In previous blogs I have written on the actions taken by the New Jersey Legislature to move forward with alimony reform. In February, the Assembly Judiciary Committee approved a measure calling for an eleven person panel to study the need for and make suggestions with regard to such alimony reform. The panel would, by the terms of the measure, include the Administrative Director of the Courts or his designee. Currently, Hon. Glenn A. Grant, J.A.D. holds that post. Judge Grant was the presiding judge in the Family Division in Essex County before he was appointed to serve as an Appellate Division judge. In addition to Judge Grant, there would be two members from each legislative chamber and six public members. The public members would be comprised of three women and three men, two of whom must be matrimonial lawyers and one a retired Family Court Judge. The panel’s charge would be to report back to the Legislature within one year. The bill is expected to be voted on by the full Assembly within one week. Nothing in the bill prevents other legislation regarding alimony reform to be held in abeyance pending the commission’s report.
