With the signing of a bill adding coercive control to the definition of domestic abuse in New Jersey in January 2024, the questions of what it is and how it happens are also being asked. Coercive control is a form of abuse that uses methodical and dominating psychological tactics to restrict an individual’s independence and…
Going through divorce when you have substantial assets can be overwhelming. A massive portfolio means more work, and that also means there are things you can overlook. From property division to alimony, the choices made during a high-asset divorce can significantly affect your future tax obligations. In order to protect your financial future, it’s essential…
Even when going through divorce, most parents want to know that their children are well off and happy. Regardless of your wealth, it can be difficult to maintain a certain lifestyle where your children enjoy private school or extracurricular activities once you are divorced. Thus enters the discussion about who pays for what to ensure…
There exists a shadow in many relationships, one that people call “domestic violence” or “abuse.” In New Jersey, there is an expansive definition of domestic violence, one that has recently been revised to include something known as “coercive control,” an insidious form of psychological abuse that can inflict intense trauma on victims and survivors. Once…
A domestic violence conviction can have serious consequences, particularly when it comes to child custody and visitation rights. Courts prioritize the safety and well-being of children, and any history of domestic violence will significantly influence decisions about custody and visitation arrangements. If you are facing or have been convicted of domestic violence, it’s essential to…
Divorce is tumultuous. Finances become a maze. There are discussions and meetings and papers and arguments—all leading to upheaval. During this time, you may find yourself reaching for the normal, like using your spouse’s credit card to make a purchase. Maybe you even forget that their card is the default payment method. That raises the…
Gray divorce, or divorce that occurs later in life, often involves more complex financial matters than divorces between younger couples. One key issue that frequently arises in a gray divorce is how to handle inherited wealth. For many couples, decades of financial growth and accumulated assets can include significant inheritances. If you plan on getting…
Moving for many is a fact of life. Typically, people move to purchase a new home, start a new job, or simply start over. No matter what, the move is a significant decision that weighs on those who are undergoing the journey. However, if you are divorced and currently receiving child support, you may find…
Gray divorce, a term used to describe couples divorcing later in life, has been on the rise. As individuals over the age of 50 end long-term marriages, new financial considerations emerge—one of the most significant being Social Security benefits. Understanding how Social Security works after divorce can greatly impact retirement plans and financial security. For…
Did you know that more than 50% of people will experience some form of emotional abuse in their lifetime? It is a startling figure. From traumatic childhoods to narcissistic relationships and gaslighting, there is no surfeit of abuse that triggers psychological effects. Unfortunately, some people know how to weaponize emotions to cause further harm, resulting…
Through media and other examples, you may be aware of various forms of domestic violence, whether that is physical or verbal abuse. However, there is one kind of domestic violence that is especially pernicious, as it is subtle, almost invisible to those who are not looking for it. This form of domestic violence is known…
If you’ve been arrested or charged with a drug-related offense, the legality of the search or seizure that led to your arrest is a critical factor in your defense. In many drug cases, the police conduct searches to find illegal substances, but not all searches are lawful. Challenging the legality of a drug search or…
If you have been summoned to a final restraining order hearing for domestic abuse, you may be considering invoking your right to “plead the fifth.” Before doing so, you should consider how taking the fifth in such a case may impact the outcome. As part of the Bill of Rights, the 5th Amendment protects many…
When an abusive relationship is left behind, it is believed that safety is on the other side. Unfortunately, there is evidence of abuse continuing on for many years after separation. The fresh start you longed for is tainted by the pervasive touch of your abusive ex. This ongoing behavior is known as post-separation abuse, and…
Your child is heading off to college. It’s an exciting time, one that trumps the upheaval caused by your divorce. For most parents, seeing their kids head off to a new campus brings about feelings of accomplishment. However, if you are a single parent that has divorced, you may find yourself dreading the tuition cost.…
Divorce is a challenging and emotional time, especially when there has been evidence of abuse or trust between spouses has been broken. In some cases, you may be tempted to record conversations with your ex-spouse to be used as evidence in court. While recording conversations might seem like a useful tool, there are legal implications…
