Articles Posted in Uncategorized

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We have all heard of the shocking cost of some celebrity divorces.  But, what about the rest of us? A THREE 100 DOLLAR ROLLSdivorce can be costly at any financial level. One of the first questions an individual pondering divorce has is, “how much does a divorce cost?” And, many of us have seen the advertisements claiming that you can be divorced for $400. Unfortunately, the real answer to how much a divorce costs remains illusive. The cost of a divorce really is on a case by case basis. Continue reading ›

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We have written previously about issues of cohabitation and it’s impact on the right and obligation to receive and pay alimony. We have also written about the courts’ attitudes towards the file0001849487704enforcement of Property Settlement Agreements. On May 3, 2016 the Supreme Court of New Jersey in the matter of Quinn -v- Quinn, — NJ — (2016) [(A-5-14) (074411)], addressed the issue of enforcing terms of a Property Settlement Agreement involving the effect of cohabitation on provisions dealing with alimony in the matter. In this matter the parties, who were married in 1983, entered into a Property Settlement Agreement in 2006 providing that upon the Wife’s cohabitation, per case or statutory law, her alimony would terminate. Continue reading ›

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In handling divorce matters, there are many issues that the parties argue about.  One issue, however, which is rarely disputed is a need for, or a willingness to, financially support one’s children. DSC04223What parties may fight about is how much that child support should be. That determination is dependent upon a multitude of factors, most notably the incomes of the parents. For most “average” families, the courts have largely determined what the amounts should be through the use of Child Support Guidelines – plugging in incomes and other set variables to arrive at specific support levels which are then apportioned between the parents. However, our office is often confronted with families whose circumstances are far from “average”. Continue reading ›

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I am always encouraged when parents who are ending their relationship strive to put aside their own personal conflict with one another to try to do what is best for their children.  It is well aacknowledged that it is important to children’s development for them to have consistency and stability in their lives.   Children may have already experienced and witnessed discord and strife when their parents are splitting up, and may experience worry and uncertainty about what their living arrangements are going to be when their parents are no longer living together.   Parents who strive to maintain a life of consistency and reduced volatility after the parents have ended their relationship should be lauded.  How to put into practice the desire for consistency for the children can be difficult. Continue reading ›

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IMG_9926Historically, New Jersey case law did not favor allowing a custodial parent to relocate another state with a child. However, the major advancements in technology which allow people to remain in constant contact with each other and the ease with which one can travel interstate has shifted the tide. Under the right circumstances, it is not unheard of for a Court to grant a primary parent’s request to relocate out of the State of New Jersey with a child. Continue reading ›

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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 inTrump for President 2 transition. For months, we have heard the candidates often contradicting themselves, suggesting that anyone on their side would make a better President than anyone in the opposition party, and yet immediately thereafter, sometimes without even taking a breath, opining that their party opponent is also not suited for office. These warranties and calculated retractions are all said straight-faced with innocent eyes, pleading with the listener to ignore the contradiction. Continue reading ›

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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 what is an often difficult, emotional and challenging set of life circumstances, it is not only rewarding and satisfying, but is a privilege as well. Indeed, the ability to practice law is considered a “privilege” and not a “right.” Like many other professions, attorneys must be licensed to be able to practice their profession after satisfying various rules and requirements established not only by the profession’s governing body-in this instance, the New Jersey Supreme Court- but by the State as well. Besides such occupational licenses, there are numerous other types of licenses that the State may issue, whether they be licensed to drive, participate in recreational activities (i.e., hunt, fish, operate a boat, etc.) Continue reading ›

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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 IMG_2849from an August 18, 2014 post-judgment Family Part order that denied his motion to emancipate his then twenty-one-year-old child, ordered the parties to cooperate with a parenting coordinator and abide by her recommendations, and directed the parties to “‘return’ to a psychologist for updated psychological evaluations for themselves as well as their two younger children, then ages thirteen and twelve. Continue reading ›

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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,file0001270953716 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 “Alimony may be modified or terminated based upon the prospective or actual retirement age of the obligor”.  Moreover, “There shall be a rebuttable presumption that alimony shall terminate upon the obligor spouse or partner attaining full retirement age, except that any arrearages that have accrued prior to the termination date shall not be vacated or annulled.   Continue reading ›

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file000739321417On 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 to pay an additional amount for child support of a new licensed unemancipated teenage driver. Continue reading ›