Hopatcong, NJ

Chris H. Colabella

Attorney Chris Colabella heads many departments within our New Jersey firm and is one of the most diversely practiced attorneys at The Law Offices of Gruber, Colabella, Thompson, Hiben & Montella. There is no substitute for experience! Chris Colabella has practiced law for over 30 years and his motto is that there is no case too big or too small. 'It is not so much about the case as it is about meeting people and meeting their needs. As an attorney, I am in the unique position to meet people in times of crisis, at a crossroads or embarking on the investment of their lives. I firmly believe that there are no coincidences in life. This includes the people I meet while pursuing my craft. We are all given gifts and talents that we are expected to use in service of others.' It is in using his gifts and talents that Chris has built a successful practice for himself and his associates. He views every conflict as an opportunity. This serves him well in meeting the needs of his clients and helping them find the opportunity presented by their problem. 'Conflict in the family matters that I handle are the most complicated and the most important. The impact good counsel can have on the direction of a family dispute, whether a divorce or an estate matter, can have long-lasting implications for the families and sometimes the community.' Chris has developed excellent negotiation and trial skills over his three decades of practice. Each year, Chris brings many cases before the Court in both jury and bench trials. Whether it is a family law or personal injury case, an estate matter, or complex litigation, aggressive advocacy is sometimes necessary. It is not always possible to settle disputes. When settlement is not possible, Chris’s team is equipped to offer vigorous and meticulous representation in all New Jersey Courts.

Mark Gruber

Attorney Mark Gruber (retired) was the head of our family law department and enjoyed a renowned career as one of the lead divorce attorneys in the state of New Jersey. After successfully practicing law for over 45 years, Mark Gruber retired in 2022. His presence at the office is missed by all of us. We applaud his many accomplishments throughout his distinguished career including the following: Former Master Warrel Mt. Inns of Court, Institute of Continuing Legal Education Lecturer: Domestic Violence, Domestic Torts, Family Law Skills and Methods Instructor, Author, The Basic Guide to New Jersey Divorce with Forms and Court Rules, Trustee, Jersey Battered Women’s Service 1983-1985, Trustee, Sussex County Bar Association 1992-1995, Chair, Family Law Committee of Sussex County Bar Association, 1998, Host of cable television show Law Talk 1985-present, WOR-TV Panelist, Domestic Violence.

Carmen J. Liuzza, Jr.

It is with great sorrow that the attorneys and staff of Gruber, Colabella, Thompson, Hiben & Montella honor Carmen’s life and his dedication to our clients, the community and most of all to his family. Carmen J. Liuzza, Jr. joined the firm 22 years ago when he was a law clerk in the Family Division in Sussex County. He proved to be a very capable attorney in short order. He developed excellent lawyering skills and became a fixture in the courtrooms throughout Sussex County. He developed a tremendous practice and did, indeed, take over the Newton office. The staff loved him, his clients loved him and we loved him. He became a pillar in our firm and a pillar in the community. He became a partner in 2003. Carmen built a very successful practice and served our clients with compassion, confidence, integrity and always a commitment to do his absolute best. In his practice, Carmen developed hundreds of relationships with clients who repeatedly returned to him and referred their family and friends. His office is filled with thank you cards from clients. We repeatedly received e-mails and notes from clients expressing their gratitude for the excellent work that he did for them. Carmen was charitable and did not hesitate to volunteer his time, providing legal advice and representation to individuals unable to pay, or provide representation to local service organizations. The most impressive character trait of Carmen was his fierce devotion to the four most important people in his life - his wife, Christina, and his three children, Carmen, Sara Rose and Christie. He was incredibly proud of them. Nothing came before them except for his devotion to God. Everyone in the office knew of this devotion to his family. His calendar was the evidence. He made his family events priority and made sure his assistant gave his family schedule a priority. Every single week, there were multiple events in his calendar relating to his family. It could have been in the middle of the day, or could have conflicted with a Court appearance. Whether it was coaching his children’s ball teams or back-to-school night, it made it into his calendar and took priority. We have all been blessed to have Carmen in our lives. He lives on in each memory that we have, each lesson that he provided and the impact he has had on each one of us and the community. Although his time was cut short here on earth, we are confident based on his faith that he is at peace.

Samuel is taking on all civil litigation, wills and estate planning and litigation, contract disputes, small business representation, municipal court matters, real estate transactions, property disputes and litigation, personal injury matters, landlord/tenant disputes, and collection matters. Samuel made an easy and exciting decision to join the law firm where his father and sister are long-time partners, given his strong background and qualifications. Graduating with a Certificate in Business Management and Administration from Liberty University in 2013, he later pursued a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations: Strategic Intelligence, graduating in 2017. Samuel continued his academic journey at Liberty University School of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctorate and graduated in 2020. Having been admitted to practice in New Jersey in 2020, Samuel brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role at the firm. His dedication to his community and legal practice is evident through his extensive experience. Samuel has been a valuable asset to Gruber, Colabella, Thompson, Hiben & Montella since 2007, serving as a law clerk both from 2007 to 2017 and from 2017 to 2020. Samuel’s legal expertise spans a wide range of areas, including civil litigation, wills and estate planning, contract disputes, small business representation, municipal court matters, real estate transactions, property disputes and litigation, personal injury matters, landlord/tenant disputes, and collection matters. He firmly believes that everyone, regardless of the scale of their legal concerns, deserves expert guidance and support. If mediation is insufficient to resolve a matter, Samuel and his team are fully prepared to pursue judicial remedies through the courts. Samuel’s remarkable tenacity and legal acumen have led to his success, both in mediating disputes and handling litigated matters. His commitment to the local community, paired with his impressive legal background, allows him to effectively assist individuals and families in navigating their legal challenges. Samuel’s return to his hometown has not only reconnected him with old friends but also made him an integral part of the local legal community, where he takes pride in assisting those facing legal dilemmas.

