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…
New Jersey Family Law Blog
Financial Hardships Do Not Excuse Child Support Obligations
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.…
High Court Grants Parents the Right to Request Paternity Tests
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…
Bill Would Increase Child’s Representation in Proceedings to Terminate Parental Rights
Photographed by Daniel Case 2006-07-27 (Photo credit: Wikipedia) A bill pending before the Senate Judiciary Committee, if passed, would increase representation for children in parental rights termination cases. (1) Termination of parental rights is a serious, irrevocable action in New Jersey. If, after reading the following, you need assistance with…
“Preglimony” – A Fair Financial Arrangement or A Setback to Women’s Rights?
Pregnant lady in beautiful pick flowing dress. People at Morro Bay, CA Fourth of July 2011 Celebration (Photo credit: mikebaird) Everyone is familiar with alimony, “palimony” and child support, but is society ready for “preglimony?” That’s the debate taking place in legal circles today (1). If, after reading the following,…
Bill Looks to Ensure Conscionability of Prenuptial Agreements
A couple of 14-carat gold wedding rings. Picture taken in Brazil, where 14-carat is the most common kind of gold used in jewelry. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) The State Senate recently approved a bill that would change the way courts in New Jersey look at prenuptial agreements. Judges in divorce cases,…
In Divorce, Paying Attention to Details Can Avoid Future Problems
Newt Gingrich, Advance Directive Advocate (Photo credit: Mike Licht, NotionsCapital.com) Although divorce can be a very emotional experience, keeping a clear head concerning certain practical matters can help to avoid additional heartache down the road. If, after reading the following, you need a Hunterdon County lawyer to assist you with…
Changing Your Name Following Divorce Is Easy, but Take Care to Avoid Complications
ch-ch-ch-ch-changes (Photo credit: Heather Quintal) Although its origins date back to a time when women had few individual rights, the custom of women taking their husbands’ names at marriage is still popular. (1) It can be a symbol of unity as a couple starts their married life together. If the…
NJ Child Support Payment Guidelines Don’t Always Help
When a couple with children divorces in New Jersey, child support payments are determined with the help of guidelines established by court rule. (1) Because our lives are not stagnant, circumstances can arise that turn what was once considered a fair payment into a hardship. Usually these circumstances involve a…
Are New Jersey’s Alimony Laws Due for an Update?
alimony (Photo credit: Kalense Kid) Massachusetts recently updated its alimony laws to reflect our changing times. (1) Will New Jersey soon follow the example? If after reading the following you need assistance with an alimony issue, particularly in Hunterdon County, contact the family law attorneys at The Rotolo Law Firm…