A gray divorce generally refers to a divorce involving spouses age 50 or older. New Jersey does not use a separate set of divorce laws for older couples, but divorce later in life often involves different priorities because retirement, pensions, healthcare, Social Security, accumulated assets, and long-term financial security are much closer at hand. People […]
A business started before marriage may begin as separate property in New Jersey, but that does not always mean the entire business stays outside equitable distribution. The main questions are usually: What was the business worth when the marriage began? Did it increase in value during the marriage? What caused that increase? Were marital funds […]
A privately held business is usually valued by examining its financial performance, assets, liabilities, income, ownership structure, and future earning potential. Unlike a publicly traded company, there is no daily market price that tells the court exactly what the business is worth. In a high-asset divorce, that often means bringing in a business valuation professional, […]
Yes, a parenting plan can be changed after divorce in New Jersey, but a parent generally cannot just decide to stop following the existing arrangement. A modification usually requires either an agreement between the parents that is properly formalized or a court-approved change. Courts recognize that family circumstances do not stay the same forever. Work […]
Retirement accounts can be divided in a New Jersey divorce when some or all of the retirement benefit was earned during the marriage. This can include 401(k)s, pensions, IRAs, deferred compensation plans, and other retirement benefits. That does not mean the entire account is automatically marital property, and it does not mean every retirement account […]
If you’re worried about an aging parent who keeps saying, “I’m fine,” you’re not alone. Many adult children hear some version of: “I don’t need help.” “Stop worrying about me.” “I’ve taken care of myself this long.” Even when it’s obvious that something has changed, getting a parent to accept help can feel impossible. It’s […]
If you are considering divorce and are unsure whether your case is truly uncontested, speaking with an experienced divorce lawyer in New Jersey can help you understand your rights and avoid costly mistakes. Even when spouses appear to agree, important legal and financial issues can arise that affect your future. Quick Answer: Not Always, But […]
A common fear in divorce is: “If they won’t sign, I’m stuck.” That’s not how it works in New Jersey. One spouse cannot legally block a divorce just by refusing to cooperate. While refusal can slow things down, it cannot stop the process altogether. If your spouse won’t sign or won’t participate, there are structured […]
On January 20, 2026, former Governor Phil Murphy signed New Jersey Senate Bill S4510/A5761 into law, which reformed core aspects of N.J.S.A. 9:2-4 governing child custody. Changes include how courts assess safety risks, evaluate children’s preferences, determine whether to order therapeutic interventions, and when judges must provide specific findings on the record to justify custody […]
Can text messages be used in divorce court? Sometimes — and it depends. That’s not a lawyer trying to dodge the question. It’s the honest reality. This comes up in almost every divorce because people worry about privacy, control, and what their spouse might be digging for behind the scenes. Texts feel personal, and during […]
