Life insurance is an interesting product for consumers. It's designed not to benefit the consumer himself/herself, but his/her beneficiaries after he/she passes away. It's even more interesting when a divorce is involved. When a spouse is listed on a life insurance...
Courts are no stranger to requests for paternity tests. Usually, it involves a question of one or more individuals, each claiming or disclaiming biological parentage, of an unborn or newborn baby. Potential parents often want to determine this question at the start of...
One legal tool available to victims or potential victims of domestic violence is the ability to seek a temporary or final restraining order, also known as a "TRO" or "FRO", respectively. The court relies on evidence presented by the parties to determine if a TRO or...
The New Jersey legislature has passed legislation that will allow for surrogacy-for-hire contracts. Such legislation was previously vetoed twice, but found success recently, ending a period of nearly thirty years of unenforceability of such contracts. A...
The New Jersey courts have long recognized and respected the terms of a marital settlement agreement (MSA) so long as it is valid. They are taken as expressions of the parties' wishes and will honor it as long as there is not a reason to disregard it. A cohabitation...
When a child is involved in a family proceeding, usually in child custody and visitation disputes, the court generally applies a "best interests" standard. That is, the court prioritizes a child's best interest in making its decisions. Thus, it will ask the question,...
New Jersey recognizes three different types of wills: 1) a formal will; 2) a holographic will; and a writing that may not meet the state's formalities of a will but can be otherwise proven that it should be treated as a will. A formal will requires that it is signed...
There are certain places we have all come to expect a level of privacy. Our homes and public restrooms are just a few of them. We believe that if someone is at our home, for example, he or she will ring the doorbell or knock before they enter; anything otherwise feels...
Some people who are wronged are afraid of pursuing their legal claims. Between the expense, time and stress, it makes sense that some are reluctant to file a suit, even if he or she has a good claim. Some people may also have a fear that they may not get a fair trial,...
When couples divorce, the courts first look to see if the parties have an agreement that lists the terms of their post-marital life. Expenses, childcare, and division of assets can all be addressed in these types of agreements. The courts will give great weight to...
Subscribe To This Blog’s Feed