Under New Jersey's Prevention of Domestic Violence Act, a person who is a victim of certain offenses by a spouse, household member, dating partner or co-parent can get a temporary restraining order (TRO) the same day from the police or the Family Part. A final restraining order (FRO) hearing is held about 10 days later. An FRO has no expiration date and carries real consequences for the defendant, including a ban on weapons and entry in a confidential statewide registry.

5 min read

Family Law

Divorce in New Jersey: grounds, timeline and when to get a lawyer

Most New Jersey divorces are filed on the no-fault ground of irreconcilable differences, which requires that the marriage has broken down for at least six months with no reasonable chance of reconciliation. Generally, one spouse must have lived in New Jersey for the year before filing, and the plaintiff's filing fee is $300. Property is split under equitable distribution, which means fairly, not necessarily 50/50.

7 min read

Family Law

Child custody in New Jersey: how judges decide and what to expect

New Jersey courts decide custody based on the best interests of the child, using the factors listed in N.J.S.A. 9:2-4. Joint legal custody, where both parents share major decisions, is the most common arrangement, with one parent often designated the parent of primary residence. When parents disagree, the court generally sends them to custody mediation first, and each parent may have to submit a written parenting plan.

6 min read

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