How To End A Civil Union in New Jersey

ending a civil union Almost a decade ago in October of 2006, the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled in the case Lewis v. Harris that banning same-sex couples from the rights and benefits of marriage violated the constitutional promise of equality. The Court gave the New Jersey Legislature a deadline of 180 days to correct the violation, which prompted the legislature to create the separate status of civil unions. Under New Jersey’s new law, a civil union was legally recognized union of two individuals of the same sex.

Today, of course, same-sex marriage is the law of the land in the US, but many couples are still in these civil unions . And, like any couple who experiences differences in their relationship and is choosing to end it, couples who are in civil unions need advice on how to dissolve their civil unions. Read more

Child Custody Battle Breakthroughs: 4 Strategies That Really Work!

breaking through custody battlesCaught up in fighting with your soon-to-be former spouse — or in an all out war — over child custody? Get ready to put your custody battles behind you with these four steps for lowering conflict. Read more

Child Custody Evaluation: Expert Q&A With Dr. Edwin Rosenberg

Going through a child custody evaluation and want to know more about the process? In a recent episode of Family Law: Jersey Style, Bari Weinberger sat down with New Jersey child custody evaluation expert, Dr. Edwin A. Rosenberg, to discuss child custody evaluation basics and what you can expect. Read more

Divorce Financial Advice for Women: Expert Q&A With Jeff Landers, CDFA

Concerned about your financial future after divorce? As part of our Family Law Jersey Style series, Bari Weinberger spoke with Jeff Landers, founder of Bedrock Divorce Advisors, LLC, a divorce financial advisory firm that works exclusively with women throughout the United States. Jeff is also the author of many Amazon best-selling books including Divorce: Think Financially, Not Emotionally. In their discussion, Bari and Jeff discuss what a divorce financial advisor does, common financial concerns during divorce, and more. Read more

Dear Mom & Dad: This Is How I Want You To Act Now That You’re Divorced

questions kids have about divorceWhat can you do to make the transition of divorce as safe and loving as possible for your kids? From a child of divorce’s point of view, here is the story of nine-year-old Kate and how she finally got her parents to listen to her needs. Read more

LGBT Divorce and Property Division

same-sex divorceAs we mark the 1-year anniversary of marriage equality in the United States, it’s a good time time to take a look at the state of LGBT divorce. Just like straight couples, some LGBT couples may ultimately decide to end their marriage in divorce. Given past difficulties with the law, however, many LGBT couples who plan to file for divorce may find themselves wondering if the well-established family laws apply to them and their marriage just as they have applied to straight marriages for hundreds of years. Read more

LGBT Child Custody: Who Gets the Kids?

lgbt child custody issuesWhile tremendous strides have been made in the law, LGBT couples who have children can still face challenges when they separate and a child custody arrangement needs to be put in place. The laws in the country and, specifically, in New Jersey, have changed quickly when it comes to LGBT couples with children. There are always new cases coming up through the courts that involve LGBT couples because this is a fairly burgeoning area for the family courts. What might you encounter? Read more

Divorce & Child Tax Deductions: An Expert Q&A With CPA Andrew Lisicky

When you go through a divorce, what are the tax implications? As part of our Family Law Jersey Style series, Bari Weinberger sat down with CPA Andrew Lisicky of Buckno Lisicky & Company to discuss how divorce changes the way you file taxes and how decisions you make about certain items in your divorce settlement may raise or lower your tax burden, especially when you have child dependents. Read more

Mom Loses Custody Over Giving Child Benadryl

Child custody and child welfare concernsMany parents have done it. Or, they have at least known someone who has done it. Giving a child Benadryl, a common allergy medication, in order to help the child sleep seems to be not quite uncommon these days.  Parents are known to give a dose of the medication before boarding a plane, for example, to ensure that their little one sleeps through the flight and doesn’t potentially irritate an entire plane with nonstop crying. But, after a New York court ruling, parents may wish to rethink this course of action. Read more

Amber Heard & Johnny Depp Domestic Violence Fallout: Do Police In NJ Have Obligation to Arrest?

Johnny Depp and Amber Heard Domestic Violence

Image copyright arp, Depositphoto.com

News has been breaking this week about Johnny Depp and his estranged wife Amber Heard, and the alleged incident of domestic violence that Amber reports happened on the night of May 21, 2016 at the couple’s Los Angeles home. What really happened between Johnny and Amber that night we may never know for sure. What we do know, however, is that the Los Angeles Police Department was called to the couple’s house at least once that evening.

What transpired when cops arrived on the scene? Read more