Permanent Alimony Reform

Currently New Jersey still provides for permanent alimony under certain circumstances including long term marriage and/or a significant discrepancy in earning capacity between the parties.  According to a recent article by Elizabeth Benedict in the Huff Post, times they are a changing.  A grassroots movement in Massachusetts begun by an individual, Stephen Hitner, brought the…

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What Becomes of the Ring?

In both New Jersey and Pennsylvania, an engagement ring is a conditional gift given in exchange for the promise of marriage.  If the engagement is broken and the marriage doesn’t occur, regardless of fault, the ring is returned to the giver. The problem occurs once the marriage has taken place and the couple is faced…

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Living Together During the Divorce Process

The majority of couples heading for divorce face the uncomfortable and often very stressful transition period of living under the same roof while knowing you are heading in different directions.  One of the many positive attributes of the mediation process is that you can work out personal and financial guidelines while you are still living…

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What Issues Are Addressed in Divorce Mediation?

The same issues are addressed in divorce mediation that are addressed when a couple divorces through litigation in court.  The biggest difference is that the parties are not adversaries in the traditional sense, but are working toward a resolution of their legal issues.  It’s not necessary that the mediating couple is on amicable terms.  While…

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