5 Steps To Take If You Are A Victim Of A Fake Divorce Scam

In the aftermath of last week’s arrest of Anastasya Varvaryuk on charges she passed off fake divorce documents to unknowing couples from her storefront in Clifton, victims of the alleged divorce scam may be recovered enough from the shock of discovering they are still married to now be wondering: what’s next? Read more

Warning: Is Your New Jersey Divorce Decree A Fraud?

shocking divorce mistakesIn northern New Jersey over the weekend, an untold number of former spouses learned some unsettling news: the marriage they thought was over may not be, thanks to fraudulent divorce papers allegedly provided by an Elmwood Park woman. Read more

Resource Guide to Domestic Violence Help in New Jersey

NJ domestic violence resources

Are you or someone you know looking for a domestic violence shelter or safe house? Want to know more about the process of obtaining a restraining order? Desperate to start building a future for you and your children that’s free from abusive and controlling behavior? New Jersey is home to a number of shelters and victim advocacy groups that provide assistance to victims of intimate partner violence and domestic abuse. You are not alone. Help is available. The following list contains individual referral contacts for shelters (arranged by county) and links to further information, including how to keep your privacy intact during this trying time. Read more

Weinberger Divorce & Family Law Group, LLC Attorney Named to State’s Attorney Ethics Committee

NJ family law attorney Jessica Sprague to state ethics committeeWeinberger Divorce & Family Law Group, LLC is pleased to announce the appointment of firm attorney Jessica Ragno Sprague, Esq. to the state’s Attorney Ethics Committee. Read more

Getting Ready To Divorce? 3 Tips To Prepare Yourself Emotionally

preparing for your attorney consultation The prospect of untangling finances in your divorce and losing time with your children is wrenching. Add in uncertainty about your home, your lifestyle, and your social circle, and you may feel completely destabilized. You know your emotions are off-kilter if you experience any of the following:

– You can’t sleep,
– You can’t eat,
– You can’t concentrate on anything other than your divorce,
– You cry excessively,
– You’re consumed with guilt over the effect on your children, or
– You dream of exacting revenge on your soon-to-be ex.

Being in a state of turmoil when contemplating or deciding on getting divorced is common, and frankly, understandable. At the same time, when you go to your initial meeting with your divorce attorney, you will need to ask and answer questions about your finances, strategies, possible outcomes, and what you must do to protect yourself and your children. Beginning the legal process of divorce in as calm a state of mind as possible is important. How do you get there? Here are three ways to emotionally prepare for your initial divorce consultation. Read more

5 Things To Say (Or Not To Say) When You Tell Your Kids About Your Divorce

Talking to Children about Divorce

There’s no easy way to tell your kids that life, as they know it, is about to change forever. But there are some ways to make the experience as gentle as possible. How can help your children feel secure and loved during this transition? Here are five things to say, or not say, when you explain to your kids that you’re divorcing. Read more

Considering Older Kids’ Preferences When Determining Parenting Time Plans

older kids and divorceParenting time plans developed during a child’s early years may need to be adjusted as a child matures, particularly during adolescence. The 3-year-old who clung to his mother’s legs when Dad arrived for visitation may decide he wants to spend most, or even all of his time with his father as he nears legal adulthood. How are an older child’s preferences taken into account when making child custody decisions? Read more

Same-Sex Domestic Violence: How To Get Help

same-sex domestic violenceBecause domestic violence has been traditionally viewed as something that happens only to heterosexual women, instances of same-sex domestic violence (DV) or intimate partner violence (IPV) in the LGBT community are often overlooked. People assume it just doesn’t happen.

But it does.

As reports consistently show, at least one out of four people in same-sex relationships will experience domestic violence during their lifetime, mirroring rates among heterosexual couples. Sadly, LGBT victims are frequently reluctant to go the police, often because of perceived stigma or fear that help for same-sex couples is not readily available.

It’s time to dispel the myths surrounding same-sex DV. Let’s look an all-too-common DV scenario involving a LGBT couple and explore how the victim in this situation can reach out for needed help and protection. Read more

Domestic Violence Charges Dropped Against NJ Celebrity Constantine Maroulis

domestic violenceA local news story that many have asked us about this week involves the domestic violence charges, now dropped, against former American Idol singer and Bergen County resident, Constantine Maroulis. We would like to preface our comments by noting the sensitivity of any discussion that involves domestic violence. The charges against Mr. Maroulis have been dismissed. Still, the nature of the original incident and claims of abuse by both spouses (aka, “mutual abuse”) brings up interesting points that may be beneficial for others seeking help with domestic violence issues. Read more