Kristyl M. Berckes

Kristyl M. Berckes is a Certified Matrimonial Law Attorney, certified by the New Jersey Supreme Court, who exclusively practices family law. She is admitted to practice law in the States of New Jersey and New York, as well as the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. She represents clients throughout New Jersey in matters involving divorce, child custody and parenting time, alimony, equitable distribution, child support, domestic violence, mediation, adoption, and post-judgment matters. Kristyl is known for her compassion, patience, and practical approach to resolving complex family disputes. She believes every client deserves to have their voice heard and is committed to providing thoughtful guidance and strong advocacy during what is often one of the most difficult times in their lives.

Since beginning her legal career, Kristyl has devoted her practice exclusively to matrimonial and family law. Having handled hundreds of divorce and family law matters, she combines extensive litigation experience with creative problem-solving to help clients achieve practical, long-term solutions. She has successfully represented clients through negotiation, mediation, trial, and appeal, including domestic violence trials, custody hearings, plenary hearings, and appellate matters. Kristyl measures success not only by the outcome of a case, but by helping her clients move forward with a clear, workable plan. Prior to entering private practice, she served as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable James G. Troiano, J.S.C., Superior Court of New Jersey, Chancery Division, Family Part. Before attending law school, Kristyl was a New Jersey high school English teacher, an experience that continues to shape her communication style and ability to educate and support her clients, as well as her ability to understand families and the hardships they may face. She completed her undergraduate degree from Boston College and her law degree from the Seton Hall University School of Law.

Kristyl is recognized throughout New Jersey for both her legal excellence and leadership within the profession. She has been selected as a New Jersey Super Lawyer (2024–2026), previously recognized as a New Jersey Super Lawyers Rising Star in Family Law (2017–2022), and honored by Best Lawyers (2021-2026), NJBIZ (2021), and the Somerset County Business Partnership (2021). From 2023 through 2026, she has been recognized by New Jersey Family as a Best Lawyer for Families in the State of New Jersey in the area of Family Law.

She serves as President-Elect of the Somerset County Bar Association (SCBA), is a co-chair of the Family Law committee for the SCBA, is the Somerset County Trustee to the New Jersey State Bar Association and serves on its Board of Trustees, is a member of the NJSBA Appellate Practice Committee, and is a graduate of the NJSBA Leadership Academy. Kristyl is also a frequent lecturer on family law topics, including relocation and custody, domestic violence, technology in family law, retainer agreements, and drafting and enforcing family law agreements. She also volunteers as a Panelist for the Early Settlement Panel program in Somerset County.