Category: Divorce
Benefits and Pitfalls of Divorce from Bed and Board
New Jersey allows married couples to seek a limited divorce known as Divorce from Bed and Board. This action is often taken by parties who have religious objections to divorce, or for economic reasons such as maintaining eligibility for health insurance through their spouse’s health insurance coverage, social security and retirement benefits. While Divorce from Bed and Board offers certain advantages, there are also pitfalls which couples should consider before pursuing a Divorce from Bed and Board.
The Challenge of Proving Cohabitation
Marital settlement agreements often provide that a party can suspend, modify or terminate the obligation to pay alimony if the recipient spouse “cohabits” with another person. Currently, cohabitation under New Jersey law is defined as “… a mutually supportive, intimate personal relationship in which a couple has undertaken duties and privileges that are commonly associated with marriage or civil union but does not necessarily maintain a single common household.” The reality under New Jersey law is that proving cohabitation can be difficult as noted in the recent New Jersey appellate case of Landau v. Landau.
Can My Spouse Be Ordered To Pay My Counsel Fees?
New Jersey law allows the award of attorneys’ fees in divorce and other family actions in certain circumstances. Courts looks at several factors including the parties’ behavior in terms of the positions they take in litigation. Acting in bad faith in pursuing or defending an action can have a significant influence on a court’s decision to award attorneys’ fees in favor of one party and against the other party.
Separation Agreement “Forced” on Spouse is Unenforceable
Matrimonial law generally encourages couples who separate and divorce to resolve their disputes amicably. However, New Jersey Courts will not blindly enforce agreements, and the Courts have the authority to completely disregard agreements, as demonstrated by a recent New Jersey case involving a separation agreement.
Are “Stipulated Damages” Provisions in Marital Settlement Agreements Enforceable, Even If There Were No Actual Damages?
In New Jersey, Marital Settlement Agreements are contracts that are enforceable just like contracts outside the family law context – with some very important distinctions. Generally, Marital Settlement Agreements are enforceable to the extent they are “fair and equitable.” But does this concept apply to agreements between spouses regarding specific penalties for violations of the […]
Is Your Spouse Hiding Assets During Divorce?
How to divide assets is one of the most common sources of dispute in divorce. In New Jersey, marital property and debt are subject to equitable distribution, which means fair, but not necessarily equal, division between the parties. While New Jersey law requires the full disclosure of all assets, New Jersey Courts do not independently verify whether a party has fully and candidly disclosed all assets. Instead, it is up to the other party to “fact check” the accuracy of their spouse’s disclosures. An attorney, acting in concert with other professionals, has several methods to verify financial disclosures and find hidden assets.
