Couples in New Jersey who decide to marry often have a variety of different plans for the future. For many, this includes whether they will have children. In the past, couples who were unable to conceive had few options for becoming parents, but advances in medical technology have created more. As a result, however, courts of family law are facing decisions during divorce cases that are receiving a great deal of attention.
The special considerations of a gray divorce
There are many couples in New Jersey who spend decades together, building a reputation in their community, working on a successful business and/or raising a family together. However, as they age, the children move away and they retire, many couples, regardless of how long they have been married, discover that they are no longer compatible. In fact, the incidence of gray divorce -- divorces among couples who are 50 or older -- has increased over the last few decades.
Premarital assets subject to equitable distribution in NJ divorce
There are many people in New Jersey and across the country who are choosing to wait until later in life to get married. As such, some people are coming into a marriage with a house purchased by only one of the people. While a premarital asset is typically exempt from equitable distribution during a divorce, there are some circumstances in which a spouse may have a claim.
Study shows student loan debt increases chance of divorce
Most married couples in New Jersey would readily admit that there are many things that can create stress and conflict in a marriage. However, a recent study shows that one stressor could potentially increase the chances that a couple will divorce -- debt. Specifically, student loan debt could be a major factor for many couples.
In New Jersey, fair, not equal, property division
When most people in New Jersey choose to marry, they do so with the intention of spending the rest of their lives together. However, as time passes, people change, often leaving a couple who were once perfectly happy together in a miserable situation. If they choose to divorce, the process of property division can be a contentious and confusing one.
Court ponders what happens to embryos in divorce
In the past, a couple in New Jersey who were unable to conceive had limited options in their path to parenthood. Though relatively recent medical advances now allow in vitro fertilization, many family court cases raise questions regarding the ultimate fate of embryos should couples divorce and disagree on what should happen to them. In fact, the Supreme Court of another state is hearing arguments on a case in which a former husband and wife disagree about who should have custody of the embryos they created.
Seeking a low conflict divorce in New Jersey
If portrayals on television and movies were accurate, it would seem that all marriages that end must do so with a great deal of drama, contention and drawn-out legal proceedings. While some do, there are many couples in New Jersey who want a divorce with as little conflict and stress as possible. As such, many turn to Bastarrika, Soto, Gonzalez & Somohano, LLP for guidance.
How abuse is factored into alimony awards
Marriages end for a variety of different reasons. Many couples in New Jersey who choose to pursue a divorce will often take the route of seeking a no-fault divorce in which parties claim an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage and irreconcilable differences. However, under certain circumstances, a fault divorce may be appropriate in the event of abuse or other factors. Victims of abuse and the subjects of such allegations often wonder how these claims will impact decisions regarding alimony.
How do claims of domestic violence impact child custody?
There are a variety of different of reasons why a couple in New Jersey might choose to end their marriage. In fact, allegations of domestic violence are one reason why many people choose to seek a divorce. Because family courts are dedicated to protecting the best interests of children, they may rule conservatively in child custody cases that include claims of domestic abuse.
