Staying Married After Baby: Advice To New Parents

new babyOnce the miracle of birth has given way to the harsh reality of sleep deprivation and projectile vomit, marital bliss almost always takes a nosedive. Studies show that the decline in relationship satisfaction at time goes by is twice as steep for couples with kids as it is for child-free couples. So while you’re baby-proofing your house, be sure to baby-proof your marriage! Here are some tips to help you stay strong as a couple so you can raise well-adjusted children. Read more

Our Super Bowl Domestic Violence PSA: Six Steps To Get The Protection You Deserve

One of the most greatly anticipated parts of this Sunday’s Super Bowl is, of course, the fun and memorable commercials! Corporations spend big bucks to make an impression. For us, and maybe for you, the Super Bowl ad from the past few years that has stayed with us is this one from the non-profit abuse and assault awareness group, NoMore. Remember? In the ad, a 911 caller orders a pizza, and the smart 911 operator quickly understands that what’s really being ordered is emergency help in a domestic violence incident.

There has been great debate about Super Bowl Sunday and whether or not there is increased rates of domestic violence on this day. Our stance is simple. Of the 70,000 cases of domestic violence reported each year in New Jersey (and the countless cases that go unreported), will partner abuse occur somewhere in New Jersey on Sunday? Tragically, yes. And with that in mind, we want to offer our own Super Bowl Domestic Violence PSA!

If you or someone you know needs this information, here is an easy-to-follow on how to get the protection you deserve through obtaining a temporary restraining order (TRO) against your abuser. The process is straightforward and could be the beginning of your path to a safer future: Read more

How Does New Jersey’s Child Support Termination Law Impact You?

Effective February 1, 2017, a new child support law significantly changes how long, and under what circumstances, parents in New Jersey are obligated to pay support once their child has entered adulthood.

Do you have a child nearing the newly established child support cut-off age of 19? Our easy-to-follow slide presentation has important information you need to know: Read more

Staying Social After Divorce

divorce social lifeThere’s no doubt about it — divorce changes your social station. Some friends drift away: they take sides, act as if your divorce is contagious, or worry that you’re going to steal their significant other. You go from a stay-at-home mom to a working mom and can no longer socialize during playdates. Read more

Why Bashing Your Ex Is Bad For Your Children…And How To Stop Yourself

divorce-parentingWonder what children of divorce hate more than almost anything? Hearing their parents bad-mouth each other. Ex-bashing is such a common problem among divorced couples, in fact, that warnings against it are written into standard custody orders. Here’s a boilerplate excerpt used in New Jersey:  “Neither parent shall do anything which may estrange the other from their children, ignore the opinion of the children, injure the opinion of the children to the other parent or hamper the free and natural development of the love of the children for the other parent.”

Despite knowing they shouldn’t speak ill of their ex, many people continue to do so, often in earshot of their children. Let’s take a deeper look at the reasons why ex-bashing hurts kids and explore ways to stop yourself — before you say something your children won’t forget. Read more

The Divorce Diet: 3 Tips To Cope With Stress

divorce-diet

Sudden weight loss is such a common side effect of divorce that the phenomenon has been given its own moniker: the “Divorce Diet.” Although you may welcome shedding a few pounds, a precipitous drop in weight is not healthy – especially when it’s brought on by skipping meals or considering three spoonfuls of chocolate fro-yo “lunch.” Read more

Receive Child Support? Here’s What New Jersey’s New Child Support Termination Law Means For You

child-support-lawAs of Feburary 1, 2017, a new New Jersey child support law establishes that a parent’s obligation to pay support terminates upon the child’s nineteenth birthday, unless certain factors are present. Are you the parent who receives child support? Here is a look at how this new law can affect you, and important steps you can take to make sure child support continues. Read more

What Does New Jersey’s New Child Support Termination Law Mean For You?

nj-child-support-age-cut-offIn New Jersey, a new child support termination statute goes into effect on February 1, 2017. The new law dramatically impacts when and how child support orders issued in the state come to an end. Are you a parent who pays child support, or are you the parent who receives it? Here’s what to expect. Read more

Pay Child Support? Here’s How New Jersey’s New Child Support Termination Law Affects You

child-support-lawsEffective February 1, 2017, New Jersey’s new emancipation statute will dramatically impact when and how child support orders terminate. Have a child nearing the newly established child support cut-off age of 19? Find out what this new law means for your obligation to pay. Read more

High Conflict Divorce: 5 Tips For Gaining Peace of Mind With a Controlling Ex

controlling exTrapped in a high conflict divorce with  an intrusive ex-spouse who thinks you can do nothing right? Are their attempts to manage the way you spend child support or parent the kids making you feel like you’re living in a dictatorship? Read on to learn more about controlling exes and what you can do to regain peace of mind. Read more