Recent Blog Posts
Divorce and Taxes: What Changes After Your Marriage Ends
Divorce affects far more than your marital status. It can significantly alter your tax filing status, deductions, credits, property transfers, retirement accounts, and ongoing financial obligations. Many people underestimate how deeply taxes are intertwined with divorce settlements until they are surprised by unexpected liabilities the following year. At the Law Offices of John B…. Read More »
What Makes a Divorce Case Complex?
Not all divorces follow the same path. While some couples are able to resolve their issues through negotiation and settlement, others face circumstances that significantly complicate the legal process. In New Jersey, a “complex divorce” typically involves substantial assets, contested custody issues, business interests, high income, or allegations that require detailed investigation and litigation…. Read More »
When Is Divorce Mediation Required in New Jersey?
Divorce is inherently stressful, but New Jersey law encourages parties to resolve disagreements through mediation before resorting to a courtroom battle. Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution that allows spouses to negotiate solutions with the help of a neutral third party, rather than having a judge make all the decisions. While mediation… Read More »
Can Child Support Be Ordered Without a Custody Agreement?
Many parents assume that child support and child custody must be decided at the same time. In reality, these are legally distinct issues under New Jersey law. It is entirely possible for a court to order child support even when there is no formal custody agreement in place. Understanding how and why this happens… Read More »
What You Need to Know About Relocation and Child Custody in New Jersey
Custody disputes are often emotionally charged, but when one parent wants to relocate with the child, especially out of New Jersey, the stakes rise even higher. Whether the move is for a new job, family support, or other personal reasons, New Jersey law places specific requirements on custody relocation to protect the child’s best… Read More »
Valuing and Dividing a Family Business in Divorce
When a divorce involves a family-owned business, the process becomes significantly more complex. A business is often one of the most valuable marital assets, and it may also be the primary source of income for one or both spouses. In New Jersey, courts must determine not only whether a business is subject to equitable… Read More »
What Happens If Your Ex Doesn’t Pay Alimony?
Alimony orders are not suggestions. They are binding court orders that must be followed. Unfortunately, many divorced spouses in New Jersey find themselves dealing with an ex who stops paying alimony, pays inconsistently, or falls behind and never catches up. When these things happen, they can create immediate financial stress and uncertainty for the… Read More »
Mistakes to Avoid During Divorce
Divorce is more than a legal procedure. It is an emotional, financial, and logistical transition that can have long-lasting consequences if handled poorly. In New Jersey, divorce outcomes are shaped not only by the law but also by the decisions spouses make throughout the process. Missteps made early or under emotional strain can negatively… Read More »
How to Protect High-Value Assets During Divorce
Divorce is rarely simple, but when substantial assets are involved, the process can become significantly more complex. Business interests, real estate portfolios, retirement accounts, investments, and other high-value property often require careful analysis and strategic planning to ensure they are fairly identified, valued, and divided. In New Jersey, which follows an equitable distribution framework,… Read More »
Special Rules That Apply in a Military Divorce
Divorce is rarely simple, but when one or both spouses serve in the military, the process involves additional legal rules that do not apply in civilian cases. Federal statutes intersect with New Jersey family law in ways that can affect jurisdiction, timing, property division, support, custody, and benefits. Understanding these special rules is essential… Read More »
