Blog
- Relocation and Custody: What You Need to Know in New Jersey
Apr 17, 2025
Understanding Child Custody and Parental Relocation in New Jersey When parents separate or New Jersey law places the child’s best interests at the heart of every relocation case. That means any move that could disrupt a custody or parenting time agreement must be carefully reviewed – either by mutual agreement between the parents or, when necessary, by the court. If you're a parent considering relocation, or if you're concerned about how a proposed move...Read More - How a DUI Conviction Can Impact Your Insurance Rates in New Jersey–And What You Can Do About It
Mar 12, 2025
A DUI conviction is a serious matter that comes with a wide range of consequences, including steep fines, potential jail time, and license suspension. Beyond these immediate penalties, one of the most lasting impacts is on your car insurance rates. In New Jersey, a DUI can lead to significant financial strain due to skyrocketing premiums. Understanding how a DUI conviction affects your insurance and knowing how to address these challenges with the help of a...Read More - How to Protect Your Rights During a High-Conflict Custody Battle in New Jersey
Feb 10, 2025
Child custody This guide offers practical strategies for navigating contentious custody disputes while safeguarding your parental rights in New Jersey. Understanding Parental Rights in NJ Custody Cases In New Jersey, the court’s primary focus in custody battles is the best interests of the child. Both parents typically have equal rights under the law, but the court evaluates several factors when determining custody arrangements, including: Each parent’s ability to provide a stable and supportive environment The...Read More - The New Jersey Ignition Interlock Device Requirement: What It Means for DUI Offenders
Jan 2, 2025
Facing a This blog explores the ins and outs of New Jersey’s ignition interlock device law, how it applies to DUI offenders, and why working with a skilled DUI defense lawyer can help protect your rights. What Is an Ignition Interlock Device? An ignition interlock device is a small, breathalyzer-like tool installed in a vehicle to prevent it from starting if the driver has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) above a pre-set limit. Drivers...Read More - Minors and DUI Charges: How NJ Law Treats Underage Offenders
Dec 18, 2024
For parents, there’s nothing more alarming than learning their teenager has been charged with a If your teen has been charged with a DUI, understanding the legal process and the potential penalties is critical. This guide breaks down how New Jersey handles underage DUI charges, the consequences your teen may face, and why hiring an experienced DUI defense lawyer is essential to safeguarding their future. Understanding New Jersey’s Approach to Underage DUI New Jersey...Read More - There is No Presumption of 50/50 Parenting Time in New Jersey
Dec 11, 2024
In the recent unpublished decision of K.K. v. L.K. the plaintiff-father argued the parties should have a fifty-fifty parenting schedule in New Jersey. He claimed the trial judge violated public policy, which promises children "frequent and continuing contact with both parents . . . ." under the Statute N.J.S.A. 9:24. The appeals court disagreed. N.J.S.A. 9:2-4 states that it is the public policy of the State of NJ to assure minor children of frequent and...Read More - An IEP is NOT a Custody Evaluation
Dec 9, 2024
In the Unpublished case of W.A., Jr. v. S.T., the mother appealed a decision by the trial court designated the father as primary residential custodian of the parties’ child J.T. The child had resided with the mother since birth and has ADHD. The defendant argued and the appeals court agreed that an IEP serves a very different purpose than a best interests evaluation. The appeals court rejected her claim that she did not have the...Read More - What are fact findings and why are they important?
Dec 6, 2024
Two recent unpublished decisions from the NJ Appellate Division overturned the trial court for failing to make factual findings. Markferding v. Markferding Case In the case of Markferding v. Markferding, Not Reported, A-380-23, Decided November 22, 2024, the defendant appealed a trial court decision imputing him income for child support purposes. The appellate division reversed and noted, that while it was ok for the trial court to impute income, since the defendant repeatedly failed to...Read More - A jury must hear facts for enhanced sentences
Dec 2, 2024
In the recent published decision of State of New Jersey v. Carlton, decided November 27, 2024, the Appellate Division considered the application of the recently decided Erlinger v. US, 602 U.S. ____ (2024) which held that a jury, not the sentencing judge, must decide the existence of the facts necessary to establish the grounds for a sentence enhancement based on prior convictions for offenses committed on separate occasions. The NJ court ultimately instructed that the...Read More - Imputing income in child support cases
Nov 29, 2024
In the recent case of Markferding v. Markferding, Not Reported, A-380-23, Decided November 22, 2024, the defendant appealed a trial court decision imputing him income for child support purposes. The appellate division reversed and noted, that it was ok for the trial court to impute income, since the defendant repeatedly failed to submit financial information to the court. How Child Support Is Determined Child support is primarily based on the combined incomes of both parents...Read More