LAW OFFICES OF PETER VAN AULEN - Key Persons


Cathy Dodge

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.

Cecilia Sardiña Guzman

Job Titles:
  • of Counsel
  • Family Law
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 1 st 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

Lawrence Polsky

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.

Linda M. Coronato

Job Titles:
  • Attorney
Linda M. Coronato has over 27 years of experience in the legal field and is not afraid to fight for the rights of her clients. As a member of the New Jersey and New York Bars, she has handled cases involving child custody, Domestic Violence alimony, adoption, pre-nuptial agreements, as well as many other matters of family law. Her lengthy experience includes the ability to resolve difficult cases and arrive at settlement without the time and expense of continued litigation. Ms. Coronato has worked with several prestigious firms in family law and has appeared before the New Jersey Supreme Court. Ms. Coronato is fluent in English, Italian, Spanish and French, enabling her to ease communication frustrations for those clients whose native tongue is not English. With her years of experience as a New Jersey divorce lawyer, she has become a strong advocate for her clients when they are going through the trauma of a divorce or child custody battle. She is a staunch defender of victims of domestic abuse and won't back down from challenging cases. Linda truly cares about each client she represents. Ms. Coronato knows the right questions to ask to develop a course of action to navigate her clients through their legal issues. She carefully listens to her clients. Then she gives straightforward honest advice. Ms. Coronato spends time educating her clients about the law, so they can make the right decisions. Also, one of Linda's strongest qualities is her ability to relate to her clients. She learns all the details of each of her cases to insure each client the best representation possible. Ms. Coronato makes it a priority to understand her clients' perspectives and effectively advocates their positions. Linda truly cares about her clients and they know it. Linda is an experienced NJ divorce attorney handling cases in and out of court. She is an effective negotiator who has successfully settled many cases. Linda has excellent communication skills and is an outstanding writer. She drafts effective legal briefs, certifications, and other legal pleadings. Ms. Coronato's focus is to get her clients through the divorce process and on to a better future. She knows that divorce is a life-changing event and diligently represents her clients' interests. Linda has an aggressive yet compassionate approach to each case she handles. Her first goal is to protect your rights. She delivers valued based representation, so you can achieve your goals. Going through a divorce can be difficult. Having the right attorney can make all the difference. Linda's years of experience will serve you well. You want to pick an attorney who has the knowledge, talent, and experience to get the job done. Linda is that New Jersey divorce lawyer. She can assist you in identifying your goals and mapping out your options, so you can accomplish the same. She offers representation in the following areas: Prenuptial Agreements Contested and Uncontested Divorce Child Support and Related Issues Spousal Support Child Custody Legal Annulment Domestic Violence Defense Obtaining Restraining Orders Separation College contribution Grandparents Rights Parenting Time Disputes Children Relocation Division of Property Post-Divorce Judgement Issues Education J.D., Seton Hall University, 1988 M.A., New York University, 1982 B.A., Pace University, 1975