Generally, no. New Jersey law treats a gift from a parent to one spouse during the marriage as separate property, so it usually stays outside equitable distribution. But that protection can change if the spouse mixes the gift with marital funds, adds the other spouse...
family law
Can child support be reduced when a parent loses a job?
Yes. A New Jersey parent may request a child support reduction after a substantial and sustained loss of income. However, unemployment alone does not modify an existing support order. The court may examine the circumstances surrounding the job loss and the parent’s...
What happens when an ex-spouse retires while paying alimony?
Retirement can change an alimony obligation, but it does not automatically end alimony. New Jersey law allows a court to modify alimony after retirement, but the outcome depends on the facts of the case. Knowing how the law works can reduce uncertainty and help with...
When can you request a child support modification?
Life rarely stays the same for very long. Your financial situation today likely looks different from it did when a judge first signed your child support order. In New Jersey, the law recognizes that these orders must evolve to reflect your current reality rather than...
How cohabitation affects alimony payments
Alimony serves as a financial bridge to help your ex-spouse transition to a single life. However, this obligation should not last forever if circumstances change. When your ex-spouse enters a new, serious relationship, it can lead to a change in arrangements. In New...
Can alimony change after job loss in New Jersey?
Losing a job affects more than your routine — bills keep coming even when paychecks stop. For those paying or receiving alimony in New Jersey, this sudden income gap can strain court-ordered support. Many assume alimony adjusts automatically, but payments continue at...
Can one spouse force mediation in a contested New Jersey divorce?
Divorce often brings conflict, especially when you and your spouse disagree on key issues. You may wonder if one person can require mediation to move things forward. New Jersey law supports mediation, but it does not give either spouse unlimited control. What...
How does NJ treat offshore bank accounts in divorce proceedings?
Divorce can become more confusing when money is held outside the United States. Offshore bank accounts often raise questions about fairness, access, and disclosure. If you think these accounts exist, learning how New Jersey courts handle them can help you understand...
Can separate property become marital property in an NJ divorce?
Property division often raises confusing questions during a divorce, especially when you brought assets into the marriage. You may assume those assets stay yours, but New Jersey law does not treat every asset the same once a marriage ends. How you used, shared, or...
Can alimony orders be a lump-sum buyout over periodic payments?
A lump-sum alimony buyout gives you a direct and definitive way to resolve support obligations after divorce. It removes the need for recurring payments and provides a structured financial conclusion that helps you plan with greater certainty. How lump-sum alimony...


