Divorcing a Business Owner in New Jersey: How the Business Gets Valued and Divided
When one spouse owns a business, a New Jersey divorce has an extra layer that a straightforward asset split doesn’t: figuring out what the business is worth and how much of it counts as marital property. Key Takeaways: If you or your spouse owns a business and you’re facing a divorce, you’ve probably already sensed […]
What Happens to the Marital Home in a New Jersey Divorce
Deciding what to do with the family home is one of the most financially and emotionally significant decisions in a New Jersey divorce, and the right answer depends on your specific situation. Key Takeaways: The marital home is subject to equitable distribution in New Jersey. Most couples have three options: one spouse buys out the […]
Your First Divorce Consultation in New Jersey: What to Bring, What to Expect, and What Actually Matters
A first divorce consultation in New Jersey is less about being prepared with the right documents and more about leaving with a clearer picture of your situation than you had going in: what’s at stake, what your options are, and what decisions actually matter at this stage. Key Takeaways: Most people spend weeks or months […]
Collaborative Divorce in New Jersey: How It Works and Whether It’s Right for You
Collaborative divorce in New Jersey lets both spouses negotiate a settlement outside of court, but it requires genuine commitment from both parties to work. Key Takeaways: For some families, collaborative divorce is genuinely the right answer. Both spouses reach an agreement outside of court, avoid the cost and stress of litigation, and move forward on […]
How Much Does a Contested Divorce Cost in New Jersey?
Most people going into a contested divorce in New Jersey have no clear sense of what a fully contested case actually costs. While legal fees are expected, what often comes as a surprise is how quickly those costs can grow – and how much of that expense can be avoided with the right legal approach […]
Reflect on the Season: Lessons Learned and Plans for Future Holidays
The first holiday season after a divorce brings mixed emotions and new challenges. It can feel overwhelming, but it also offers a chance to create new traditions and strengthen your family’s bond. Taking time to reflect on this years’ experience can help ensure smoother, happier holidays in the future. Here’s how to balance reflection and […]
Keeping Holiday Traditions Alive (or Starting New Ones) After Divorce
The holidays often revolve around family traditions, creating a sense of joy and connection. After a divorce, those traditions may feel uncertain or even bittersweet. For parents, it’s important to balance the familiarity of cherished customs with the opportunity to create new ones that reflect your family’s current dynamic. By approaching this season with a […]
Preparing for the First Holiday Season After Divorce: Setting Expectations and Priorities
The first holiday season after a divorce is sure to be emotionally charged, bringing unique challenges for you and your children. Balancing traditions, navigating family dynamics, and managing the holidays post-divorce can be confusing and overwhelming. With clear expectations and a few proactive steps, you can make this season be a meaningful, positive experience for yourself […]
7 Ways to Manage Sadness and Anxiety During Your Divorce
By Heather C. Keith When you and your soon-to-be-ex were saying your vows, you probably didn’t imagine ending your marriage. You’re definitely not alone, as more than 782,000 couples divorce each year in the U.S. That’s nearly 2,142 divorces per day and 15,039 divorces per week—or one divorce every approximately 40 seconds. Translation: In the time it takes one […]
Is Amicable Divorce Even an Option for Me?
Well, well, well… considering a divorce, are we? Or are you just here to show some love and support to someone who is? Either way, welcome to the party, friend! We’re here to lend a helping hand, because let’s be real, divorce is no walk in the park. When it comes to divorce, being in […]
How to Prepare a Complaint for Divorce in New Jersey
If you’re thinking about pulling the plug on your marriage, you better strap in and prepare for the wild ride ahead. Lucky for you, we’ve got the inside scoop on how to lay down the law with a divorce complaint, why legal advice is non-negotiable, and what legal requirements you need to check off before […]
Reputation on the Line: How to Keep Your Good Name Intact During Divorce
When your personal life gets hit by a wrecking ball, and you’re knee-deep in a legal and emotional swamp, the last thing you want is to become the town’s hot topic. Let’s face it; nobody wants to be the subject of watercooler chat, office gossip, or even worse, a star of your own Jerry Springer […]
How Long Does Divorce Take in New Jersey? Let’s Be Honest.
Listen up, lovebirds turned sour. I’m about to spill some piping hot tea on how long it takes to break the bonds of holy matrimony in New Jersey.
Divorce vs. Separation in New Jersey: The Legal Differences
It can be extremely hard to end a relationship, especially when you’ve committed to being with that person for the rest of your life. However, there are situations when deciding to separate is better than staying together, especially if there are frequent conflicts or your children’s well-being is at stake.
My Spouse Won’t Sign the Papers; What Do I Do Now?
No one truly wants a divorce, and if you’re going through one or feel like one is best, you want your situation to go as smoothly as possible. Unfortunately, not everyone has an amicable separation, and some spouses refuse to sign divorce papers and deal with the legal ramifications of a relationship ending. If your spouse doesn’t […]
How Do I Ensure an Equitable Distribution of Assets?
Like every couple that files for divorce, no one divorce looks the same. Thorny issues like child custody, prenuptial agreements, guardianship, and more of the little details that need to be discussed at the end of a marriage can stress you out. One area that requires an experienced divorce attorney in your corner to ensure […]
The Differences Between Amicable and Collaborative Divorce
While going through the divorce process rarely ends as a positive experience for the parties involved, there are some cases where the partners end their marriage on good terms. Sometimes people drift apart, and the best move for both people is to move on and start again with someone new. These couples have options that […]
Do I Need a Lawyer If I’m Mediating My Divorce in New Jersey?
Going through a divorce can quickly become a long, tedious, and contentious process for all parties involved. Deciding to file for divorce from your partner might seem like the most difficult choice you make in the process; however, if you don’t know the differences between divorce mediation and a lawyer-led divorce, you can further complicate […]
How do you know it’s time to contact a divorce lawyer?
It’s a two-syllable word that carries a whole lot of weight. Divorce. Many times it’s the ending of a relationship that was never expected to end – and that can make it really hard to take one of the very first step’s in the process: contacting a divorce lawyer. One thing is for sure. The […]
Stimulus Checks Impact on Divorce, Child Support & Alimony in New Jersey
On March 27, 2020, Congress and President Donald Trump signed a $2 trillion spending bill known as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act into law, intending to offset the economic damages of the coronavirus pandemic. This spending bill includes a one-time payment to eligible American taxpayers. Most individual taxpayers with an adjusted […]
How to Keep Your Divorce Moving Forward During a Pandemic
There’s never an ideal time to get divorced, but if there was, a global pandemic wouldn’t be it. Although it seems like the world has come to a grinding halt in the last few weeks, you’ll be surprised to find out that your divorce doesn’t have to. (And the same goes for your child support […]
Divorce Moment: What is Divorce Mediation?
Is it possible to divorce without hard feelings? In this edition of Divorce Moment, we talk about divorce mediation and how it can help you find common ground with your ex during this difficult period. Transcript Hi, this is Heather Keith from Keith Family Law with another Divorce Moment on the issue of mediation. […]
How to Keep Your Kids From Being Affected by Divorce
Divorce is hard – and it can be even harder when you have kids and want to protect them. While you can’t keep the truth from your children, you can help them process it in a way that minimizes the impact and shows them what healthy co-parenting looks like. Even if you and your spouse […]
Can I Change My Divorce Agreement?
Changing a divorce agreement is no easy task, so it’s always better to play the long game and make sure the agreement is one you can live with for the rest of your life. But that can be easier said than done – during a divorce, emotions run high and without a proper advocate, it’s […]
Divorce Moment: What Does Child Support Cover?
Did you know that child support can only be used for certain things? In this edition of Divorce Moment, we talk about what child support covers and what it doesn’t. Transcript Hi, this is Heather Keith from Keith Family Law and I just wanted to take another Divorce Moment to talk about what is included […]
Do I have to stay in the house until the divorce is final?
You’ve started divorce negotiations (or filed a Complaint), and you’ve started mapping out the next steps of your fresh start. One of the most significant steps of “new normal” is deciding where you’re going to live and when to move. But how does this step impact the divorce process? If you leave the house before […]
Can I get more assets in the divorce if my spouse cheats?
Infidelity is a heartbreaker – and a dealbreaker for many couples. Lots of big, messy emotions come pouring out that have the potential to spill over into divorce proceedings, making the process even more intense and stressful. Divorcing spouses may find themselves simultaneously feeling like they want to resolve things quickly so they can move […]
5 Ways to Save Money During and After a Divorce
Divorce is hard on your heart, and on your pocketbook. In 2019, the average divorce cost $15,000 nationally, and more in New Jersey. This doesn’t factor in associated costs such as securing new housing, establishing new insurance policies, and self-care such as therapy. Where do these costs come from? A litigated divorce case racks up […]
Do I Have to Pay Child Support if I Have Joint Custody?
When it comes to separation and divorce, few issues are more important than child support and custody. New Jersey has two types of custody: Legal and residential (also known as “physical”). Within these types are two additional types of child custody: Joint and sole. In New Jersey, joint legal custody means both parents share major […]
Getting Through the Divorce Process Intact
When you get married, divorce isn’t the first thing on your mind. It’s hard to imagine your loving relationship falling apart. Life is unpredictable, though, and relationships change. People get divorced for many reasons. Sometimes, people simply grow apart. Other times, something occurs that becomes an irreconcilable issue and divorce is the only viable option. […]
The Divorce Mediation Checklist: Everything You Need to Know
Getting married is a time of excitement and celebration but getting divorced – it’s bittersweet at best. The good news is you have options on how to achieve the best outcome for yourself and your family. One of these options is divorce mediation. Mediation is a popular method of moving forward with a divorce, minus […]
Can My New Jersey Alimony be Taxed?
