Recognizing The Signs of Intimate Partner Violence

Get help for domestic violence and intimate partner violenceAlthough we like to think we live in a more enlightened age, unfortunately, when it comes to intimate partner violence, also known as domestic violence, we, as a society, still have a long way to go. According to the Association of American Family Physicians, in the United States, approximately 1.5 million women and 834,700 men annually are raped and/or physically assaulted by an intimate partner. Women are more likely than men to be injured, sexually assaulted, or murdered by an intimate partner. Studies suggest that one in four women is at lifetime risk.

To remedy these tragic statistics, education is key, as is awareness of the many faces of intimate partner violence. Not all forms are intimate partner violence (IPV) are easy to recognize because IPV is not always physical violence; IPV can also be threats, intimidation or harassment, and more. Read more

Decision Time: Should You Go To Court Or Try Alternative Dispute Resolution?

What is alternative dispute resolution?It is becoming more and more commonplace for people going through a divorce to seek another avenue to resolution other than traditional litigation. In order to avoid sometimes needlessly drawn out court battles, couples are looking to Alternative Dispute Resolution or ADR to get them to the end of their divorce proceedings more efficiently. Is ADR right for your divorce? Read more

Adult Adoption: Why Grownups Are Picking Their New Parents

adoption in new jerseyCan adult children be adopted? In New Jersey, the answer is yes. As a new court ruling shows, not only is adoption ageless, but adult children in New Jersey have the ability to pursue adoption even when their biological parents object. Read more

Filing Tax Returns after Divorce, Part 3

divorce and taxesIn two recent posts we looked at some aspects of income tax filing for newly separated or divorced individuals, and specifically some of the tax implications of support payments, including child support and spousal support. Today we are going to look at some of the tax implications of dividing marital property in divorce. Understanding tax treatment of property transfers is not only important for filing taxes correctly, it can also help with decision-making. For example, you may want to reconsider buying out your spouse’s share of the family home if you think it will leave you with a high tax liability down the road. Read more

10 Surefire Ways To Have An Apocalyptic Divorce

are you caught in an apocalyptic divorce? Can you really get divorced without the conflict and drama? Yes! Here are the top 10 things NOT to do if you want to avoid an apocalyptic divorce. To help minimize tension don’t… Read more

New Jersey Trial Court Says You Can Pay Child Support Directly To Your Children

paying child support for older childrenJudge Lawrence Jones, Superior Court judge in Ocean County, New Jersey recently ruled that a parent is permitted to pay his child support directly to his child, and not the child’s other parent. Could this happen in your child support arrangement?   Read more

When Is The Right Time To Start Dating Again After Divorce?

Are you ready to date again after divorce?After years of being miserably married, you’re raring to hit the dating scene again. But not so fast! Despite your free-bird status, you may not be ready for a romantic entanglement. The last thing you want right now is to find yourself in a new relationship before you’ve emotionally divested yourself of the old one. How do you know when you’re REALLY ready to date? Here are some key signs… Read more

How To Stay Married: 8 Dos and Don’ts

saving your marriage

We understand that big marital problems like infidelity and substance abuse can spell divorce, but it’s often the little things that can make or break a marriage. Trying to repair your relationship? If both spouses want to give their union another chance, here are a list of do’s and don’ts we’ve seen time and again help couples stay together. Read more

Should I Stay Or Should I Go? Top Things People Consider When Leaving A Marriage

deciding to divorceDisagreement is inevitable in a marriage, and a certain amount is healthy. But some differences truly are irreconcilable and no amount of negotiation or couples therapy will save a marriage between two fundamentally incompatible people. Wondering if you should stay or go? Here are some key issues that may help you answer this all important question. Read more

Will You Marry Me…And Can We Have A Prenup, Please?

How to ask for a prenuptial agreementWith almost 50% of marriages ending in divorce, and many of those divorces leading to protracted battles over assets, having a prenup can prevent arguments should the marriage end. But how do you tell your fiancée you want one without sounding dubious about your wedding vows? Or that you love your money more than you love him? Here’s how to bring up the subject without killing the romance. Read more