Recent Blog Posts
What Happens if You Don’t Pay Child Support
Child support is a legal obligation, not a suggestion. In New Jersey, court-ordered child support is strictly enforced, and failing to pay can lead to serious legal and financial consequences. Many parents fall behind due to job loss, illness, or other life changes, but ignoring a child support order or assuming the issue will… Read More »
Parenting Plans
When parents separate or divorce, one of the most important legal documents they will create is the parenting plan. In New Jersey, a parenting plan serves as a roadmap for how parents will share responsibilities and make decisions for their children after the relationship ends. A well-drafted parenting plan reduces conflict, provides stability for… Read More »
How Retirement Accounts Are Divided in a New Jersey Divorce
Retirement accounts are often some of the most valuable assets a couple owns by the time they divorce, second only to real estate and perhaps business interests. In New Jersey, courts view retirement savings and pension benefits as part of the marital estate, potentially subject to equitable distribution between spouses. If you have IRAs,… Read More »
Can Alimony Be Modified or Terminated?
Alimony is often one of the most significant and most misunderstood parts of a New Jersey divorce. Unlike child support, which follows strict formula-driven guidelines, alimony is more flexible and individualized. This flexibility continues even after a divorce is finalized. Under New Jersey law, alimony may be modified or even terminated when certain life… Read More »
What to Expect in Your Initial Consultation With Your Divorce Lawyer
Deciding to pursue a divorce is a major life step, and meeting with a family law attorney for the first time can feel anxious, intimidating, or even overwhelming. At the Law Offices of John B. D’Alessandro, we help clients in Union, Essex, and Middlesex counties understand the process, their rights, and the options available… Read More »
What Should Be Included in a Prenuptial Agreement?
A prenuptial agreement (or “prenup”) is a practical tool for couples preparing for marriage. Far from being a sign of mistrust, a well-drafted prenup promotes transparency, financial planning, and peace of mind. It allows couples to define how property, income, and debts will be handled during the marriage and in the event of divorce… Read More »
Establishing Paternity in New Jersey: What You Need to Know
When a child is born to unmarried parents in New Jersey or when there’s uncertainty about legal fatherhood, establishing paternity is a critical first step. Legal paternity opens doors to both rights and responsibilities for the father and benefits to the child, concerning everything from custody and visitation to child support, health insurance access,… Read More »
How Long Does Child Support Last in New Jersey?
If you’re a parent dealing with child support in New Jersey, whether you’re paying or receiving, you likely want to know: How long will the obligation last? The answer may seem straightforward, but in reality, there are several rules and exceptions you should understand. For help dealing with a child support issue or other… Read More »
Modifying Child Custody Orders in New Jersey
When a child custody order is issued in a New Jersey divorce or custody case, it reflects what the court believes to be in the child’s best interests at that particular time. But life doesn’t stand still. Parents move, jobs change, children grow older, and family dynamics evolve. When significant life changes occur, the… Read More »
What Happens to the Mortgage in Divorce?
One of the most complicated financial issues in a New Jersey divorce is what happens to the family home and, equally important, the mortgage attached to it. For many couples, the house is their largest asset and the mortgage their largest debt. Deciding how to divide both fairly requires careful planning, negotiation, and often… Read More »
