It is possible to settle out of court after a suit has been initiated. In fact that is most frequently the result of our cases. Only a small percentage of our cases make it to trial. It’s just too costly and oftentimes there isn’t enough to dispute to make litigation worthwhile for both sides, particularly […]
Legal Issues
Do non-biological partners have parenting time rights after their relationship ends?
If the partner has not adopted the non-biological child, but has essentially functioned as a parent to the child, they can make a case in the courts for being a psychological parent. The courts look at certain factors in determining this, including whether the child was encouraged to view the partner as a parent, or […]
How does child custody and child support work when partners are unmarried?
Parents have a right to custody and parenting time whether or not they were ever married. Children have rights to receive support from their parents regardless of the parent’s relationship status. Parents can file for child custody and child support in the family courts and have a judge hear their case and issue an order. […]
How can a domestic partnership agreement address joint credit cards and debts?
You’re not responsible for your partner’s debts just because you live together. However, you are responsible for debts that you have agreed to pay. If you and your partner have a debt in both of your names, like a joint credit card, then the issuing company can hold both of you responsible for paying for […]
How can a domestic partnership agreement address joint bank accounts?
A joint bank account is something that can be accessed by another party. If either partner made a decision to take all the money from the bank account, technically they could. A partnership agreement can lay out terms for how to divide the account. Should it be a 50/50 split? Should it be according to […]
Fairly Divided Assets: What Can Unmarried Couples Do To Ensure Them?
What can unmarried couples do to ensure fairly divided assets? Read on to learn how to protect your largest asset, the home, with cohabitation agreements.
Is spousal support available for unmarried couples that break up?
Unmarried partners have the option of establishing a type of legal cohabitation agreement that can outline terms of support should the relationship end. This agreement is more commonly known as a palimony agreement. Palimony can be especially important if one partner gave up their career to care for the kids, or there is a large […]
Does common law marriage have rights?
There is a lingering misconception that living together for a certain length of time in New Jersey, such as seven years, can trigger a common-law marriage that provides certain protections. There are a very small handful of states that still offer some type of common-law status, but New Jersey is not one of them. Common-law […]
How is the end of a domestic relationship different from a marriage?
When long-term relationships end it can sometimes be an unfortunate crash course in the legal difference between marriage and cohabitation. Couples who marry legally obtain tax breaks, inheritance rights, and various spousal benefits including health insurance. Marriage also confers certain legal rights to property and support in the event of divorce. Should the union end, […]
What are the costs of a proper prenuptial agreement?
It’s surprisingly inexpensive. Assuming that you’re represented by a lawyer who’s been through this process, it’s a relatively straightforward situation. Your lawyer should be able to get the work done and the negotiations completed and give you a signed, enforceable document by maybe expending a handful of hours. It’s not necessarily a long, drawn out, […]
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