In divorce mediation a neutral third-party mediator helps divorcing spouses reach agreement on the issues involved in ending their marriage. Rather than having a judge make decisions at trial on matters such as property division, spousal support, and children’s concerns, mediation encourages spouses to coll[ ... ]
When a couple is divorcing, the emotional and legal complexities are often compounded by complicated financial questions—including those involving taxes. One common concern is whether spouses who are in the process of getting divorced in New Jersey can still file a joint tax return. This question is particularly important because the decision can have significant implications for tax liabilities, refunds, and legal responsibilities. Here, we’ll explore[ ... ]
Deciding to divorce is a deeply personal and often painful decision. While the emotional toll can be significant, understanding ahead of time how to start and navigate the process can bring clarity and reduce stress. While the first official step is filing the divorce complaint, you don’t have to start there. Depending on your relationship with your spouse, you may be able to negotiate key issues before any legal paperwork is filed, which could help to simplify and[ ... ]
While the end of a marriage can bring relief to spouses, it can bring uncertainty and upheaval to children. Children do not always understand what is happening or why divorcing will be better than staying married. They may act out, withdraw, or become clingy. The way a child experiences and copes with divorce depends on a number of factors, including their age, personality, and the circumstance[ ... ]
There are numerous decisions to be made when you are divorcing. One of the first things you will need to decide in filing the divorce complaint is the reason you want to end your marriage. In New Jersey, you can file on no-fault grounds or fault-based grounds. Many people choose no-fault divorce because it is typically a simpler, faster, and sometimes less antagonistic process. Understanding how no-fault[ ... ]
One of the most contentious and emotionally charged issues in divorce can be what happens to the marital home. While a home is often the biggest investment of a couple’s life, for many people it represents much more than a financial asset. It’s a place of comfort and security and a place where memories were made and children were or are being raised. It isn’t surprising that decisions about who gets the marital home—if either spouse--can be an area of consi[ ... ]
For many people, reclaiming their maiden name after divorce represents a symbolic and practical step toward a fresh start. In New Jersey, the process for resuming a maiden name (or using any desired last name) is relatively straightforward, assuming specific procedures are correctly completed. Divorce lawyers routinely advise clients about navigating the name change process to ensure it is prop[ ... ]
When you’re divorcing, you might wonder whether it’s okay to date while your case is pending. Dating during divorce in New Jersey isn’t prohibited and might seem like a way to help you move forward, but it can create complications in some circumstances. Before jumping back into the dating scene, be sure you understand the possible consequences. Your divorce lawyer can counse[ ... ]
After a divorce, parents must learn to work together to support their children’s growth, stability, and emotional well-being. But for some divorced spouses, lingering anger or bitterness can make cooperation challenging. One of the most difficult situations is when one parent undermines the other—whether by ignoring custody terms, speaking negatively about the other parent in front of[ ... ]
If your spouse is not working, it does not necessarily mean you will have to pay more in alimony in New Jersey to offset their lack of income. Instead, the court will consider the reason why your spouse is not working, along with various other factors, to arrive at the overall alimony determination. Then the judge will make the final alimony decision based upon the total circumstances. GET LEGAL HELP WHEN YOU EXPECT TO PAY ALIMONY AND YOUR SPOUSE IS NOT WO[ ... ]