Divorce brings substantial changes to any family. However, a military couple has unique considerations about asset division of benefits. Military pensions and disability pay are significant benefits from long-term service and could become a complex matter during proceedings. Understanding the rules surrounding these payments can prevent confusion or unpleasant surprises. Pensions and the 10/10 rule In New Jersey, any assets a couple acquires during the marriage are typically subject to an equitable split between spouses. This includes military pensions, no matter the duration of the marriage ..read more

Divorce is never an easy situation, and if you have a special-needs child, it adds another layer of complexity. Co-parenting requires effective communication between the parents, understanding and cooperation to ensure the child’s best interests. Co-parenting a special-needs child requires additional patience, willingness to work together to find solutions, time and dedication. Is co-parenting possible with a special-needs child? Yes. Co-parenting is possible if you have a special-needs child. In fact, it can be the most beneficial arrangement for the parents and the child because the child re ..read more

Are breath tests as accurate as they claim to be when it comes to determining a person’s blood alcohol content? This is a question that has sparked much debate and controversy among law enforcement agencies, legal experts and individuals who have found themselves on the wrong side of a DUI charge. Breath testing hinges on the principle that there is a relationship between the amount of alcohol in a person’s breath and the amount of alcohol in their blood. However, there are several factors that can affect the accuracy of breath tests and lead to potentially misleading results. Human error Huma ..read more

Property division is a complicated and crucial stage of your New Jersey divorce, but do not let it overwhelm you. With adequate knowledge, you can plan for this next step. Here are a few things you should know about property division laws in New Jersey. What are the property division laws in NJ? New Jersey is an equitable division state, which means a court divides marital property between you and your spouse in a way they deem fair. In some cases, this division is 50/50, but not always. The only criterion is that the split must be equitable. What is the difference between separate property an ..read more

As a stay-at-home parent going through a divorce, it can feel overwhelming and challenging. You may feel uncertain about your future and how you will support yourself and your children. Incorporating specific tips into your life as you adjust to your new normal can help you come out stronger on the other side. 1. Seek support from friends and family. It is easy to isolate while going through a divorce, especially if you are a stay-at-home parent. It is important to reach out to friends, family and support groups for emotional and practical support. You may also find it helpful to speak with a ..read more

New Jersey law now allows recreation use of marijuana under the state’s Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance and Marketplace Modernization (CREAMM) Act. This law allows those who are over the age of 21 to buy up to 1 once of usable cannabis. This includes various edibles like soft chews as well as topicals and vape formulas. As with any big change to the law, questions about its implementation remain. Some of the more common include the following. #1: Can an officer stop me on the street if they smell marijuana? The CREAMM Act makes it clear that the smell of marijuana on its own is not ..read more

Divorce is hard on everyone, but you can make it a bit easier by deciding what you want from the divorce first. You must prioritize what is most important to you and what is worth fighting over. Although situations differ from couple to couple, here are a few of the main things worth fighting your spouse over. The children If you have children, do not give up on them. You may think giving your spouse full custody is easier, but that is not always the case. However, although children need both of their parents, 50/50 custody arrangements are not always the best. This is why it is essential to w ..read more

Going out and having fun is a normal pastime for many. However, there can be lasting consequences if you are not careful. This can be true when it comes to drinking too much alcohol, and other substances as well. By knowing how to be careful, you can avoid situations that could cost you in the long run. Play it safe While it is normal to enjoy spending time out, that does not mean that you shouldn’t exercise caution. If you want to make sure that you do not get a DWI then you need to make sure that there is someone that you can contact if you have consumed too much alcohol and are not fit to d ..read more

The beginning of the year is often a time for self-reflection. It offers a chance at new choices and new directions. For many, those choices revolve around deciding whether to leave a broken marriage. This is part of the reason people often refer to January as “divorce month,” even though some reports suggest more people file for divorce in March. Every year, there is a seasonal rise in divorce filings. People tend to stick together for the holidays, but once they clear the hustle and bustle of late-October through December, they find themselves stuck, looking for a way out. Two defining quest ..read more

Anyone who was or is a member of the armed forces knows that Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other similar conditions are a very real problem for veterans. The legislature of New Jersey recognizes the gravity of the effect that military service can have on a person, and that veterans deserve our respect, gratitude and assistance. That is why the legislature established the Veterans Diversion Program, to give veterans the help they need when they have a negative interaction with the police that results in criminal charges. How the Veterans Diversion Program works The program applies t ..read more