Parenting after a separation or divorce presents many challenges. The entire family has to adjust to new custody and living arrangements, and financial issues that were once under one roof are now split up. The loss of a job or a significant financial setback after a custody order is in place can...

First recognized in 1989, October marks National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a period dedicated to honoring survivors and advancing awareness of domestic violence. The awareness month seeks to educate the public about the signs of domestic violence, ways to prevent it when possible, and re...

Negotiating child support payments in New Jersey is a complicated process. It's also emotional and stressful for everyone involved. Once a support order is finally set, it's supposed to stay in place for a specified period of time. But if you discover that your ex has been hiding assets or gettin...

Back-to-school shopping marks the end of summer for many families. Kids need so much for school nowadays. Everything from inexpensive things like backpacks, lunch bags, pens, and notebooks to big-ticket items such as tablets, laptops, musical instruments, and sports equipment are on almost every ...

In its decision in Cardali v. Cardali, the New Jersey Supreme Court provides much-needed clarity on an issue that's caused inconsistent rulings and confusion in divorce matters throughout the state. Specifically, the Cardali decision sets clear guidance for attorneys, judges, and divorce litigant...

In the high-stakes world of politics, it seems the promise of a bright, "green" future isn't always reflected in a candidate's financial dealings. In August 2023, an ABC News article reported that a 2024 Green Party Presidential Candidate, Cornel West, owes more than half a million dollars in chi...

When the parents of minor children decide to divorce, legally separate, or seek a non-marital romantic split, they must determine how their parenting time will be divided and how their parental authority will be structured moving forward. As no two families are exactly alike, there is no one-size...

Traditionally, New Jersey law has only permitted two kinds of victims to seek restraining orders against their abusers: Those subjected to domestic violence and stalking victims who are either younger than the age of majority or are adults with developmental disabilities. Yet, not all victims of ...

If you have recently been held against your will, you are intimately familiar with the “fight, flight, or freeze” response that the human body undergoes during moments of peak fear-related stress. There are few sensations more intense than this survival instinct, and – thankfully – you can use it...

President Franklin D. Roosevelt once observed that "We may not be able to prepare the future for our children, but we can at least prepare our children for the future." This aspiration is what inspires parents to seek out solid educational programs and enriching experiences for their kids. Withou...

Divorces are often dramatic. Friends, family members, and especially children are often forced to take sides, only to have their choice scrutinized by busybodies who hypothesize on mere gossip. Divorces involving celebrities, prominent figures, and high net-worth couples are especially challengin...

Although we've all heard the saying, “Never judge a book by its cover,” it seems that our human instincts can't help but form opinions based on first impressions. When dressing for an upcoming child custody hearing, you should aim to make the best possible impression on the court. Proper dress wi...

Every parent who appears before a judge in a child custody matter expects the court to believe that they are most capable of providing a safe and nurturing environment for their child(ren). Although personal testimony can be moving, extrinsic objective evidence about your positive parenting skill...

What Is a Private Investigator? We've all seen spy movies or crime thrillers where an envelope is handed to someone with photos detailing their every move. The character goes white in the face when they realize that they were and are being watched. Although actual private investigators come with...

During a custody battle, conflicting perceptions on how to best raise the children often take center stage. These dueling views may be challenging to reconcile when the issue relates to how to support a child who claims a transgender identity. One parent may believe that supporting the child's ge...

Going through a divorce is an emotional experience, even when you know it's the right thing to do. When we experience intense emotions, whether fear, anger, hurt, joy, or relief, we naturally want to share them with family and friends. However, there is such a thing as oversharing–and it can nega...

Resolving child custody issues can be one of the most stressful aspects of divorce, particularly for a parent with a substantially lower income than the other. Low-income parents in a custody battle often fear that their financial situation can dash their hopes of having custody of their child. H...

Parent-child tensions can notably increase during summer when the kids are home all day and parents are busy juggling their responsibilities. Sometimes these tensions can result in behavior you're not proud of, including behaving aggressively with your beloved child. If a mandated reporter or con...

New Jersey takes a harsh stance on domestic violence. The court system deals with violent acts or crimes conducted within a household or on members. The typical action for domestic violence is for the victim to seek a restraining order that forces the aggressor (defendant) from harassing or harmi...

Father's Day is more than a day to honor dads. It's an opportunity for fathers to strengthen their bond with their children. Having a father figure is essential to healthy child development and should be honored by co-parents even if the parents aren't living together. But if a co-parent has a pr...

They don't call them “fur babies” for nothing. Today, many consider their dogs, cats, and other pets to be cherished parts of the family. Sociological research shows that human-animal interactions in the home are important. And thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, not only do more American household...

The process of modifying a court order to deny an abusive parent custody of their child should be straightforward, but it isn't—sometimes with devastating results. In New Jersey, a horrific case of child abuse turned deadly has shaken public faith in the system. The tragedy highlights the difficu...

Jewish women in New Jersey are a step closer to having legal support from secular courts in obtaining a “get” from husbands refusing to give them one. On March 30, 2023, the New Jersey Assembly unanimously passed A1475, a bill that proposes adding language to a state domestic violence statute tha...

Several recent New Jersey bids to combat domestic violence are working their way through the state legislature—with varying degrees of speed—speaking to just how important the issue has become for state residents and lawmakers. Two of the newest laws currently under consideration have their roots...

When spouses and non-married couples with minor children decide to go their separate ways, New Jersey courts encourage them to formalize their parental rights and responsibilities via a child custody order. This formalization process allows everyone involved to benefit from legally-enforceable ex...