To the relief of many and the consternation of a few, New Jersey law now includes “irreconcilable differences” as a ground for divorce. The bill, just signed into law by Governor Corzine, means that a Complaint for Divorce can assert the existence of irreconcilable differences which have caused a breakdown of the marriage for six or more months.
In a move that was watched closely around the country, the New Jersey Legislature approved the formation of civil unions for same sex couples in response to the state Supreme Court’s directive delivered in the Lewis v. Harris decison. The Legislation is now awaiting the signature of Governor Corzine who in the past has expressed his intention to sign the civil union bill. Although same-sex relationships will not called marriages, partners are now afforded all of the rights, responsibilities and obligatons associated with a marriage.
John Eory was quoted in “Adding Divorce Causes Endorsed” in the November 15 Asbury Park Press.
New Jersey is among a minority of states that require divorced or separated parents to fund their children’s higher education expenses.
Your divorce has ended and your attorney has told you that it is now time to prepare a Qualified Domestic Relations Order in order to divide you and your spouse’s retirement accounts.
On October 30, the Appellate Division of the New Jersey Superior Court affirmed a trial judge’s ruling that a divorced parent must pay more than $40,000 in college expenses for his daughter.
New Jersey took a step toward revamping its grounds for divorce for the first time in 35 years when on October 23 the Assembly Judiciary Committee approved adding “irreconcilable differences” as a cause of action for divorce.
In every divorce, there are financial issues. These issues may involve equitable distribution of assets, alimony, and/or child support. Many times it is difficult for an attorney to obtain the financial information needed from a client. If the client is no longer living in a marital home and does not have access to the records, or if the client was not the financial person in the family, it may be very difficult for them to give a complete picture of the assets and debts.
This week’s New Jersey Legal Update podcast will discuss the October 25, 2006 landmark decision of Lewis v. Harris. This podcast will give a brief summary of the case, and what the court’s decision means for the future of marriage in the state of New Jersey.
John Eory was quoted in today’s USA Today regarding the New Jersey Supreme Court’s Decision in Lewis v. Harris.
