NJ DIVORCE BLOG

Catabran v. Catabran, was decided on June 16, 2016.  The appellate court affirmed the Morris County Family Part opinion that the parties settlement agreement to share the children’s college costs equally is enforceable.  The case evolved from an issue arising post divorce (known as post-judgment dissolution matter).  The parties settlement agreement stated clearly that the “net college cost will be split[...]

Control Your Future through Divorce Mediation Divorce feels like you have lost total control because the divorce process and your future are unknown.  Mediation helps reduce the loss of control.  A good mediator will guide you through the process and give you options.  However, mediation may not be proper in every case.  A good mediator should be able to determine whether[...]

Decided on January 13, 2016, both parties being represented by counsel, in Matison v. Lisnyansky, the court imposed the legal doctrine of fugitive disentitlement to dismiss defendant's appeal while a bench warrant for unpaid child support. The legal doctrine of fugitive disentitlement is the balancing of justice, that is, a fugitive from justice may not seek relief from the judicial system whose[...]

Payee may cause alimony waiver for failure to request enforcement. A recent case decided on January 11, 2016, Lazar v. Lazar, dealt with the issue of possible alimony waiver for failure to enforce the provisions of the parties martial settlement agreement.  On appeal from Bergen County, both parties represented by counsel, the plaintiff appealed an order denying his motion to enforce[...]

Parents' college contribution in NJ Recently on December 30, 2015, the Appellate Court in Laurel v. Dixon reversed and remanded to Union County trial court for a plenary hearing to undertake the separate and discreet analysis of defendant's financial capability to make college contribution and, if so, in what amount.  The Plaintiff, represented by counsel and defendant unrepresented appealed a June[...]

The Affects of Divorce on Children When considering a divorce, the first thing that might pop into your mind is divorce affects children. Keeping children happy and healthy is a parental instinct. Often times parents’ view divorce as something that will have a severely negative affect on this happiness and emotional health. Many of us know or have heard countless stories of[...]

A parenting plan is undoubtedly one of the most emotional parts of working toward a full Marital Settlement Agreement. Many parents may fear that their time will be unfairly restricted. Knowing what to expect before beginning to develop a plan will ease stress and help lead to a fair agreement that is in the best interest of the children and[...]

For those going through or considering divorce the stress of litigation and court dates can weigh heavy on the mind; however, less than 2% of cases do not settle and half of these settle either before or at trial. Once settled the other 98% of divorce cases end with a uncontested divorce hearing in NJ. Although the judge and attorneys[...]

Once you have found the appropriate divorce mediator NJ for your case, the next step is to make sure you are prepared to begin sessions. It is likely that time and energy has gone into choosing an effective mediator who you and your spouse are comfortable with and expect to be prepared and attentive. Spending your own time preparing for divorce[...]

  Typically New Jersey requires divorced parents to contribute to their children's college expenses. In the past, college was considered a privilege reserved only for the wealthy and elite; however, as it has become more accessible to everyone, the question of expense must be considered by parents. With a wider variety of higher education, such as county, community, state, and private[...]

Unfortunately, unpaid child support is a not an uncommon frustration among custodial parents; however, there are a number of options available for enforcement and modification of child support orders in accordance with federal and New Jersey Law. Financial and emotional support are critical to a child's well-being and when one parent does not take this responsibility seriously, it should not be[...]

The changing political landscape surrounding the rights of same-sex couples has led to difficulty for many simply wishing to commit to a marriage, or for that matter dissolve one. Fortunately, same-sex marriage in New Jersey was legalized in October 2013 allowing many long-term partners and couples already in a civil union to have the same rights as heterosexual married couples. While[...]

Deciding whether to keep a married name or re-assume a maiden name is a common dilemma among women going through and after divorce.  The New Jersey Final Judgment of Divorce gives both the husband and wife the chance to legally change his or her name to one used before marriage, or any other last name.  This also applies to same[...]

Mediation is not only for divorcing couples.  Mediation maybe used at anytime a dispute arrises.  After divorce, a change in one spouses employment, change in health, relocating are just a few examples of issues that may be addressed in mediation.  Choosing mediation over litigation  is often highly beneficial to maintaining amicable relations. Property Settlement Agreement Mediation is especially helpful in modifying a[...]

Divorce mediation is an increasingly popular method that allows couples to have more control over the issues in their divorce. During mediation sessions both parties, a mediation attorney, and, if necessary, third party professionals, will focus on coming to a settlement that is fair and appropriate. While mediation is not for every couple, there are some major benefits and reasons[...]

The Case Information Statement (CIS) is a very important document that helps establish a person’s life style for the purpose of determining multiple factors in a divorce, including alimony and child support. Personal and family finances such as income/partner’s income, personal/joint life style expenses, and expenses of children are to be truthfully detailed on the Case Information Statement. Making sure[...]

Divorce Mediation and Children One of the main concerns of parents going through or contemplating divorce is the affect it will have on their children. While it is commonly thought that this will be solely negative, the impact greatly depends on how the conflict is handled and how well the spouses are able to communicate as parents. Divorce mediation and children[...]

What to Consider Before Opting to Mediate Divorce While divorce mediation has significant benefits, it is not appropriate for every situation. There are numerous factors that must be considered before deciding to mediate divorce or opt for traditional litigation. It is important that you and your spouse both understand what mediation is and that neither party is being pressured into it. Waste[...]

While alimony reform was the most talked about bill signed into law by Governor Chris Christie on September 10, numerous others were also signed, including the New Jersey Family Collaborative Law Act (A1477). The act, which is modeled on a proposal by the NJ Law Revision Commission and the national Uniform Law Commission, allows for family collaborative law NJ, a[...]

What are Prenups in NJ? A prenuptial agreement, also known as an antenuptial agreement or premarital agreement, is a written contract between two people planning to marry. It sets terms of possession of assets, management of future earnings, and control or division of property should a marriage end in divorce; however, it cannot adversely affect future child support. Prenups in NJ go into[...]