Even if a child is not physically harmed, witnessing domestic violence can take an emotional toll on a child. For this reason, family courts in New Jersey and across the nation take claims of domestic violence very seriously. Since it is the court’s job to ensure children are in the care of a safe and responsible parent […]
While the courts consider many factors when determining child custody arrangements, the best interests of the child are always the top priority. There are two primary elements of custody that must be determined: legal and physical custody. Legal custody is the right to make vital decisions for the child, such as education, medical care, and […]
Divorces can take time and cause an enormous change in your life. Some couples find themselves regretting filing for divorce and wishing they could take it back. Sometimes, working with a mediator helps couples learn how to communicate better—making them realize they want to give their marriage another chance before ending things. Then they wonder, […]
A divorce decree is the final document that officially ends the marriage. It is a formal declaration that contains important guidelines for how the divorced couple is going to manage their affairs going forward. The divorce decree covers property division, child custody, and alimony terms, among other matters. For a spouse involved in the process of getting a […]
Child custody is one big piece of the larger divorce puzzle, and because of the emotions involved, it is often the most challenging. Divorced parents naturally find it difficult to transition from seeing their child every day to sharing parenting time with an ex-spouse. This discussion explains the difference between sole and joint custody to help parents better […]
It is not uncommon for grandparents to wonder whether they can obtain custody of their grandchild(ren). This situation often arises when a grandparent has raised his or her grandchild without the assistance of either biological parent. Resolving a custody dispute between a third party and a parent involves a two-step analysis by the Court. The first […]
Every marriage is a work in progress. Even the happiest unions encounter rough patches from time to time. These challenges can sometimes feel insurmountable. Staying in an unhealthy marriage can be mentally, physically, and emotionally detrimental. There is some solace in recognizing when a marriage is beyond repair and taking steps to end it as […]
Deciding to file for a divorce can be a daunting decision, especially when you are unsure how your spouse will react to your request for a divorce. It is important to know the divorce process and the options you have, depending on whether you and your spouse are able to reach an agreement. Contested Divorce If you […]
Divorcing any spouse can present its own set of challenges, however, divorcing a spouse with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (diagnosed or undiagnosed) presents challenges that may affect the trajectory and timeline of the divorce process itself. Per the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (also known as “DSM”), Narcissistic Personality Disorder (“NPD”) includes: A pervasive […]
Most people going through divorce hope their ex-spouse will remain civil throughout the process. However, everyone handles divorce differently. The most agreeable partner can change when it is time to discuss visitation schedules or divide marital assets. Dealing with hostility at every turn can feel overwhelming and defeating. It is hard to see the light at […]
