The Holiday Season is full of friends, family and fun. But for families where parents are separated or divorced, the holidays can be difficult and can add to tensions for parents that do not get along or are struggling to co-parent. How can parents avoid such issues in the first place? When open communication betweenRead more
“Civil Restraints” are a way to resolve pending domestic violence cases without a trial or the entry of a formal restraining order. After an initial Temporary Restraining Order (T.R.O.) is granted, a case is scheduled for a trial to determine whether or not that temporary order is to be made “final”. A Final Restraining OrderRead more
The unfortunate reality is that Domestic Violence remains prevalent in American society. As a matrimonial attorney, I often meet with clients who have previously been abused by a significant other and/or are currently involved in an abusive relationship. Unfortunately, studies show that it often takes years and multiple acts of abuse before the victim leavesRead more
You are in the process of a divorce or custody dispute and you receive a notice from the court that you are required to attend either custody mediation or Matrimonial Early Settlement Panel (MESP, which deals with financial matters). You have had a long day so you put the notice aside to deal with later.Read more
So you and your boy/girlfriend have been together for years, perhaps decades and became homeowners together but never married . . . what happens when the relationship ends? Ideally the two of you can resolve it amicably between yourselves and either agree to sell the property and split the proceeds or one can buy theRead more
Is there such a thing as a “quickie” divorce in New Jersey? Maybe. The answer depends on how you define “quick,” whether your spouse will fully cooperate, and how crowded the court docket may be in any given month. Read more
Everyone has heard Pat Benatar’s famous hit “Love is a Battlefield”. No place is that more true that in a custody dispute. A parent’s love for their child is one of the most powerful, visceral emotions there is. There is a reason that phrases like “Going Mama Bear” or “Going Papa Bear” exist. Google “MamaRead more
In certain divorce cases in New Jersey, the payment of and receipt of alimony may be an issue. Alimony or spousal support is basically support that is paid from one spouse to the other. The entitlement to support from your spouse is “ gender neutral”, that is, either party, husband or wife may be facedRead more
The United States Supreme Court rarely weighs in on the topic of special education, which is largely regarded as a state or local issue, and even more rarely issues a unanimous decision redefining an existing standard. That is exactly what happened, however, in the March, 2017 decision of Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District. Read more
My spouse was covering me on his/her health insurance so what happens to my health insurance once I’m divorced? The unfortunate short answer is, you will lose your coverage. The simple facts are that very few plans allow coverage to continue to for an ex-spouse. Once a Final Judgment of Divorce is signed by aRead more
