Newt Gingrich, Advance Directive Advocate (Photo credit: Mike Licht, NotionsCapital.com) Although divorce can be a very emotional experience, keeping a clear head concerning certain practical matters can help to avoid additional heartache down the road. If, after reading the following, you need a Hunterdon County lawyer to assist you with…
New Jersey Family Law Blog
Changing Your Name Following Divorce Is Easy, but Take Care to Avoid Complications
ch-ch-ch-ch-changes (Photo credit: Heather Quintal) Although its origins date back to a time when women had few individual rights, the custom of women taking their husbands’ names at marriage is still popular. (1) It can be a symbol of unity as a couple starts their married life together. If the…
NJ Child Support Payment Guidelines Don’t Always Help
When a couple with children divorces in New Jersey, child support payments are determined with the help of guidelines established by court rule. (1) Because our lives are not stagnant, circumstances can arise that turn what was once considered a fair payment into a hardship. Usually these circumstances involve a…
Are New Jersey’s Alimony Laws Due for an Update?
alimony (Photo credit: Kalense Kid) Massachusetts recently updated its alimony laws to reflect our changing times. (1) Will New Jersey soon follow the example? If after reading the following you need assistance with an alimony issue, particularly in Hunterdon County, contact the family law attorneys at The Rotolo Law Firm…
Impact of Divorce on Your Income Tax Returns Can Be Costly
Tax (Photo credit: 401K 2012) When a couple faces divorce, the IRS and taxes are probably the last things on their mind. Divorce, however, carries tax implications that, if ignored, could cost you plenty down the line. The following covers a few basic facts you should be familiar with regarding…
Divorcing an Absent Spouse Requires Detective Work
Your marriage failed. You are convinced there is no saving it. You want a divorce. The problem is you have no idea where your estranged spouse is, and the law requires you inform him or her of your intentions before a divorce is granted. Does this mean you are at…
Annulment v. Divorce – What Is the Difference?
English: Kris Humphries playing with the Dallas Mavericks (Photo credit: Wikipedia) When the marriage of former NJ Nets player Kris Humphries and Kim Kardashian ended, Humphries sought an annulment over a divorce. (1) Both actions have essentially the same results – ending the union between a man and a woman…
Ex-Spouses Are Still Entitled to Receive Social Security Benefits
Marriage (Photo credit: Lel4nd) Did you know that even after divorce you still may be entitled to receive Social Security benefits based on your ex-spouse’s contributions? It’s an area many divorced couples may overlook, but one that can be crucial to your the financial well-being. According to an article on…
New Jersey’s Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Marks Six-Month Anniversary
Webcam (Photo credit: Wikipedia) On Friday, April 13, the documentary “Bully” hits theaters across the country. The film aims to bring to light the growing epidemic of bullying that threatens our children. To help stem this epidemic, New Jersey six months ago passed the toughest legislation in the nation to…
Should Genetic Testing Be Required for All Parents and Newborns?
Swedish Dads, Skansen (Photo credit: ChrisGoldNY) Under most circumstances (with the possible exception of surrogacy situations), establishing maternity of a child is obvious. Establishing paternity is another matter. But is this uncertainty enough to require genetic testing for all new parents and babies? If, after reading the following, you need…