Many cases require qualified experts to give opinions addressing any relevant issue in a divorce action. Experts are routinely engaged and render opinions as to custody, visitation, employability, disability, valuation of real estate, business interests, retirement benefits, pensions, etc.
Governor Phil Murphy recently has thrown New Jersey into a multistate suit against the federal government. New York and their Governor Andrew Cuomo, Governor Dannel Malloy of Connecticut, & Brian Frosh the Attorney General for Maryland are also involved in this lawsuit. After months of talk, leaders of the Democratic party in these states are now suing the federal government over what they have declared is an unconstitutional provision, the cap for the SALT (state and local tax) deduction.
New Jersey has publicized guidelines for the Court’s use in determining the amount of child support after a divorce. As a result, the Family Part judges set child support in a uniform fashion throughout the state. The theory behind these guidelines is that parents at different income levels spend a certain percentage of their combined incomes or a specific amount of money toward raising their child(ren). The statistics were generated by socio-economic studies. The Court may modify or disregard the guidelines only when good cause is shown or otherwise provided.
Justice Anthony M. Kennedy is set to retire. He has been known to be a “swing” vote on numerous controversial issues. Appointed by President Ronald Reagan, Kennedy has earned a reputation as a moderate. This is all thanks to his willingness to join the court’s more liberal-leaning wing in important rulings on gay rights, abortion, affirmative action, and some criminal-justice issues. This track record has led many to see him as a crucial bulwark against the court’s growing ideological polarization. All of this will likely be changing, however.
New Jersey is in the minority of states that grant the Judge discretion to require divorced or separated parents to pay for their children’s college education. The public policy and social goal of the Family Court is to encourage the higher education and ultimate success of children. Divorce or separation of parents should not preclude a child’s education or training. If a child has the ability and inclination to seek higher education the parents are usually required to contribute if they are financially able.
Alimony is monetary support of one spouse by another in the wake of a divorce. It is decided upon by the New Jersey Court and their decision is guided by New Jersey’s alimony laws.
In 2014, New Jersey’s new alimony law passed. This new statute is very different from the old law. Under the new statute, New Jersey permits four types of alimony: open duration alimony, limited duration alimony, rehabilitative alimony, reimbursement alimony or a combination. In order to determine alimony, the Court considers the following:
As of January 1, 2018, there is no estate tax in New Jersey. This means that your heirs will not have to pay to New Jersey a tax based on the value of your estate. Many people mistakenly believe that because the estate tax was alleviated that they no longer need to do any estate planning or even have a will. However, at minimum, an individual should have a Power of Attorney, Advanced Directive and a Last Will and Testament.
Come join us this Saturday May 12th, at the 5th Annual Lake Hopatcong Block Party! We will have a booth set up throughout the day so come find us in between the live music, boat rides and other great activities and say hello!...
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Choosing the right family law attorney is one of the most important decisions you will ever make – whether you need an attorney for a divorce, child custody issues, domestic violence or adoption. These are all critical times in your in life, and it is vital to have an attorney who will fight for your rights, is experienced and knowledgeable with the applicable law and the court system, and just as important: with whom you can develop a strong rapport.
Bringing children into a divorce adds to the complexity and emotional toll already imposed on the separating couple. However, once you know the facts and see your options it won’t look nearly as daunting.
There are many types of custody arrangements created by parents and recognized by New Jersey Courts. While there is lots of room for variation in specific cases, the basic premise is simple. Custody is a two-tiered concept.