A recent ruling by the New Jersey Court of Appeals clarifies the standard of proof required in obtaining a Final Restraining Order (a/k/a an “F.R.O.”). This ruling affirms a court’s authority to use discretion to weigh evidence in restraining order proceedings. If you are being harassed by a spouse, significant…
Changes in child custody orders can affect a parent’s financial obligations in a number of ways. In the recent New Jersey appellate case of Cowie v. Cowie, which was filed by our firm, a mother had already obtained sole custody of her children, and she made a motion to have the…
Child support negotiation involves a number of issues that can complicate the process. For example, some divorced parents want to waive or reduce a child support agreement as part of a larger divorce settlement deal negotiated between the parents. New Jersey judges can intervene by altering the child support amount…
A recently published case establishes new rules for resolving preschool disputes between divorced parents. The court recognized that this particular issue had never been addressed before. An ordinary dispute between divorced parents can sometimes land you in an unexplored area of New Jersey law. It is important to hire a…
If a person feels that his or her life, safety, or health is at risk because of the acts or threats of another person, he or she may be able to obtain a temporary restraining order from a judge in New Jersey. The Prevention of Domestic Violence Act of 1991,…
When grandparents are denied an opportunity to visit their grandchildren, a conflict is bound to arise. On one hand, a parent has a right to decide how his or her child will be raised. On the other hand, removing a grandparent from a child’s life could potentially harm the child. In…
A recently published New Jersey case held that a divorced parent is not always liable for a child’s college education. This case involved complex facts, and a number of criteria were considered in addition to the parent/child relationship. Divorce cases can be complex, especially when there are children involved in…
New Jersey residents are allowed to designate a representative in legal matters. This arrangement, called a Designated Power of Attorney (POA), allows a trusted person to sign documents and negotiate legally binding agreements on your behalf. The right to a POA is expressed in the Revised Durable Power of Attorney…
A 2010 change to New Jersey law made oral agreements for palimony unenforceable. But it was unclear whether this change would affect agreements that were already in place. A landmark case was recently decided by the New Jersey Supreme Court, declaring that older oral palimony agreements are still valid. If…
In the state of New Jersey, it is rare that the entry of your final judgment of divorce represents the final interaction with your former spouse, especially if your settlement agreement or judgment of divorce includes a provision for alimony to be paid. Whether you are the payor/obligor or the…