Written by: Marissa Del Mauro, Esq. The decision to enter into a private adoption is an exciting one, but it also comes with several questions regarding the process. In New Jersey, there are two ways to enter into a private adoption: 1) Through an approved agency; or 2) Directly from the birth parents. Before a […]
A guardian ad litem (GAL) is a special representative appointed by the court to act on behalf of another party. It could be for an infant or minor or another person who has been determined to be incapable of making important life decisions as these parties need help protecting their rights in court. The guardian […]
If you are the primary caregiver of a person with special needs and passed away tomorrow, is there someone who could pick up where you left off in caring for that person? A letter of intent is a document used to communicate the instructions, preferences and general need-to-know information about your dependent with special needs. […]
While divorce can be a difficult decision to make, it may be the healthiest option for all involved. No matter the reason, going through a divorce can be a stressful and emotional time. After you make the decision to divorce, you may be wondering how long it takes to get a divorce in New Jersey. […]
With more marriages and remarriages happening today, men and women regularly become stepparents to minor children. For instance, 57 percent of divorcees aged 35 to 44 years old walk down the aisle again. The same holds true for 63 percent of 45 to 54-year-olds and 67 percent of 55 to 64-year-olds. Ideally, step parenting forges […]
Advocates for victims of domestic violence have noticed a seasonal trend that domestic abuse increases during the summer months. Certain factors being attributed to the uptick have to do with common seasonal aggravations. Summer’s high temperatures cause physical discomfort that may contribute to unprovoked irritation. Unfortunately, an abuser may take those frustrations out on their significant other […]
After a divorce, sharing custody of the children can be complicated, especially if both parents are working. Shuttling children to and from activities and between homes while holding down a job requires real time management skill and a solid parenting time schedule. If you are in the process of working out a parenting time agreement, […]
Imagine your son or daughter is six months old and as a conscientious parent, you open a 529 Plan with your child as the beneficiary. During the marriage you and your spouse contribute funds to the 529 Plan in the hopes your child will someday attend college. Fast forward ten years and you and your […]
In the state of New Jersey, there is no law prescribing the specific age when a minor child may be left home alone and unattended. The DCP&P Policy Manual sets forth that, “Some children may be capable of being alone for short periods of time (to enable their parent to go to the local market, […]
Written by: Marissa DelMauro, Esq. In the midst of contentious and acrimonious divorces, the question often arises whether it is lawful to access a spouse’s emails without his or her knowledge. Understandably, one may want to view their spouse’s emails for signs of infidelity, for example. The answer is, it depends. First, both Federal and New […]
