Typically, child support is determined in conjunction with the end of the parents’ relationship. A mathematical formula under the New Jersey Child Support Guidelines is used to calculate the amount of the support obligation, taking into account such factors as each parent’s income, the basic cost related to raising the…
Parents’ financial obligations to their children don’t end simply because they separate. Child support is designed to ensure the essential expenses—food, clothing, housing, transportation—of raising children continue to be met. Additional expenses, like health insurance premiums, extraordinary medical care, and work-related childcare, may also be included, if needed. Determining each…
Divorce is the legal termination of a marriage and because it is final, it is not the answer for every couple facing marital strife. At least not the immediate answer. Instead, what some couples need is a cooling off period—some time when they can step back and assess whether their…
“Default Parent Syndrome” happens when one parent takes on the role of primary caregiver and household manager. Often, this role goes beyond everyday chores, like packing lunches and checking homework, to anticipating everyone’s needs before those needs even arise. At this point, the role that can become overwhelming and lead…
Children obviously experience emotional reactions to their parents’ divorce. Oftentimes, these reactions develop into harmful narratives that children internalize or project on others. These reactions can range from clinging to false hope of a reconciliation between their parents to blaming themselves for the breakup of the marriage. Despite worrying about…
Divorce is stressful for the entire family and parents will often go out of their way so as not to subject their children to any more stress. As a result, children in most cases are shielded from decisions about what life will look like for them once their parents part…
Happily married couples may be fine living under the premise “what’s mine is yours and what’s yours is mine.” When marriages fail, though, distinguishing between separate property and marital property becomes important. Although divorce laws vary by state, in most instances property acquired by one partner prior to their marriage…
June is one of the three most popular months for weddings. While most couples spend months planning for their special day and their life beyond, there is one practical tool that frequently gets overlooked – the prenup. Prenuptial agreements can be very sensitive matters. After all, no one wants to…
Divorce is fraught with difficult decisions. For parents, one of the most stressful decisions has to do with child custody. After all, while the relationship between spouses may be over, the relationships between parent and child are not. That’s why many divorcing parents strive to reach agreement on some type…
As emotional as divorce can be, it’s important to keep a clear head as you navigate the process. Acting out of fear or anger or making rash decisions can have negative consequences in the long run. The best approach to help ease a painful situation is to take things one…