How should I prepare to meet with my new lawyer about separation or divorce? Google your lawyer for reviews. There may be a mix of good and not so good. Ask your lawyer about them. Determine if your lawyer charges a consultation fee. Some charge a reduced fee for the first meeting. Remember that free […]
Long Distance Parenting Tips
Whether out of state or across county lines, parenting can be a challenge. Reasons for LD Parenting, whether permanent or temporary can be diverse. New employment Job transfer/promotion for parent or parent’s spouse Educational pursuits Remarriage Caretaking of a relative Ways to accomplish successful Long-Distance Parenting: Each parent should foster and support the relationship. Adhere […]
How Much Support Can I Receive from My Spouse or the Child’s Parent?
Child support in New Jersey is based on the child support guidelines. Work sheets are completed based on income and approved deductions. Approved deductions are not living expenses such as a mortgage, rent or car payment. They are mandatory things such as mandatory contributions to retirement plans and appropriate tax withholdings. The definition of income […]
What is Collaborative Divorce?
Collaborative divorce is a process, just as litigation is a process. Litigation is the traditional method for divorce. Collaborative divorce has been available in New Jersey since 2014 by statute and practiced in many parts of the world, not just the United States. It essentially allows both parties to use their attorneys as negotiators to […]
What Are the Requirements for Filing a Petition for a Divorce in Monmouth County?
You have to be a resident of the State and you have to have lived in the county in which you file your divorce papers for at least a year before you file the complaint. The person who files the divorce is called a “plaintiff”. The person who receives the complaint is the “defendant”. The […]
How Does a Monmouth County Court Determines Who Gets Custody of the Children?
A Monmouth County Judge is guided by statutes and case law. For any issue that’s before a court, the judge takes into consideration the factors in the statute, fact sensitive information, custody evaluations, the testimony of witnesses etc. The judge has to weigh each of the factors and all of the other information that is […]
What Is the Difference Between Legal Separation and Divorce in New Jersey?
Technically in New Jersey there is no legal separation, even if you’re living in two different places, unless you have a written agreement that states that you are intentionally separated or a judge has ordered you to live apart, such as under an order for domestic violence. In order to be legally separated, you commit […]
How Is Spousal Support Determined in Monmouth County?
Spousal support is determined by statute. There is an alimony statute that was revised in 2014. It is roughly 14 factors that a judge has to take into consideration in determining the amount, type and amount of alimony. Some of the factors are age, employment or employment history, educational experience, care taking responsibility of the […]
How Is Child Support Determined in Monmouth County?
Child support in Monmouth County is determined just as it is determined in every county in the State of New Jersey and generally across the country by a statute and/or child support guidelines. Child support guidelines are used if the parents ‘net income is less than $3600.00 a week. Income is a very broad term. […]
What is Divorce Mediation in Monmouth County?
Divorce mediation is also a process that allows couples to meet with a neutral, a person who facilitates their discussions as to all issues and assist them in resolving them. The couple generally works solely with the mediator. For the right couple, they can come to terms in a cost effective way. It’s essentially a […]