Francine Aster

Attorney & Partner

Certified Mediator

Francine Aster. Esq., is a Partner at Ziegler Law Group, LLC, and a seasoned family law attorney with a strong track record of success and client trust. Her practice is devoted exclusively to family and matrimonial law, with extensive experience in areas such as divorce, domestic violence, custody disputes, grandparent visitation, child and spousal support, equitable distribution of assets, adoptions, paternity matters, prenuptial agreements, palimony, alimony, mediation, post-judgment enforcement and modification, and other related issues. She is also certified by the New Jersey courts as
an approved mediator.

Francine’s dedication to family law stems from her deep-rooted commitment to helping others. She is known for her personal and proactive approach to client service. Francine listens closely to her clients’ goals and concerns, making herself available and responsive throughout every step of the legal process. Her clients appreciate her steady guidance, prompt communication, and her ability to bring clarity and comfort during uncertain times.

Francine brings a wealth of knowledge to every case, allowing her to develop innovative legal strategies, particularly in contentious or complex matters. Whether resolving issues through negotiation, mediation, or litigation, she tailors her approach to best suit each client’s unique circumstances and is a fierce advocate from start to finish.

Child custody is one of Francine’s particular areas of focus. Her deep understanding of the law is enhanced by her experience serving as a guardian ad litem (GAL), where she assists courts in determining custody arrangements that serve the best interests of the child. She has also acted as a court-appointed parenting coordinator and parenting supervisor, equipping her with insight into managing conflict and supporting cooperative co-parenting.

An active and respected leader within the New Jersey family law community, Francine volunteers with the Matrimonial Early Settlement Panels (ESPs) in Essex and Morris Counties, helping couples reach informed settlement decisions. Through her longstanding role with Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ), she has taught divorce law basics at the Essex County courthouse, ensuring access to legal education for those unable to afford representation. She is also a frequent lecturer at Continuing Legal Education (CLE) programs, where she shares her knowledge with other attorneys.

Francine has held several leadership positions throughout her career, including Chair of the Essex County Bar Association’s Family Law Committee for over 15 years and a seat on the Family Law Executive Committee of the New Jersey State Bar Association. She has also served as a Trustee and past President of the Essex County Bar Association, where she worked closely with judges and attorneys to improve communication and address systemic challenges.

Additionally, she has contributed her time to the New Jersey Supreme Court’s Ethics Committee, serving two terms on District VC (West Essex), and is currently serving her second consecutive four-year term.

Francine’s commitment to the field of family law is unwavering.

Francine earned her Juris Doctorate from Seton Hall University School of Law and holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Seton Hall University as well.

She resides in Essex County and is a widow. When Francine is not with her clients, or learning more about interesting legal issues, she is typically baking, cooking, and spending time with her family.

Bar Admissions

• New Jersey
• United States District Court of New Jersey

Areas of Practice

• Mediation
• Alimony and Palimony
• Division of Assets – Equitable Distribution
• Pre and Post-Nuptial Agreements
• Adoption and Kinship Legal Guardianships
• Children’s Educational Needs
• Family and Matrimonial Law
• Divorce and Legal Separations
• Dissolution of Domestic Partnerships/Civil Unions and Same Sex Marriages
• Child Custody
• Visitation and Parenting Time
• Child Support
• Emancipation
• Enforcement of Child Support
• Enforcement of Alimony
• Paternity
• Domestic Violence Matters
• Post Divorce Matters
• Relocation out of the State of New Jersey with a child
• Modification of Custody
• Modification of Child Support
• Modification, Reduction or Termination of Alimony
• Enforcement of Custody

Awards / Recognition

• Essex County Bar Association, Family Law Attorney Achievement Award- 2002

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