When facing legal challenges, especially in family law matters, it’s easy to feel vulnerable and anxious about sharing personal details. The important truth is: your lawyer can only provide the best representation if you’re completely open with them. In other words, no matter how uncomfortable or embarrassing, you must tell your lawyer everything – warts and all.

When parents separate or divorce in New Jersey, one of the most important legal matters that must be addressed is child support. Child support is a financial obligation that ensures both parents contribute to the costs of raising their children, even when the parents no longer live together. New Jersey law has done the math; the state has issued specific guidelines and regulations to calculate child support for most families.  It is intended to ensure fairness and the best interests of the child.  Knowing how it works can help each parent assess what is right for their family.

Temporary and Final Restraining Orders are very serious. Unlike most other states, a Final Restraining Order (FRO) in New Jersey does not expire. It requires that a Defendant be fingerprinted and may appear on a background check. It prohibits a Defendant from owning a firearm. As a result, it may impact a Defendant’s employment. A violation of an FRO may lead to criminal charges, including jail time.

In New Jersey, both parents have an obligation to support their child and a right to custody and parenting time. If you and the other parent of your child are not living as an intact family, it may be necessary to specify the terms of custody, parenting time, and child support for your child. The law in New Jersey prefers that parents work together to reach an agreement these issues. But what if you and the other parent do not agree? In this case, you can file an application with the Court for a Judge to decide these issues. If you are not married to the other parent, this application is known as an FD Complaint for Custody and Child Support. If you are married, but are only seeking custody, parenting time, and/or child support and not a divorce, you can also file this Complaint.

Since 2013, same sex couples have been able to marry in New Jersey.  But same-sex marriages are not immune to the difficulties facing other marriages, and in the event of a divorce, same sex couples will encounter the same divorce process as heterosexual divorces in New Jersey.  There are, however, certain things to consider if you are in a same-sex marriage and contemplating divorce in New Jersey.

A prenuptial agreement, “Prenup” or “PNA,” is an agreement that is entered into between you and your intended spouse before marriage. Typically, it spells out certain rights upon divorce, death, or separation.

Divorce can be a complex and emotional process, often clouded by misconceptions. In New Jersey, understanding the truth behind these myths can help you navigate your divorce more effectively.

If you are receiving alimony or paying alimony, the issue of cohabitation may be important to your legal rights.  If the cohabiting person is receiving alimony. The New Jersey alimony statute, N.J.S.A. 2A:34-23, direct addresses cohabitation using factors. Understanding these factors can help individuals navigate the complexities of their legal rights and obligations.