Author: Luther G. Jones, IV
If I Surrender My Parental Rights, Do I Still Have Visitation Rights?
When a parent agrees to voluntarily surrender his or her parental rights, the right to visitation with that child is generally terminated. As demonstrated in a recent New Jersey Appellate Division decision, a parent who has surrendered their parental rights has a significant legal hurdle if they wish to establish a visitation schedule with the […]
How Important Is A Correct Calculation of Marital Lifestyle on My Case Information Statement?
The marital standard of living of spouses during the marriage is one of 14 factors considered by courts in calculating an alimony award. Accurately determining what a couple’s spending was during the marriage is crucial because one purpose of alimony is to ensure that both parties can continue to live in a reasonably comparable manner […]
Can I Waive My Right to Modify a Support Obligation?
In New Jersey, alimony and child support obligations are generally subject to modification based on “changed circumstances.” The right to seek modification, and the steps one must take when doing so, were established in 1980 by the New Jersey Supreme Court in the case of Lepis v. Lepis. Typically, modification of an alimony or child support obligation requires a post-divorce application to the Court if the parties are not able to agree on whether to modify the support obligation and/or by how much.
Can I Discharge My Obligations to A Former Spouse in Bankruptcy?
As part of the divorce process, spouses must resolve various financial matters, including support and division of assets and debts. The resulting marital settlement agreement is enforceable in a court of law, even when one party declares bankruptcy after the divorce has been finalized, as illustrated by a recent New Jersey decision.
What Is a Case Information Statement and Why Do I Have to File One with the Court?
If you are going through the process of divorcing in the State of New Jersey, the Court will require you and your spouse to file a “Case Information Statement.” This is a document which summarizes the finances of the marriage. Generally, the Case Information Statement asks you to provide your income, your spouse’s income, the average spending over the course of one year, and list all assets and liabilities.
