Parent reviewing a parenting schedule

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 and divorce financial planning

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 […]

elderly parent who doesn't want help

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 […]

uncontested lawyer graphic

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 […]

divorce papers example

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 […]

NJ child custody law changes 2026

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 […]

spouse worried about texts

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 […]

Paul Caneiro Verdict

Authors: Elise Bavazzano and Nicole Atlak The recent conviction of Paul Caneiro in Monmouth County has closed one chapter in a case that has deeply affected communities across New Jersey. A jury found Caneiro guilty of murdering his brother, sister-in-law, and their two children in a 2018 tragedy that also involved arson at two separate […]

woman feeling confident after divorce

How to Rebuild Your Life Post-Divorce Rebuilding your life after divorce isn’t just about healing emotionally, it’s about rebuilding your day-to-day reality. Divorce disrupts nearly every part of life at once: your home, finances, routines, relationships, and future plans. Even when divorce is the right decision, the aftermath can feel destabilizing. It’s also normal to […]

couple going through divorce

Divorces in January aren’t about impulse, they’re about clarity. As the holidays end and real life settles back in, many people find themselves confronting truths they’ve been avoiding for months, or even years. The holiday season carries emotional weight. There’s pressure to be happy, to keep the peace, to hold everything together for family and […]