Category: Divorce
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.
Can You Date During Divorce?
Divorcing couples often ask about dating – whether they can date and how it will look to a judge. A divorce can go on for a year or more, so the issue arises in many divorces not just those involving spouses who initiated a divorce because they met someone else. The reality is dating is allowed, but there are a few pitfalls that the parties should understand if they want to date while divorcing.
5 Tips from a Divorce Lawyer on Managing the Stress of Divorce
No divorce is stress-free even when couples mutually agree to split. It is an emotional period, often made worse because there are many issues that must be settled, including those involving children, living arrangements and finances. Couples must think rationally about the divorce process and the next steps in their lives at the same time they are dealing with anger, grief and uncertainty.
3 Things You Should Know About Divorce Mediation Without an Attorney
Mediation can be a highly cost-effective way to settle disputes in divorce. In certain situations, divorcing parties elect to attend mediation without hiring attorneys as an additional cost-saving measure. If you intend to go to mediation without an attorney, there are some important things to keep in mind. First, and most importantly, remember the mediator […]
When Does Child Support End?
Under New Jersey law, parents are presumptively required to provide for the financial support of their unemancipated children. While many parents believe child support automatically terminates when a child reaches age 18, this is not true in New Jersey. Child support terminates upon a child’s emancipation. Importantly, the definition of emancipation varies by state, making it extremely pertinent parents are aware of their state’s laws.
