When is the Best Time to File For Divorce?

best time to file for divorceWhen you have tried to make the marriage work but you have, sadly, decided to go your separate ways, you need to focus on the future. A question we are asked a lot is when is the best time to file for divorce? After the holidays? Before the end of the tax year? Are there reasons for waiting and filing strategically? The simple answer is, yes. Here are key factors to consider as you determine what’s best for your unique situation. Read more

Divorce Horror Story: Bickering Parents & Halloween Trick-or-Treating

halloween divorce horror storySusan and Anthony’s disagreement over how their daughter would spend Halloween amped up their already fright-filled high conflict divorce, and ruined what should have been an evening of fun for their eight-year-old. Are you and your ex haunted by the holidays and where and how your child should spend them? Read our Halloween co-parenting horror story, then get tips for how to make October 31 a treat and not a trick for your co-parented kids. Read more

Lesbian Couples and DV: Special Concerns & Solutions

same-sex domestic violenceAccording to the National Violence Against Women survey, domestic violence affects 1 in 3 lesbian relationships. And tragically, many victims remain silent. If we, as a society, have learned anything during October’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month, it is that domestic violence does not discriminate. It knows no race, color, socioeconomic status — or sexual orientation. So how can we help women trapped in these relationships reach out and get the help they need, and that is there for them? Read more

Emergency Child Custody Orders: How to Keep Your Kids Safe in New Jersey

emergency child custodyAre you in an urgent situation with your kids and need an emergency child custody order? In certain circumstances, including situations in which domestic violence and abuse are present in the family, the courts in New Jersey will agree to hear you on an emergency basis. Read more

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

NFL: Disgusting. #WomenMatterNotBalls

domestic violence in the NFL #womenmatternotballs
If you’ve tuned into any NFL game in the past few weeks, you know that teams have been given a pink makeover in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. From pink mouthguards and pink ribbons on helmets to pink pompoms waved by the crowds, the message being sent to viewers and fans is that the National Football League is an organization that cares about the well-being of women.

But does it really? Given Wednesday’s disturbing revelations about New York Giants’ kicker Josh Brown’s history of domestic violence against his former wife, and the light one-game suspension the NFL deemed appropriate to hand down after Brown’s 2015 arrest for domestic violence, this is a fair question to ask of the NFL. And we want answers… Read more

Another NFL Season-Another NFL Player Tied To Domestic Violence

domestic violence
Earlier this year, NFL fans were shocked to learn that New York Giants kicker, Josh Brown not only was arrested for domestic violence in May 2015, but was given a mere 1-game suspension this season, following an NFL investigation into the matter. Brown was upset by the suspension, stating that he did not agree with it, but that he would accept it. He also had the support of his boss, New York Giant’s owner John Mara, who defended his kicker in August of this year “as a man, a father, and a player,” and said the team was comfortable re-signing him during the offseason to a two-year, $4 million deal. Read more

Father’s Rights: Which Custody Arrangement Should I Request?

father's rightsNew Jersey laws with respect to custody and parenting time are gender neutral, meaning that the courts cannot base decisions regarding custody of or parenting time with your children based upon gender. Long ago, many states subscribed to the now defunct “tender years” doctrine where courts would give custody of very young children to mothers, believing that this was necessary to ensure the emotional well-being and positive psychological development of the child. Today, courts, experts and lawmakers know that a child thrives best with the participation of both parents to the greatest degree possible. And, with more and more same-sex couples rearing children, any gender argument is moot.

What does this mean for you, as a dad? Here are some do’s and don’ts as you pursue custody and parenting time with your kids: Read more

My Son-in-Law is Controlling: Is this a Sign of Domestic Abuse?

controlling spouseYour son-in-law tells your daughter who she can be friends with, what she can and can’t wear, how much she should weigh, and even how long her hair should be. Your daughter seems miserable, and you think your son-in-law is a controlling jerk…but he is also a domestic abuser? 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