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[ ... ]
Finding out your spouse has been unfaithful is emotionally devastating. You likely are experiencing strong feelings of anger, hurt, and rejection. Once the initial storm of emotions quiets a bit over the shock of discovering infidelity, you may be wondering what to do next While infidelity is a marital eye-opener, it doesn’t have to culminate in divorce. Some couples eventually fi[ ... ]
Discovery is the process of exchanging financial data and other relevant information between divorcing spouses. A major focus of discovery is to ensure full disclosure of spouses’ assets and debts in preparation for property division negotiations or litigation. Discovery seeks to ensure that spouses, their respective divorce attorneys, and the court—are fully aware of all the d[ ... ]
Not understanding what happens to property you owned before marriage when you are divorcing can make you feel anxious. There are specific rules in New Jersey about dividing assets in divorce. Knowing how property division works, what is separate property, and what is marital property may help relieve some of your apprehension and can also make you better prepared to fight for what[ ... ]
Generally, the best time to hire a divorce attorney is before filing the complaint. With experienced legal guidance from the get-go, you can improve your position in divorce proceedings. This is especially true if you expect your divorce to be contested, have children, or have a high net worth and are concerned about preserving your wealth. Even if you are amiable with each other[ ... ]
When you are unhappy in your marriage and considering leaving it, you may be wondering what is needed to move forward with a divorce. There are several steps involved in the divorce process. Filing a divorce complaint starts the legal proceedings. But even before you file, there are important things to consider to begin divorce, including getting prepared and retaining the assistance[ ... ]