TRO To FRO: Making A Temporary Restraining Order Final

Temporary Restraining OrderIf you have found yourself in an abusive relationship and you are ready to obtain a restraining order against your abuser, you have made a smart and brave decision. The New Jersey court system stands ready to assist people in domestic violence situations when they are ready to move forward and obtain protections for themselves and their families. What does this process entail? And how do you go from a temporary restraining order to a final one? Read more

3 Common Divorce Pitfalls And How to Avoid Them

divorce mistakes to avoid

The divorce process can be time consuming, draining and expensive if you let it get out of hand. And, if you and your soon-to-be ex have children, the stakes become even higher and the battles can become longer, angrier and even more costly — both financially and psychologically. On top of that, the procedures and laws that govern how and when to navigate through the family court can be confusing and frustrating. So, how can you avoid this being an even more difficult time? Avoid these common pitfalls in order to get yourself and keep yourself on track. Read more

Can You Ask for Palimony When Your Partner is Dead?

palimony

Obtaining an award of palimony in New Jersey has become more difficult over the last few years. Palimony — a one-time financial award for a former intimate partner that never married — can only be granted in the Garden State if there is a written promise to pay it, if the palimony agreement dates from 2010. Palimony agreements pre-dating 2010 that are oral/verbal in nature may still be considered valid. Given these different standards, it’s not uncommon for former partners to end up in court when a palimony agreement is contested. But what about recouping palimony after your partner dies? Read more

Asset Division: Should Ex-Spouse Share in $2.5M Job Bonus After Brief Marriage?

asset division & work bonus

An ex-wife in a brief 14-month marriage is demanding a share of the $2.5 million work bonus paid to her ex-husband. Job or work bonuses are often subject to division in divorce, but what makes this former spouse’s claim unique is that she is asking for an award based on the length of their marriage and the time prior to that when she and her husband dated and cohabited.

Two lower courts have said “no” to her request, affirming that equitable distribution of any property, including salary bonuses, should be based upon the length of the actual marriage only. The ex-wife was awarded 30K by the courts as an amount commensurate with the short duration of her marriage. However, she believes that she is entitled to approximately $200,000 and has appealed these prior rulings to the New Jersey Supreme Court.

Does she have a case?

Read more

Reconciling Your Marriage After Sex Addiction

Is your spouse a sex addict?Is there life — and marriage — after one partner recovers from sex addiction? While the healing process may understandably difficult for couples seeking to put their marriage back together, one legal option — a reconciliation agreement — may give you both the security you need to start moving forward. Read more

Chris Rock Divorce: Psychological Parent Theory in New Jersey

Chris Rock

Image copyright Arp, Depositphoto.com

Does Chris Rock owe child support for a child from South Africa he and his now ex-wife welcomed into their family while they were married, but never adopted? Read more

Palimony: Even If He Promised You the Moon…Get it in Writing!

questions about palimony?To be or not to be…many couples today are opting to not be married, but still maintain close, monogamous relationships, even with children. The somewhat antiquated notion that couples have to be legally married in order to legitimize their relationship has largely gone by the wayside in our more modern society. But what if you have decided to give up your career, have children and become a stay-at-home parent at the request of and with the full support of your significant other? If you two separate, will your ex be obligated to financially support you? Can you divide assets? Read more

Benefits Of Mediation For Child Custody Matters: Expert Q&A With Diane Lang

As a parent, you want what’s best for your kids. But how does this translate in real terms when you’re getting a divorce? Bari Weinberger recently spoke with certified psychotherapist Diane Lang to discuss the consequences of divorce battles for kids and how divorcing parents can emotionally protect children using mediation, a low conflict method for deciding child custody. Is mediation right for you? In the following Q&A, Diane shares her perspective as a therapist. Read more

LGBT Divorce, Marriage & Family Law Information

Are you in a same sex couple and getting married or divorced? Separating after being in a civil union or domestic partnership? Want to understand what happens about property division, alimony or child custody matters? Then you must check out our latest presentation on LGBT divorce and family law: Read more

What You May Not Know About Divorce In New Jersey

filing for divorce in new jersey

Thinking about divorce is an emotionally confusing time in anyone’s life. Now, you are contemplating filing for divorce and are facing weeding through the somewhat complex laws that govern divorce in the Garden State. There is a lot of misinformation out there, to be sure. Here are a few things you may not know about divorce in New Jersey: Read more