The State Assembly currently is considering legislation to end permanent alimony and clarify the guidelines under which other forms of alimony are awarded. (1) In New Jersey, there are four main variations of alimony that can be awarded upon the end of a marriage or civil union: limited duration alimony,…
By now, all year-end tax records have been received and people are busy preparing tax returns for filing by April 15. Earlier this year, changes were made to the tax code which could affect many people, especially those in the process of divorce. On January 1 the American Taxpayer Relief…
Valentine’s Day focuses on love, and with love in the air, many couples begin to plan their next step – marriage. Today it is not unusual for couples to consider drafting prenuptial agreements before they tie the knot. A common myth surrounding prenuptial agreements is that only the rich benefit…
If you are a parent or guardian of a teenager between the ages of 13 to 17 who has committed a minor legal infraction, help may be available thanks to the Hunterdon County early intervention program announced the 14th of January this year by the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office. After…
A New Jersey appeals court recently ruled that the State was not obligated to provide counsel to either plaintiffs or defendants for hearings on restraining orders resulting from acts of domestic violence. (1) The U.S. Constitution provides all citizens with the right to counsel, whether or not they can afford…
keith’s child support (Photo credit: Sean Durham) A recent story on msn.com suggested that Chris Humphries, estranged husband of Kim Kardashian, is the legal father of the baby she is currently carrying. Yet, anyone who follows celebrity news knows that Kanye West is that baby’s daddy. Which is it? What…
Adoption (film) (Photo credit: Wikipedia) About 1,500 American families, including some New Jersey residents, recently had their dreams shattered when a bill banning Russian orphan adoptions by U.S. citizens was signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin, a move that highlights one of the risks of international adoptions. (1) Each year…
dollars (Photo credit: Tddy) Alimony, otherwise known as spousal support, is intended to protect the less financially stable partner once a marriage ends. However, when circumstances change, this protective order for one partner turns into a hardship for the other and both parties lose. It is the need to address…
Senior leaders visit Sandy response efforts in NJ and NY (Photo credit: The National Guard) In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, many lives throughout the State were put on hold. Schools were closed; work was missed; bank fees were waived; homes were destroyed; and even property tax deadlines were extended.…
Holding hands (Photo credit: Marco Nedermeijer) When the paternity of a child is in question, parents do have the right to request a genetic test from the State, according to a recent decision by the New Jersey State Supreme Court. (1) This recent decision, which was in response to a…