The issues of substance abuse and divorce are the types of topics which we all know effect millions of people, but never expect it to impact us. Unfortunately, the reality is that in the U.S. nearly 1,000,000 divorces take place each year and tens of millions of adults will partake in binge drinking or illicit drug use. When the numbers are that […]

For many individuals going through a divorce, one of the most difficult issues is dealing with and overcoming emotional abuse and/or harassment from their ex spouse. All divorces come about for a reason, and many times acrimonious separations are due to or can even result in a hostile relationship between exes. This can be particularly tricky […]

Different states handle restraining orders in different manners. For example, a final restraining order issued in New York will last either two to five years. In New Jersey however, a final restraining order lasts indefinitely, and will last until such time that the filing party vacates the order, or the named party is successful in […]

Spousal abuse and domestic violence can take many forms, and can be difficult for the victim to extract themselves from the situation. People fear that filing for a divorce will only antagonize the abuser, and push them to committing further acts of abuse. However, New Jersey law provides many protections for victims of domestic violence […]

Having a restraining order placed against you may not initially seem like a big deal. Often, people say “I don’t want to talk to this person anyway, so who cares?”. The problem however, is that a restraining order has long-term implications for your future. When a judge approves a restraining order, you will be photographed, finger-printed, […]

The Chatham Township Committee, along with the Jersey Battered Woman Services (JBWS), held a conference to help stop domestic abuse throughout Morris County. On Tuesday, October 18th, Chatham Township and JBWS spoke about the issue around domestic violence, not only in Morris County, but also throughout the entire state of New Jersey. JBWS spokeswoman Regina […]

In a recent decision, a New Jersey judge concluded that economic abuse, specifically, interfering with an ex-partner’s employment, may constitute domestic violence. As such, behavior that involves threats or direct attempts to jeopardize a victim’s employment may provide grounds for a restraining order. Ocean County Superior Court Judge Lawrence Jones recently issued his opinion in […]

Another Hollywood marriage went up in flames recently, as Amber Heard filed for divorce from Johnny Depp after a 15-month marriage. The initial divorce filing was quickly followed by a shocking revelation, as Heard obtained a temporary restraining order against Depp, alleging an ongoing pattern of abuse and a recent incident involving a cell phone. As […]

In light of an ongoing case involving the tragic death of a 15-year-old boy, the New Jersey Supreme Court has decided not to hear a case that questions whether or not the boy’s father, who was long absent from his life before his untimely death, should be entitled to a portion of the damages awarded […]

In a landmark decision, a judge in the Ocean County Superior Court, Family Division, affirmed the inclusion of criminal coercion among the predicate acts of domestic violence, an addition which was secured through formal amendment of the New Jersey Prevention of Domestic Violence Act (N.J.S.A. 2C:25-19(a)) in August of 2015. The decision clarifies the definition […]