Written by: Albertina Webb, Esq.

Previously we discussed some common mistakes parents make when they are newly divorced and now separately raising their children. Instead of co-parenting and raising their child/ren collaboratively with the other parent, sometimes unresolved personal issues and anger gets in the way. The ones who suffer are truly the children.

By: Sylwia L’Esperance, Paralegal

“My spouse makes all the money and I can’t afford a lawyer” is a statement we hear quite often from the dependent spouse. Too many spouses feel trapped in a marriage thinking their hands are tied due to the inability to pay for a divorce. They often decide to represent themselves believing there are no other options and think they cannot possibly hire an attorney. Usually, this is a fallacy and a bad mistake.

By: Albertina Webb, Esq.

Being the back seat driver gives one vantage points regardless of whether or not they have the actual experience to cast a stone. That means that being a hands-on family law attorney, who actually listens to her clients, allows me to share what I believe, are common co-parenting mistakes that should be avoided at all costs:

Written by: Vito Colasurdo, Jr.

After a month of what I presume house arrest feels like (but without the ankle bracelet), life as we know it seems forever altered. Days feel like weeks, everyone is wearing a mask that makes them look like a doctor, ninja, or bank robber, and the only places open for business are grocery and hardware stores. Nothing is the same. And although the matrimonial practice has certainly changed, and in some instances slowed down, matrimonial matters are still proceeding, just in a different fashion. New Jersey recently announced that Family Law documents can now be filed remotely through the Judiciary Electronic Document Submission (JEDS) system. JEDS is a website that facilitates the submission of documents electronically to the New Jersey Courts. Previously, matrimonial filings were to be filed in hard copy form only. The electronic filing system enables document transmission remotely without risking COVID transmission through in person service of the document. So, if someone desired to commence a matrimonial proceeding during the pandemic, pleadings could be filed it through JEDS. It is yet to be seen whether the Courts will accept electronic filing once the COVID pandemic is over.

By: Barbara M. Kirk, Esq.

Due to the governor’s orders and to minimize COVID-19 spread, the courts are closed to the public with the exception of certain emergency matters, such as protection from abuse filings, bail hearings, search warrant hearings, and emergency custody matters.

During these difficult times, custody exchanges can be difficult. The Bucks County Family Court Division has issued directives regarding custody and current orders. Those directives are basically: