One of the most common misconceptions about divorce is the belief that spouses must live apart for a specific period of time before they file for divorce. In New Jersey, physical separation is not required before filing for divorce. While separation can be relevant in certain cases, it is not…
One of the most common concerns people raise when considering divorce is whether the location of their marriage limits where they can file for divorce. This question often arises for couples who married out of state, married abroad, or relocated years after their wedding. This is an understandable concern that…
Many people contemplating divorce assume that to separate from their spouse they will need to participate in a courtroom trial. The thought of a “divorce trial” is often reinforced by television, social media, and stories passed down from prior generations. In reality this is no longer how divorce works in…
When someone is considering divorce, misinformation often creates unnecessary fear. Social media, online forums, and well-meaning friends frequently repeat outdated or incorrect assumptions about how divorce works in New Jersey. The result is confusion, increased anxiety, and poor decision-making at a time when clarity matters most. Over the past several…
One topic new clients ask about is how they can resume a former name at the time they get divorced. Others were divorced but did not resume a former name at that time and ask is it too late to do so now? Still others did resume a former name…
The COVID-19 virus has placed the population in a situation the likes of which we have never seen in our lifetime. It has had an impact on almost every facet of our lives. It has raised, and will continue to raise, the stress levels each of us experience in everyday…
Since its’ passage in 1991, the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act or “PDVA” has afforded protection to New Jersey residents who have been the victim of domestic violence. The PDVA has been amended and interpreted on countless occasions over the years and is one of the most strict and protective…
Two questions often asked by clients at their initial interview are “Do I need to be separated from my spouse for any length of time before I can file for divorce? and Can I obtain a legal separation from my spouse?” The short answer to both questions is no. In…
In all divorce matters where alimony or child support is an issue, the income or earning capacity of the parties needs to be determined. If you and your spouse are employed on a full-time basis your annual income can be easily determined. However, if you or your spouse are unemployed…
In many divorce cases, the most contentious issues are those regarding the parties’ children. The issues of physical custody, time sharing or visitation, extra-curricular activities, religious education and the cost for college education are routinely in dispute. Often, well-intentioned parents insist that their proposed resolution on these issues is best.…