New Jersey Family Law Blog

A three-judge Appellate Division panel recently ruled out binding, nonappealable arbitration as a way to settle custody and parenting time disputes. Arbitration is a favored remedy for settling disputes, but parties can’t bargain away the court’s obligation under the principle of parens patriae to ensure the best interests of children, the appeals court said.

Continue reading "No Binding Arbitration of Custody or Parenting-Time Issues, Court Says" »

The New Jersey Supreme Court ruled last month that “[c]ohabitation is not an essential requirement for a cause of action for palimony, but a marital-type relationship is required.” In Devaney V. L’Esperance, Not Reported A.2d., 2008 WL 2491976 (NJ). The Court by a 6-1 majority broke away from the precedent set by almost every state court by saying a Plaintiff need only prove that there was a “marital-type relationship.” The Court found that no such relationship existed in this case.

Continue reading "New Jersey Supreme Court says cohabitation no longer a requirement for Palimony." »