Every time a new presidential administration takes over the federal executive branch, things change. New hiring and staffing turnovers at various agencies unfold, new executive orders reshape exercises of executive power, and the broader political climate – at both federal and state levels – tend...

Elder neglect remains a significant problem in New Jersey and throughout the country. For instance, research indicates that approximately one in 10 older Americans who live at home will experience some form of elder abuse—which can consist of neglect. Caretakers neglecting elderly people isn't t...

The New Jersey Legislature recently passed a bill that would require courts in domestic violence cases to order police to confiscate ammunition and certain gun accessories from defendants accused of domestic violence. If the bill eventually becomes law, it would mean that defendants in domestic v...

For many of us, pets are vital and cherished members of our families. But when people decide to divorce, they often ask who will get the dog, cat, or other pet. In determining child custody issues, New Jersey courts will consider the “best interests of the child” as a legal standard. However, onl...

Deciding what custody agreement works best for your child may be your most important decision during your separation. You may be wondering if 50/50 custody is the best choice for your child. The child custody lawyers at the Lento Law Firm can help you understand your options and weigh their pros ...

If you're a victim of domestic violence in New Jersey seeking protection through the court system, understanding what to expect at a restraining order hearing can help ease anxiety during an already stressful time. The process may seem intimidating, but with proper preparation and legal support, ...

A proposed bill in New Jersey could bring an important new protection for children impacted by domestic violence. If passed, the legislation would require individuals convicted of abuse to pay for any counseling or mental health services needed by their child victims. This measure reflects a grow...

Older Americans are often the target of scams and other financial exploitation. Con artists are increasingly targeting seniors with tactics designed to fleece them out of their hard-earned savings. The results can be devastating for individuals on limited incomes. If you or a loved one are facin...

When domestic abuse is part of a marriage, divorcing an abusive spouse can be stressful. Once separated, an abuser can toss aside their mask and set out to punish their spouse however possible. Psychologists refer to this as the maximum punishment strategy or the maximum pain, maximum gain strat...

Divorce can be an emotional time, and it's only natural to want to express those emotions on social media. You'll likely find the support you need, and your friends and relatives may be interested in occasional updates. However, your online activity can come back and bite you later, so it's impor...

Every marriage hits rough patches. And when people don't have the tools to handle life's challenges, frustration builds, tempers flare, and bad decisions follow. That's when divorce starts feeling like the only way out. Divorcing a regular spouse is hard. Divorcing a domestic abuser? That's a wh...

In New Jersey, spousal debts are a big issue in divorce proceedings. It's not unusual for one party to worry about the possibility of being partly or even wholly responsible for paying off debts that their partner incurred. However, the answer to the debt responsibility question is, it depends. ...

On Wednesday, January 15, New Jersey's Mercer County Tactical Response Team entered a home and apprehended 51-year-old Orenthia Upshur, who appeared to have barricaded himself in the home after allegedly shooting his girlfriend, 49-year-old Maisha Coon, to death in a Pennsylvania hotel room. Ther...

When two spouses divorce, one might earn substantially more than the other. In this case, the spouse with lesser earnings might be entitled to alimony so they can continue supporting themselves after the divorce. Alimony can also be part of premarital agreements. Spousal support can be a complex ...

New Jersey is one of just ten states that doesn't have a state-sponsored rape kit tracking system. The lack of protocols means survivors of sexual assault must wait years for law enforcement to provide updates in the hope of legal remedy and closure. However, lawmakers are on the verge of establi...

A recent Lancet Global Health report revealed a 15.7 percent abuse rate among elderly residents of community dwellings or nursing homes. This means roughly 1 in 6 senior citizens are being subjected to some form of mistreatment either by caregivers or relatives. Worse, only 1 in 24 cases of elder...

A recent news article raised the issue of elder abuse of actor John Amos, former star of “Good Times”, who died in in August of 2024 at the age of 84. His daughter, Shannon Amos, hired an attorney to investigate his care at the Centinela Hospital in Los Angeles. She said that someone impersonated...

New Jersey's Adult Protective Services (APS) helps vulnerable adults who live in a community setting, such as senior citizens and adults with disabilities. If you believe you're the subject of elder abuse or think someone you know may be a victim of elder abuse, you should report it so the APS ca...

New Jersey takes domestic violence seriously, prioritizing protecting its residents. To enhance these protections, the state has recently passed new legislation aimed at safeguarding pregnant people and their fetuses. However, family matters can be complex, and sometimes residents need help navig...

Intimate partner violence (IPV) – also called dating violence – is a type of domestic violence taken seriously by the NJ justice system. Whether you're concerned about how to handle intimate partner violence or you stand accused of this offense, here's an overview of the key facts you should know...

New Jersey is set to create a publicly accessible database of individuals with a history of domestic violence, including those convicted of a DV offense, those with a final DV restraining order issued against them, or those who violated a restraining order related to domestic violence. The public...

The more technology evolves, the more it forces the world to evolve with it. This is certainly true in the case of custody agreements. Virtual visitation is becoming a common way for parents to exercise their right to spend time with their children. The question is how exactly it affects custody ...

Governor Phil Murphy recently signed a landmark New Jersey law closing the "stranger loophole" in domestic violence (DV) cases. This law changes the DV landscape for alleged victims seeking a restraining order (RO). Historically, the legal system left a gap—known as the "stranger loophole"—which...

A new initiative in the Legislature is designed to introduce a crime of victimization for individuals who commit offenses against senior citizens or individuals with disabilities. This proposed legislation would specifically address crimes targeting individuals who are 62 years of age or older. ...

When Mike Tyson took on Jake Paul, it was billed as a spectacle for the ages—an icon of boxing squaring off against a brash social media star. While Tyson's name alone commands respect, it's no secret that he's nearly 60. His last professional fight was nearly two decades ago. In contrast, Paul i...