This is an interesting political cycle and one cannot help but see some parallels between the lack of civility in the political arena and in our society, as well as how lack of civility relates to spouses in transition. For months, we have heard the candidates often contradicting themselves, suggesting that anyone…
It is that time of year when us practicing New Jersey attorneys submit our registration renewals and pay any required fees in order to continue to be able to practice law for the coming year. Despite its trials and tribulations at times, practicing Family Law, and assisting my clients through…
On March 17, 2016, the New Jersey Appellate Division issued an unpublished opinion in the case of Parrish v. Klugar 2015 WL 10488423 (App. Div. 2016). In the Parrish case, the father appealed from an August 18, 2014 post-judgment Family Part order that denied his motion to emancipate his then…
On September 10, 2014 the New Jersey Legislature amended the alimony statute, N.J.S.A. 2A:34-23. The Legislature provided for various standards related to a supporting spouse’s retirement, whether the obligor sought to retire early or whether the obligor spouse sought to retire at full retirement age. N.J.S.A. 2A:34-23(j) provides that…
In a recently published decision, D.G. and S.H. v. K.S., FD-1386-14S, the Honorable Stephanie M. Wauters, J.S.C., issued what could prove to be a groundbreaking decision as the definition of family continues to develop and evolve with the ever changing times. The original ninety-six page decision decision was abridged to twenty-two…
On October 21, 2015, the Hon. L.R. Jones, J.S.C., a family court judge in Ocean County issued an opinion that was approved for publication this week in the matter of Fichter-v-Fichter. Judge Jones addressed the question of whether a parent already paying child support pursuant to those Guidelines also has…
Although I can recall having heard about similar stories in the past, a recent news story caught my eye in which a Lakewood, New Jersey couple had been sentenced in a plot to extort a divorce. They, along with others, were accused of involvement in a scheme involving the kidnap…
There is no question that a divorce is likely to be one of the most difficult things that someone can endure. Clients come in and they are afraid – of what is going to happen to them, or of what is going to happen to their children. The future…
Earlier this month, the New Jersey Appellate Division took up the issue of whether or not a litigant living as a fugitive outside the United States has standing to challenge a default judgment entered by the trial relating to custody and support. The case of Yvietta Matison v. Mark Lisantary,…
In New Jersey, it is well established that both parties have an obligation to support their children financially. Accordingly, child support obligations are one of the primary issues dealt with when a marriage or relationship ends between people who have children, whether it be my consensual agreement or court order.…