Publications

Discovery

When you’re going through a divorce, discovery is a word you see and hear a lot.  What is discovery? Generically, discovery is the term for gathering the information you need to intelligently settle your case or failing that, presenting your case to the family court judge at trial.  Discovery takes many forms and the form and extent of discovery should be tailored to the facts and claims unique to each case.  Discovery can be expensive, so it’s doubly important to make sure that you engage in only the discovery [...]

By |2017-02-27T22:05:26+00:00September 27th, 2015|Discovery, Divorce|Comments Off on Discovery

Discovery: It’s Time to Turn the Tables

The rules have always been different for family lawyers. We can't take mortgages.1 We can't pay referral fees.2 There are page limitations on our Certifications.3 Our billings and requests for counsel fees pendente lite must be scrupulously specific. Even so, we often collect far less than the value of our services and are compelled to carry large receivables. We are treated differently than other litigators since the funds spent on the litigation process reduce the income and assets available to help family members meet necessary expenses, both before and [...]

By |2017-05-17T22:02:18+00:00September 6th, 2015|Articles for Lawyers|Comments Off on Discovery: It’s Time to Turn the Tables

More Expectations

Many years ago I represented a very nice woman. She made a nice appearance, spoke well and was polite. As mightily as we tried, we just couldn’t settle her case and wound up going to trial. I prepared her for her testimony, counselled her about how to act, and told her what to expect when we got to court. We agreed that she would wear a skirt and blouse or a dress.We were ready, I thought. She arrived at court wearing a very nice knee length dress and a cardigan [...]

By |2017-02-27T22:13:46+00:00August 27th, 2015|Divorce|Comments Off on More Expectations

Expectations

For most people going through a divorce, it is their first experience with the legal system and with a lawyer. So, what can you expect? Indeed, what should you expect?CANDORYou should expect to be candid with your lawyer. Your lawyer can only help you and protect your legal rights if you tell him everything. Holding back puts him at a disadvantage, which puts you at a disadvantage. The last place your lawyer wants to learn something about you is from your spouse’s lawyer.Conversely, you should expect candor from your lawyer. [...]

By |2017-02-27T22:40:31+00:00July 27th, 2015|Divorce, Professionalism|Comments Off on Expectations

To Get or Not to Get: The Role of the Family Court in Religious Divorces

In July, 1981, a New Jersey Superior Court judge ordered Barry Minkin to appear before a Jewish rabbinic tribunal, called a Bet-Din, and secure and deliver to his former wife, Brenda, a religious divorce (Get).1 New York's highest court entered a similar order in 1983 against Boaz Avitzur, compelling him to appear before the tribunal so that it could adjudicate his wife's request for a Get which, according to Jewish law, can only be obtained by the husband.2 Both decisions were grounded on contract where the civilly divorced Wife [...]

By |2017-05-17T21:22:53+00:00March 4th, 2015|Articles for Lawyers|Comments Off on To Get or Not to Get: The Role of the Family Court in Religious Divorces

Don’t make Children Pawns of Intrafamily Wars

As the Legislature goes back into session, the Senate is about to take up consideration of a measure, unanimously passed by the Assembly last June, that constitutes an unprecedented intrusion into the intact family and may severely hamper the right of parents to make decisions in their children's best interest. The bill, A-979, allows grandparents and siblings of any child to apply for visitation without regard to whether the child's parents are living or dead, married or divorced. The proposed statute sets no criteria for the court to consider [...]

By |2017-05-17T21:18:05+00:00March 4th, 2015|Articles for Lawyers|Comments Off on Don’t make Children Pawns of Intrafamily Wars

A Kinder Gentler Way to Divorce

The words "I want a divorce" are among the most devastating ever uttered. Hearing them can make you feel as though your world has spun off its axis. They can destroy your self esteem. You may feel as though you have failed in the most important relationship in your life. You worry about whether you will be kept from your children, whether you will be able to continue your lifestyle and even whether you will have the money to pay your bills. People treat you differently. The friends with [...]

By |2017-03-06T21:10:51+00:00March 4th, 2015|Divorce|Comments Off on A Kinder Gentler Way to Divorce

Sharing College Costs After a Divorce

One of the most difficult issues facing divorced parents is financing the college education of a child.  Since income which use to be available for one household must now support two, there is usually little opportunity to accumulate savings.  Psychological issues often intervene between parents and their maturing children and unresolved anger from the divorce resurfaces.  While it is nearly impossible to guarantee that both parents will contribute according to their financial ability, there are some strategies which will increase the likelihood that the child will receive financial help from [...]

By |2017-03-06T21:09:56+00:00March 4th, 2015|College Costs, Divorce|Comments Off on Sharing College Costs After a Divorce

Getting From The Starting Line To The Finish Line

The question I am often asked is: “How long will my divorce take?” The short answer is: “It depends.” However, that seemingly simple question really requires a fairly complicated answer. Divorce cases can only end two ways: an agreement of the parties (as the overwhelming majority of them do) or a decision by a judge after a trial. Agreements result from a series of compromises as the spouses give and take in an effort to reach common ground. Trials take place when one or both spouses conclude that compromise [...]

By |2017-03-01T17:17:47+00:00January 27th, 2015|Divorce|Comments Off on Getting From The Starting Line To The Finish Line

More FAQ’s

Q:    I don’t want a divorce.  Can I stop it or, at least, delay it until my spouse comes to his senses? A:    This is a question often asked by a spouse who is blind-sided by the news that his spouse wants a divorce.  Contesting the divorce itself is rare because the legal standards for proving the grounds and obtaining a divorce are not very stringent.  A spouse who wants a divorce will, virtually always, get one.  Contesting the divorce only delays the inevitable.  Although delay is possible, it almost [...]

By |2017-03-01T17:24:53+00:00December 1st, 2014|Divorce|Comments Off on More FAQ’s
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