Planning a dream wedding or a dream vacation can take many months. Most people consider it time well spent on making wonderful memories. Probably the same cannot be said for planning a dream divorce. Obviously, divorce is far from dreamy — but planning for it will pay off for you in the long run. Divorce…
When a couple decides to divorce, the question of who will remain in the marital home can become contentious. One spouse may leave for a period of time, then wish to return. Or a spouse can return home from work one day to find the locks changed. While these situations do happen, you do not…
Before your divorce is final, you will want to protect yourself against incurring any more joint debt for which you may be liable once the divorce judgment is final. Because while a final divorce decree will apply to you and your ex-spouse, it has no bearing on your joint creditors. If your ex has agreed…
When it comes to property division in a divorce, there are often retirement or pension plans that are on the table to be split between the divorcing spouses. Splitting a qualified retirement plan or pension plan in a divorce requires the preparation of a QDRO (qualified domestic relations order). A QDRO allows for the division…
Today, divorce is commonplace, but there was a time several decades ago when divorce was considered socially taboo and couples were encouraged to always stay together “for the sake of the children.” Now we know that whether or not divorce is harmful to children depends largely on how it is handled by their parents. We…
The old saying that “the devil is in the details” may often apply to the division of assets in a divorce if either party lacks an understanding of the difference between marital property and separate property. While you should discuss your unique situation when it comes to property division with your attorney, here is how…
Wedding planners have become adept at spotting potential problems in a marriage; a recent Huffington Post article details the signs that planners say bode well for a successful union: 1. Willingness to compromise. The ability to compromise instead of insisting everything go your way is crucial to a successful relationship. There will always be disagreements,…
Most states, including New Jersey, consider pets to be personal property. Therefore, laws regarding pet custody do not apply as they would for human children. In the case of divorce, if a couple can agree on pet custody arrangements, a New Jersey family court will enforce that agreement. However, if no custody agreement can be…
One of the biggest concerns people have when they are going through a divorce is how it will impact their finances. Your future is changing, and a big part of that future will depend on what kind of financial shape you’ll be in after the divorce is final. Here are some tips on how you…
Many clients looking for a New Jersey divorce attorney equate being good with being ruthless. They want a shark that will take their husband to the cleaners or ensure the wife gets nothing. But does that really work in the long run? First, most divorce lawyers worth their salt will tell you that you want…
A divorce doesn’t have to wreck your life or your finances if you go into it prepared and focused on the outcome you want to achieve. No doubt one of those outcomes is to keep a lid on the cost of your divorce as much as possible. Like any legal proceeding, divorce takes planning. While…
No matter how amicable your divorce, there is no question that it will have some sort of effect on your children. They will undoubtedly experience sadness, anger, and worry — many of the same emotions you experienced as well. After a divorce, it is not uncommon for the noncustodial parent to drift away — especially…
While it is true that most divorce cases are settled outside court, some do go to trial. If yours is one of them, you need to prepare yourself for what can be an emotionally overwhelming experience. And while it is rare that the courtroom drama ever rises to the level portrayed in movies or on…
Retirement accounts are typically one of the major assets married couples have. These accounts are considered marital property if they were acquired during the marriage. Couples who divorce as they are nearing retirement need to consider the long-term worth of each asset; trading away retirement assets in order to keep the house may be a…
If it looks as if your divorce may be headed toward a trial instead of being able to be resolved through negotiation or mediation, you may be wondering what you are facing. While every divorce differs, the divorce trial process in New Jersey does not. Here’s what you can expect: Step 1: Filing the complaint…