The Four Major Areas

When children are involved, we usually start here working out a parenting schedule.  The best parent is both parents.  We have experience in many creative ways of designing a schedule that suits you.  You will find some excellent books dealing with co-parenting if you click on “Books” And it is highly recommended that you both do some reading on the subject.  A host of issues will come into view as the reality of  co-parenting is considered and we will make suggestions that will anticipate many of these to insure a smooth transition.

Parenting Schedule

Equitable distribution refers to a fair distribution as opposed to simply 50/50.  The wide latitude to what is considered fair is all the more reason for a mediated agreement as opposed to having to accept someone else’s idea of fair.  Generally speaking whatever was acquired during the marriage is considered marital property regardless of whose name it’s in.  Notable exceptions are inheritances, and gifts by a third party.  Gifts between spouses are generally considered marital assets.  Although property acquired prior to marriage may not be a marital asset, if the other spouse contributed in some way, for example sharing mortgage expenses, the appreciation during the marriage  can be considered marital although the asset itself is not. 

Equitable Distribution

Spousal support is not required in every divorce.  Important considerations are the length of the marriage, the ratio of the incomes of the parties, and the marital lifestyle.  There are several versions: support for a few years to get back into the work force, or to go to school to acquire marketable skills, or support for the long term. 

Spousal Support

Child support guidelines must be filled out as part of any divorce in NJ where there are children from the marriage. These are guidelines, but there is  latitude for a couple to make their own decision together.  In mediation the question is not how much will I have to pay,  rather it is determining how much is needed to support your children and apportioning the expense appropriately.

Child Support