Social media platforms – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and others – are a regular part of daily life for many Americans. These platforms are used for both personal and professional reasons, to showcase videos and photographs, share jokes and life events, and build a...
Divorce
Who claims the 2021 Child Tax Credit when parents divorce?
Tax laws in the United States change frequently. As the average family size and economic situations shift on a national level, lawmakers will often change tax policy accordingly. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will enforce the changing tax rules, sometimes levying...
Tax returns: A good place to start to uncover potential hidden assets
Although it depends on individual situations, going through the divorce process involves many steps and issues to resolve. Settling marital property is one. In many cases, martial property is known to both parties, with retirement accounts, residential homes and other...
When it comes to dividing assets in a divorce, what is considered equitable?
When you hear your attorney tell you that the judge will divide marital “equitably” in your divorce, you may assume this means equally. It does not. Equitable, in family court, means “fair.” Judges who preside over property division issues make decisions on a...
Can the court force parents to vaccinate their child?
The development of the COVID vaccine has brought vaccination questions to the forefront of the discussion in many family law cases. Although a COVID vaccine is not yet available for most children, the concern is already on many parents’ minds. Parents are wondering...
How can I protect my pet in my divorce?
For many people, pets are part of the family. They treat them like children in the way they care for and love them. The problem is, when going through a divorce, the law does not treat them the same way. A few states now have laws that allow the court to order...
What hurdles do grey divorcees face?
Any person going through a divorce will have their own hurdles to face, no matter what their personal circumstances are. This goes for you as well, especially as a grey divorcee. Being in your 50s or older automatically puts you at a very different place in life than...
Understanding conflict checks in divorce and family law matters
You just called a law firm. They said they need to perform a conflict check. You might wonder why. An attorney can only represent one side of a dispute. The things you tell an attorney during a consultation are protected by attorney-client privilege, even if you never...
Autism and divorce
According to the CDC, one in 59 children have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In New Jersey, the rate is one in 34. In light of the national divorce rate of 50%, it follows that many divorces involve special children requiring many important, crucial considerations....
What is a complex divorce? In my mind, it can mean many things.
Divorce involves not only the law, but people - real human beings. The law gives us standards to apply, but each person is unique. People’s personalities, passions and understandable emotional reactions to the trauma of divorce can make even a simple case complex -...
What happens when divorcing spouses fight in front of the kids?
Divorce is often a painful, stressful process. As a result, it is not uncommon for divorcing spouses to fight with each other. While fighting is expected, the fact is that it can be damaging - particularly when people fight in front of their kids. If you are...
How does a domestic violence accusation affect a divorce case?
When individuals are in a bad place in their relationship, they do and say things they later come to regret. While this behavior is perhaps a reflection of the stress and sadness people are going through, this does not excuse their behavior or make it acceptable,...
Divorce and business valuations amid COVID-19
In a divorce, a business owned by either spouse may be subject to claim as an asset. This is commonplace in divorce. Standards have developed over decades to determine the value of a business, which in many cases uses a methodology involving a review of the historic...
Should I protect my money with a separate bank account?
Property division in a divorce is a bit more complex than many people understand. This is why there is a misunderstanding that by having separate bank accounts, you can protect your money in a divorce. CNBC explains that property division does not work that way...
Your divorce, one of the most significant events in your life
If you are considering a divorce, imagine it as one of the most significant events in your life. Next to being born, dying, having a child or a major health issue, a divorce is likely the next most significant event of your life. The law is the law, and if you hire an...