Racquel G. Hiben

Born and raised in Hopatcong, Racquel has strong local roots and strives to provide valuable legal services to her fellow members of the community. Racquel Hiben specializes in family Law, simple wills, estates, civil litigation, real estate, and bankruptcy. During Racquel’s attendance at Widener University School of Law, she gained extensive legal experience through her work at the Supreme Court of New Jersey. Upon graduating, she began her career as an associate attorney with our firm (then known as Gruber, Colabella, Liuzza and Thompson), and earned a partnership in 2019. During Racquel’s years of practice, she has represented both individuals and families in many facets of their lives from buying and selling their homes to landlord/tenant and family law issues to helping them get a fresh start through the bankruptcy or expungement processes. She also assists clients in planning for their future through preparation of wills, power of attorneys and healthcare directives. As an attorney, Racquel takes pride in being there for her clients to navigate the many paths that life takes them. Racquel has been an active participant in many local organizations serving as volunteer counsel for an animal rescue organization, a board member of the Sussex County Arts and Heritage Council, a member of the finance committee at her local church and a coach for the elementary school running club, Hero Boys. Currently Racquel serves on the Legal Advisory Board and offers legal consultations to individuals through Project Self Sufficiency. She also volunteers as a Family Law Early Settlement Panelist. Racquel lives locally with her husband, two sons and dogs. In addition to providing support to her clients, she enjoys skiing, reading, going to concerts and spending time with her friends and family.

Kristen C. Montella

Kristen Montella is a crucial member of our legal team, specializing in family law and related matters. Kristen C. Montella has been practicing law for over 20 years, with a specific concentration in matrimonial and family law, including divorce, child & spousal support, custody, prenuptial agreements and adoptions. She is privileged to be associated with one of the premiere family law firms in Sussex County. After graduating cum laude from both Drew University and Seton Hall School of Law and thereafter passing both the New Jersey and New York bar exams, Kristen was fortunate to serve as judicial law clerk to the Honorable Elijah L. Miller, Jr., J.S.C. (retired) in the Chancery Division, Family Part, Bergen County. She then became associated with a top law firm in Bergen County where she was trained in all aspects of matrimonial and family law. Kristen became associated with Gruber Colabella in 2010. While working as Judge Miller’s law clerk, Kristen formed the foundations for her philosophy in approaching the practice of law. Having experienced the adjudication of legal issues from the judicial perspective has given Kristen a unique insight into the court’s approach to dissecting legal issues. This insight has been invaluable in representing individuals in both settlement negotiations and litigated matters. Kristen approaches issues in matrimonial and family law with compassion and empathy which extends to her other practice areas of guardianship, wills, estates and name changes. Her clients come to her during one of the most difficult times in their lives, and she hopes to reach a speedy resolution for them taking into account both legal and personal ramifications for the clients and their families. Her way of practicing law is to give advice to her clients as she would a member of her own family. She also embraces Plato’s quote, 'An empty vessel makes the loudest sound.' Kristen will fight ardently for her clients, she believes that the loudest voice in the room does not necessarily translate to being the voice of the person who is most intelligent or correct. Kristen volunteers as a Family Law Early Settlement Panelist for Morris and Sussex Counties. She has served as a board member for the Anti-Bully Squad, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about bullying and empowering children to stand up and speak out. She was also the President of her Condo Board in Montclair, NJ. Kristen currently lives in Morris County, NJ with her husband and daughter. She has been an active member of the community where she volunteers for the PTA, chairing multiple events, as well as serving as a CCD teacher at her local church. She is also the class mom at her daughter’s school and team mom for her daughter’s cheerleading squad. In her spare time, Kristen enjoys spending time with her family, reading and traveling.

Natalie L. Thompson

Natalie Thompson has distinguished herself in the family law arena not only for her superior negotiation and trial skills, but also as a published family law author. After practicing family law for 20 years, people who ask Natalie Thompson why she does what she does always get the same answer. 'There aren’t many jobs that would allow me to help people at their most vulnerable and to genuinely make a difference in their lives. I appreciate the trust that people put in me, and I enjoy delivering on that trust.' Over the course of her practice, Natalie has assisted people through some of the most difficult moments of their lives (divorce, custody disputes, and support enforcement) and some of the most joyous moments of their lives (prenuptial agreements and adoptions). No matter the circumstance, Natalie’s focus remains consistent - obtaining the best possible outcome for her clients, while keeping an eye on getting practical results that allow people to move forward with their lives. Natalie has represented clients throughout the State of New Jersey and, in doing so, has developed an excellent reputation with the judges and attorneys she interacts with on a daily basis. She tailors her approach to each matter to meet the goals of her client. Oftentimes, that means helping people reach a resolution as efficiently as possible through skilled negotiation or mediation. At other times, it means vigorously representing clients at trial or even on appeal. Regardless of the stage of litigation, Natalie is committed to providing the best possible guidance, advocacy, and results for her clients. When she is not practicing law, Natalie can be found at the softball or baseball field with her two children or watching her favorite baseball team, the New York Yankees, with her husband. She is also passionate about giving back to her community and volunteers her time at Project Self Sufficiency and teaching religious education at her Church. Natalie Thompson is one of the published family law attorneys from our New Jersey firm, along with Partner Mark Gruber. Read through their list of publications and browse through suggested legal resources on our resources and publications page.