“Right Of First Refusal” In Your Child Custody Agreement: What Does It Mean?

parenting timeOne parent having “the right of first refusal” is a clause that is often included in custody and parenting time agreements. If it shows up in yours, you may be wondering, what does it mean?  Read more

What Military Parents Need To Know About Child Custody Laws In New Jersey

military custody and parenting time

Like all other divorced c0-parents, military service members who co-parent sometimes experience legal issues with regard to child custody or parenting time. Certain laws protect military parents so that they are afforded the same ability to be heard in court and to respond to any lawsuits filed against them in New Jersey, especially if they are deployed. But understanding these laws, and the overlapping civilian custody laws that apply, can be confusing…and stressful. Are you a military parent, or are you co-parenting with one? Here are 5 key things you need to know about military child custody in New Jersey.  Read more

Do You Suspect Child Abuse? What You Must Do in New Jersey To Protect Your Children

legal help for child abuse[This is a companion blog to: 5 Subtle Forms Of Child Abuse And What To Watch Out For ]

If you and your child’s other parent have recently separated your child may be spending significant overnight parenting time with your ex. It is indeed an adjustment for any parent to have their child spending nights away from their home, especially if you have an uneasy feeling that they may not be safe with their other parent. If you have noticed signs that make you suspect that child abuse is present, either physical or emotional, it is imperative that you ensure your child’s safety. Here are some important steps that will help you do just that. Read more

5 Subtle Forms Of Child Abuse And What To Watch Out For

child abuseNot knowing what really goes on in your co-parent’s home is one of the toughest aspects of divorce – especially if you’re concerned that your ex might be abusive. Read more

When Sex Addiction Leads To Divorce

Your spouse is a sex addict and has cheated on you — many times — and all your friends and relatives think that the only option is to kick your spouse to the curb ASAP. But if any part of you wants to stay in the marriage, and especially if you have children, it’s worth following a plan of action to see if the relationship can be saved. Wondering how you’ll know? In the fallout of discovering your spouse’s sex addiction, here are some tips to help you make informed, clear-headed decisions about the future. Read more

Should Mothers Day Be Included in Your Parenting Time Plan?

mothers dayYour child custody agreement may address holidays like Thanksgiving, and special events like your child’s birthday. But what about other special celebration days during the year…like Mothers Day? As we get set to honor moms this Sunday, let’s take a look at how Mothers Day (and Fathers Day) can be worked into parenting time agreements. Read more

Can An Uncle or Aunt Be Legally Responsible to Support a Child?

uncle and aunt custody and support issuesHere in New Jersey, there is a legal theory where a person could be seen as a child’s parent, even if they are not the biological or the adoptive parent of that child. Under that theory, called the “psychological parent,” a person is seen to have stepped into the shoes of a biological parent by being a supportive force and influence in a child’s life either financially, emotionally, or both. Step-parents often find themselves becoming psychological parents. But what if you are an aunt or uncle? Could you ever be seen to be the psychological parent of your niece of nephew? Read more

7 Tips For Surviving Your Husband’s Midlife Crisis

surviving a midlife crisisIf your 50-year-old husband wakes up one morning and tells you life has passed him by, you may have visions of him zooming off in a red Porsche with a new partner half his age. Don’t panic! Your husband’s midlife crisis doesn’t necessarily mean you’re headed for divorce court. How he chooses to handle it is up to him, but there are things you can do to support him and keep your marriage in tact. (Dealing with a wife’s midlife crisis? Read our companion blog: 7 Tips for Surviving Your Wife’s Midlife Crisis!) Read more

7 Tips For Surviving Your Wife’s Midlife Crisis

female midlife crisis If your wife is over 35 and seems dissatisfied with her life — and you — she may be going through that common affliction of middle age: a midlife crisis. Read on to learn the signs and symptoms of a mid-life crisis, and what you can do to give your spouse the support and space she needs to figure things out.

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Want To Get A Quick Divorce? Mediation May Be The Answer

save time in your divorceIn our world where so many things are instantly available at our fingertips, divorcing couples increasingly want to know how to minimize the time it takes to complete the process — without sacrificing the quality of their settlement. The easiest way to get a quick divorce? For many couples, the answer is divorce mediation. Mediating a divorce can save time — and big bonus — it can also save considerable amounts of money.

Here’s how the process works. Read more