After years of marriage, you’re getting divorced. If you earned a lower income than your spouse or if you helped put him or her through school, you might qualify for alimony, the monthly payment intended to help the lower-earning spouse remain financially stable following a divorce. While there is a lot of information online on […]
What Is Equitable Distribution in Divorce?
You often hear people say that marriage is no more than a contract between two people. In some ways, this is absolutely true. However, marriage is also the life that two people create together. It’s their children and their families. It’s their emotional bond. It’s their home and the belongings they accumulate over the years […]
How Is Alimony Calculated in New Jersey?
Alimony is a term that many recognize, but it’s often misunderstood. Also known as spousal support, alimony is financial support provided to a spouse under specific circumstances during and after a divorce. In New Jersey, there is no set formula for determining the amount and length of alimony payments, which can make estimating an amount […]
The Marital Settlement Agreement Checklist
When working through a divorce, you’ll encounter lots of documents, but one stands out above the others in importance: the Marital Settlement Agreement. A marriage settlement agreement is the most critical document drafted by your attorney during your divorce, outlining the terms of the agreement including division of assets and child custody and parenting time. […]
Does Mediation Save Money During A Divorce?
Mediation can be an effective way to get a divorce without a drawn-out court battle, provided you and your spouse can get along well enough to decide all the pertinent issues while compromising. However, where cost is concerned, does it actually save you money? The short answer is yes. The less time you need to […]
Child Custody Laws in New Jersey: The Basics
Parting ways with a significant other when you’re both parents of a child means that a child custody agreement must be designed. This agreement will determine how custody is divided and will likely also determine child support and the requirements for making decisions for the child. This process can be emotionally trying, but at all […]
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Marital Settlement Agreement
Divorce is a difficult, emotional event and separating your lives requires some work. As you determine the logistics of your new life without one another, you must also figure out how to divide your assets, liabilities, and income. Sorting out your finances will be a big part of your marital settlement agreement. This can often […]
What New Jersey Alimony Laws Mean for You
Figuring out finances is often at the top of priority list during a divorce. One of the most contested pieces is alimony (also known as spousal support), where the court determines an amount one spouse must provide to the other on a monthly basis. There are many factors that go into determining the final number […]
What Does the Divorce Mediation Process Look Like?
The inevitable emotional roller coaster most people feel during the beginning stages of divorce can be overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be as stressful or drawn-out as many people think. There are other faster and less difficult options available, referred to as Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) or “out of court” processes – and Divorce […]
The Scorched Earth Divorce Strategy: Why It Hurts Everyone
With movies like Kramer v. Kramer and shows like The Practice, Hollywood has conditioned us to expect attorneys to help us with our legal issues through a long, difficult courtroom battle. No one would tune in if the show involved two people and professionals sitting down, talking, and getting along. But off-screen that type of […]
How Is Child Support Calculated in New Jersey?
Welcome to the world of “Unmarried with Children.” One of the many pieces that needs to be decided on when children are involved in a divorce is the child support amount. Even once the divorce is finalized, it doesn’t mean this piece is done and set in stone. Certain factors may give reasons to reevaluate […]
Divorcing an Abusive Spouse: What You Need to Know
If you’re reading this, you’re taking the first steps to get out of a harmful relationship and move on with your life. It’s not an easy road to take, but it’s important to think about the long-term and what your life will look one, five, and even ten years from now. It may seem impossible, […]
Heather C. Keith Esq To Present at NJICLE For ADR Day June 5th
Heather Keith, Esq. of Keith Law Firm will be speaking on June 5th at the New Jersey State Bar Association “ADR Day 2019 – Valuable Tips for Arbitrators and Mediators for Resolving Conflict in a Complicated World”. Heather will present along with other speakers on current information, updated techniques and useful tactics that can be […]
Is Divorce Mediation Right for Me?
The decision to get a divorce is a difficult one, no matter what the circumstances are. Deciding whether you’d like to take your divorce to mediation can add to the challenge. It’s important to understand mediation and figure out what you want out of the process. During a divorce you essentially have two options: go […]
More Women Are Paying Alimony in New Jersey
There has been a shift in the financial dynamics of the American family. As recently as twenty years ago, most families saw the husband as the primary breadwinner. But a shift in the dynamic of the American household has more women opting to start their careers first, before starting a family, and then earning more […]
7 Pitfalls When Filing For Divorce
Divorce is extremely stressful and confusing, even if you are amicable with your spouse. There are so many moving parts that it’s hard to figure out where to start or where to focus. (And if you think your divorce will be contentious, multiply that by 100.) However, in divorce, forewarned is forearmed, and there are […]