Bonuses, stock options, RSUs, commissions, and other forms of deferred or incentive compensation can be divided in a New Jersey divorce when they were earned through efforts made during the marriage. The fact that compensation is paid, vested, or received after the divorce filing does not automatically make it separate property. These assets can be […]
Divorce changes much more than your marital status. It can affect who inherits your property, who manages your finances if you become incapacitated, who makes medical decisions for you, and who receives assets that pass outside your will. If your spouse is currently named throughout your estate plan, those documents should be reviewed during the […]
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 […]
