This Week in NJ Law: Middlesex Memorial Unveiled

Middlesex County unveiled a memorial for fallen law enforcement officers this week. A full-color mural spanning the main corridor of Middlesex County Police Training Center in Edison, the memorial features plaques that include the name, agency, and date of death of every officer.

Ruling: College-aged Girl Will Stop Receiving Financial Support from Adopted Father

In a reported decision April 13, the three-judge Appellate Division panel in Llewelyn v. Shewchuk agreed that an adoptive father no longer has to pay child support for his college-age daughter who chose to live with her biological father.

NJ Expands Sick Leave Law and Introduces Christopher’s Law

In 2013, the Jersey City Council made the city the first in the state to require private business owners to provide their employees with paid sick leave. On Wednesday, October 28th, the council expanded that requirement to include businesses with under 10 workers.

NJ Opioid Crisis: Tragedy Worth Thinking Twice About

In New Jersey, a tragic story has sparked talk of a new law. A couple whose son was given opioid drugs after a surgery later died from a heroin overdose, leaving his family devastated and wondering: would it have happened without the doorway of initially prescribed drugs?

Social Host Liability Laws in NJ

By: Daniel P. Agatino, Ph. D., Esq.

So, you have decided to throw a holiday party. You’ve picked out the menu, you’ve written out the invitations and you’ve purchased the alcohol; you’re all set. Well, almost; there is still one more task you should consider. What is your alcohol policy going to be? It may seem odd to think about an actual alcohol policy but consider that many states have laws which hold party hosts liable for accidents caused by their intoxicated guests.

Underage Drinking Laws in NJ

By: Daniel P. Agatino, Ph. D., Esq.

The holidays are fast approaching and many of us are thinking about gathering with family and friends to celebrate. Typically, these celebrations will involve alcohol and it is important to know your rights and responsibilities as a party host and/or guest. Specifically, I’d like to address the issue of the consumption of alcohol by an underage person. In New Jersey, there is a specific statue that prohibits adults from serving minors alcoholic beverages: Providing Alcohol to Minors: N.J.S. 2C:33-17.

Divorce Mediation: New Jersey Style

By: Mark Gruber, J.D., L.L.M.

What is Divorce Mediation in New Jersey?

Divorce mediation in New Jersey should be defined as a process by which divorce related issues are resolved by the parties themselves with the assistance of a third neutral person with specialized knowledge. Divorce mediation is an alternative dispute resolution mechanism that has gained popularity in New Jersey as well as other states across the country. Divorce mediation is an attractive alternative to most of the other forms of dispute resolution, especially in light of the “high stakes” involved and the emotions of the parties, which, when mismanaged, can result in years of protracted and costly litigation.

NJ Mediation

By: Mark Gruber, J.D., L.L.M.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF MEDIATION

Mediation has its origins in ancient times. Mediation was utilized in Phoenicia and Babylon to resolve commerce issues. The ancient Greeks called mediators proxenetas. The origins of mediation can be traced to Roman Law as early as 530 A.D. Romans had other names for mediators, including intemuncius, medium, intercessor, philantropus, interpolator, conciliator, interlocutor, interpres, and eventually mediator. Mediation is a form of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). See Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia, History of Dispute Mediation, http://en.wikipedia.org. The general definition of mediation is the process whereby a neutral person facilitates the resolution of a dispute between two parties. When the mediator has a specialized knowledge such as in the area of divorce, the process historically has been referred to as conciliation. Conciliators, utilizing their expertise of the matter in dispute, can make suggestions for settlement terms and give advice on the subject matter. In that sense, the conciliator acts as an advisor and mediator. For purposes of this chapter, the term mediator will apply to the neutral third person who acts in the mediation or conciliation process.

Worker’s Compensation NJ

By: Virginia Liotta, Esq.

There are few life events more anxiety provoking and overwhelming than being faced with an injury or illness.  When the injury or illness occurs on the job, an additional layer of complexity emerges because the stricken individual must comply with the NJ Worker’s Compensation Act.