Parents might believe that keeping the family intact is the best decision for the children. However, sometimes staying together “for the kids” might not be the wisest choice. Understanding how divorce could benefit your children is crucial in making an informed decision. The impact of a toxic environment Living in a household filled with tension, arguments and resentment could harm… The post Is staying together for the children the best choice? first appeared on Melinda L. Singer, Esquire ..read more

Those who discover that a spouse has been unfaithful may not feel comfortable remaining in their marriage. The lack of trust they have and the sense of betrayal that develops can create fear and resentment. Divorce may be the only way to move on after discovering adultery. The divorce process can be very complex and is often not as cathartic… The post Can adultery affect property division during divorce? first appeared on Melinda L. Singer, Esquire ..read more

People who have children and are going through a divorce must ensure that they’re ready to communicate with each other about the kids. It’s not always easy to do this because of the tensions that occur during the end of the relationship.  There are several things that might work to help you improve co-parenting communication. Being able to keep conversations… The post Communication in child custody must be a priority first appeared on Melinda L. Singer, Esquire ..read more

Going through a divorce requires you to determine what will happen with all marital assets, including the family home. For some people, the marital home is the biggest asset that has to be handled in the divorce.  There are many factors that you must consider when it comes to the marital home. Going through these points may help you to… The post Factors to consider regarding the marital home in divorce first appeared on Melinda L. Singer, Esquire ..read more

There is little doubt that traditional shared custody arrangements can sometimes disrupt a child’s life. Splitting their time between two households can become chaotic, and it’s not uncommon for children to forget something they need at the other parent’s house. That may be why birdnesting is becoming popular among divorced parents, but is it a viable solution? What is birdnesting… The post Is birdnesting a good idea? first appeared on Melinda L. Singer, Esquire ..read more

Divorcing with a special needs child is incredibly challenging and requires careful planning and consideration to ensure the well-being of your child. While each situation is unique, the potential considerations below can offer some clarity about what to prioritize if your divorce involves a child with special needs. Addressing them in your divorce can facilitate continued health and happiness for… The post 3 things to think about in a divorce with a special needs child first appeared on Melinda L. Singer, Esquire ..read more

Some people draft prenuptial agreements because they fear divorce. Others may simply have resources that they want to protect when they get married. There are a variety of reasons why spouses may choose to negotiate a prenuptial agreement with one another before getting married. In some cases, prenuptial agreements can actually deter people from filing for divorce. Those who start… The post What is the role of a prenuptial agreement during divorce? first appeared on Melinda L. Singer, Esquire ..read more

When a couple gets married, they extend their family. While they may have previously met their in-laws on several occasions, marriage generally means a closer involvement. In most cases, this is a positive. In-laws may form strong bonds and lean on one another for support. Nonetheless, this isn’t always the case, and in-laws can be seen as interfering. Outlined below… The post In-law interference can cause marital disputes first appeared on Melinda L. Singer, Esquire ..read more

When a child’s parents divorce, the situation can quickly become overwhelming in ways that they may not be able to articulate or manage successfully. A transition from living in a unified household to splitting time between two homes often inspires anxiety, confusion and a sense of instability.  In this context, virtual visitation—using video calls, messaging and other online tools to… The post Virtual visitation can help to calm kids’ stress post-divorce first appeared on Melinda L. Singer, Esquire ..read more

When a family court issues alimony orders during divorce, the intent is to provide financial support to a lower-earning or non-working spouse to enable them to maintain a standard of living similar to what they had during the marriage.  However, these orders are not set in stone and can be modified under certain circumstances. When can alimony be modified? In… The post Can alimony be modified in New Jersey? first appeared on Melinda L. Singer, Esquire ..read more