with the law firm of Karen Ann Ulmer , P.C . handling family and matrimonial matters . What is family law like today ? In addition to meeting via Zoom , we can meet at TA : locations that are convenient to clients — We meet them in various locations to try to make their lives easier . Zoom Putting has helped that tremendously because if we have an im - mediate need , we are able to meet with them more readily . We give as many options to the client as possible , we give them a chance to have their case heard and try to figure out how we can best help them . The courts have also done many trials virtually making it more convenient for Families clients who otherwise would have to travel . Family law has gotten a much sharper edge post - COVID … I used to see a little bit more co - parenting cooperation , and that seems to have diminished quite a bit post - COVID … I can't remember a time pre - COVID where there were this many families and children trying to access therapeutic services to deal with what should just be co - First by CARLY MURRAY parenting cooperation . What are some of your main principles in practicing Connecting with attorneys who family law ? genuinely care about the long - term It’s a self - empowering part of that process to take control of your TA : well - being of their clients has made situation and your life . You're dealing with people whose lives may be on a downhill trend or they might just be just careening out of Karen Ann Ulmer , P.C . , an in - demand control . By getting them involved in the process , to take control over choice for those in need of compas - their own cases , they're inadvertently also taking control of their own lives to move forward . sionate family - law representation . You have somebody who comes into this in a chaotic , helpless state that they're thinking they are not capable of achieving an aren Ann Ulmer , P.C . , is a family law and matrimonial law outcome that will be beneficial to them and their family , and they're firm whose values and experience demonstrate an empathetic maybeon the edge of falling into the abyss . Then you get them to see approach that prioritizes each client and restoring peace to that they can help themselves . All of a sudden , you're putting people Ktheir lives by finding — and fighting for — a clear path through back on that path where they are living a productive life and taking an emotional situation . Karen Ulmer , the firm’s founding partner , care of their families . created the now six - attorney practice over 20 years ago on a guiding Karen Ann Ulmer , P.C . practices in both Pennsylvania and New principle of “ We are on Your Side ” to reinforce that client - first Jersey and handles matters related to domestic violence , custody , approach to assure them there’s someone on their side in a profoundly support , divorce , prenuptial agreements , estates , wills . difficult time . When someone’s life is falling apart , they a strong The firm offers a discounted introductory consultation as well as advocate who knows how to help them piece it back together . Three a case assessment prior to engaging a client usually by phone or ? of the six attorneys are licensed to practice in both Pennsylvania and Zoom but the option to meet in person is also available . New Jersey . Terrance Annese , who handles many of the firm’s New Jersey cases , has an established track record of leading with humanity . He Karen Ann Ulmer , P.C . has both worked with special - needs youth and clerked in Trenton Serving N.J . and Pa . | ( 866 ) 349 - 4117 during the criminal trial surrounding the Megan’s Law case , fostering UlmerLaw.com aunique sensitivity to children’s needs . Annese also helped Washington , SUBURBANFAMILYMAG.COM volume 14 issue 5 SUBURBAN FAMILY 31