Villani & DeLuca Divorce Blogs

should I have to pay for college if I have no relationship with my child

An individual's First Amendment rights and the need to protect victims has grown increasingly complicated with the usage of social media and blogs.  In family court matters, social media can be a source of help when it uncovers clear evidence of a party's wrong doing. 

In the context of divorce, equitable distribution isn't just about dividing up the money and properties. Marital debts and liabilities such as credit card debts, outstanding loans and tax consequences have to be shared as well.

the importance of divorce planning in your divorce

It's non unusual for men to embrace the responsibilities of fatherhood for the children of their partners, with or without a formal adoption.  Fathers may also assume responsibility by signing the birth certificate of a non-biological child, or by a signed a voluntary acknowledgment

All marriages have their ups and downs, but there are some marriages that you wouldn't wish on your worst enemy.  Torturous levels of domestic abuse such as a history of beatings, marital rape and stalking, for example, can result in life-long physical and mental trauma. 

Each spouse, unless ordered to do so by the courts, has the right to reside in the marital home until the finalization of the divorce.  Such an arrangement, however, can be volatile depending on the state of one's marriage. 

While most cases of students taking their parents to court for college contributions is a private matter, the Ricci case has become a very public affair, and one that still stirs up controversy among divorced  and support paying parents. 

In spite of the word “final”, many divorce judgments go through changes due to various circumstances in the lives of the former spouses and their children.  Financial support such as alimony and child support, for example, may be terminated or modified based on changing needs or reduced income

In the context of family law, “legal custody” refers to an arrangement in which a parent retains the right to make, or participate in making decisions regarding the child's welfare.  In reality, however, the definition is much more complex. 

Hiring a private investigator may seem like a drastic action, but there are situations that require solid, irrefutable evidence of a spouse's marital misconduct.  Private investigators offer a wide variety of services, including background checks.

While each co-parenting situation is unique, most divorced parents in New Jersey either share custody, or assign one parent to be the primary residential custodian.  Giving one parent primary custody is the more popular option, mainly because it gives the children a sense of consistency

The relationship between a child and a stepparent is one of the most complex dynamics that exist between two people.  Ironically, popular media tends to simplify the stepparent as either the perfect new caretaker, or an evil villain who sees the child as competition.  The reality is that most ste...

The idea that the courts have jurisdiction over one's post-divorce love life is confounding for most people.  It may even induce outrage, considering that a person's love life centers around autonomous concepts, like sexuality and emotional commitments.  Regardless of the one's philosophical beli...

Even if you've never been to court, you probably have some idea of courtroom etiquette based on popular crime dramas or crime reenactment shows.  These shows, however, often fail to accurately portray the importance of certain rules and behaviors, especially in the family court setting.  Etiquett...

Credit scores often take a beating right after divorce, and perhaps for many years after.  This can make life tough for many divorced individuals when it comes time to secure valuable assets such as a car, home or education loans.  If you are a parent who is having trouble making child support pa...

A domestic violence hearing is a juggling act between the victim's right to immediate protection, and the alleged attacker's right to be heard in a meaningful manner.  New Jersey laws require that a hearing for a final restraining order be granted within 10 days after the filing of the complaint

The distribution of government pensions as a result of divorce is an incredibly complicated process, requiring knowledge of both the state and federal laws.  For military members, there may be additional considerations due to disability pay, which they may be receiving as part of their retirement.

Do I have to pay child support after my child turns 18?

Domestic Violence

The New Jersey courts encourage spouses to work out their differences through private methods whenever possible.  These methods include mediation, arbitration and collaborative divorce, as well as the Early Settlement Program which is offered by the superior courts.  

Can the Police search my house if a restraining order is filed?

Child support is an extremely serious legal obligation, to the point where just about any and all sources of income are eligible for the purpose of determining the support amount.  The sad truth, however, is that child support is often difficult to enforce.  It

Howell Township divorce lawyer - using witnesses in a divorce hearing