Domestic violence is not always screaming, yelling, and physical strikes that leave the victim battered. Sometimes it is a subtle control and isolation that leaves victims separated from everything they once loved and wanted from themselves. Once, this kind of psychological and emotional abuse was not recognized by the state of New Jersey as domestic…
There exists a shadow in many relationships, one that people called “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 victims and survivors with intense trauma. Once…
Often when you imagine someone being controlling and manipulative, you think of a person who raises their voice and makes grandiose gestures. Noise, after all, is often affiliated with abuse, as violence can be loud and overwhelming. However, not all abuse is yelling and screaming. Sometimes abuse is a quiet, almost imperceptible shift of power…
Abuse comes in many forms, ranging from physical to psychological harm that is inflicted all at once or over time. Recently, a form of manipulation has come to light that is known as “coercive control.” The impacts of this form of abuse are far-reaching, influencing the actions of the abused for days, months, or years.…
Being connected to the world gives people power and others who they can rely upon. That is something that domestic abusers do not want their victims to have, which is why they have tactics that isolate people. Breaking people down is easier when there is no one to rely upon. Understanding these isolation tactics and…
Being on the outside and looking in on a domestic abuse situation, be it physical or coercive control, can be overwhelming. You may feel that your friend is acting strange and are taking notice to their differences. It’s depressing to see a person you love fall victim to abuse, particularly one as subtle and insidious…
Technology has the potential to make the world a better, safer place. Unfortunately, for every upside to technology, there is also a downside, one that puts many people at risk of abuse. Imagine being watched around the clock in private places and when running errands. You would never feel safe. For many people suffering from…
In January 2024, New Jersey recognized coercive control as a form of domestic abuse. Coercive control is defined as a pattern of purposeful behavior that is meant to exert, control, and coercive another individual over a period of time. There are many ways a manipulator might do this to someone, but one of the most…
When you are a victim of domestic violence, the first thing you need to do is feel safe. Unfortunately, the feeling of safety comes rare these days. That is why you need resources and information to get you started. In New Jersey, there are laws and support groups, as well as local authorities and national…
The realm of domestic abuse, be it physical or emotional, is expansive and getting even broader. In January 2024, New Jersey’s Governor Phil Murphy added coercive control to the definition of domestic abuse, prompting citizens to question what it means and what is involved. Coercive control is a form of abuse that aims to destabilize…
In a family law dispute, it is important to ensure that the children are represented fairly and that their best interests are considered. In New Jersey, as with several other states, there is something called “Guardian Ad Litem.” This unique and powerful role aids your child. Yet, what does a Guardian Ad Litem do and…
Individuals who have recently gone through a divorce may find themselves facing unique challenges when filing their returns. Divorce can have significant implications for your tax situation, affecting everything from your filing status to deductions and credits. Let’s take a look at how divorce impacts your tax returns, as well as some things to keep…
Courts in New Jersey assess child custody based on the best interests of the child or children involved. This means that there are specific factors that the court considers to decide which parent is the most adequate. Using substances, even legalized ones, can impact the ruling. As such, it is important to understand how an…
When going through a divorce, you encounter a breadth of challenges ranging from child support and alimony to the division of property. However, the one thing you may not have anticipated is the death of your spouse during your pending divorce. This unexpected event used to lead to the proceedings becoming even more convoluted. Fortunately,…
As in many states, New Jersey makes it possible for those who are victims of domestic violence or abuse to seek protections from their abusers. Typically, this is done by obtaining a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO), which forces the abuser to give up firearms, distance himself/herself, and cease contacting the victim. If you find yourself…
In situations where the relationship between parents and adult children becomes strained, grandparents often find themselves denied access to their grandchildren. However, when open communication fails to resolve the issue, grandparents in New Jersey have the legal right to petition the courts for visitation under Rule N.J.S.A. 9:2-7.1. While this doesn’t guarantee immediate reunion, it…
