Category: Family Law

File or Contest Your Child Relocation Application With Brick NJ Family Lawyers

Monmouth and Ocean County Family Lawyer with Offices located in Brick, and Sea Girt NJ

If you are seeking to relocate your child to another state and the other parent does not agree, you’ll have to a file a relocation application. At that point, the court will make a determination on whether or not is in your child best interest to move to that state. Here at the Bronzino Law Firm, we have handled many relocation applications. We have also defended applications where the other party was seeking to take the child to another state, and our client did not want them to go. We are ready to take your matter to trial, to either relocate your child to another state or keep them here in New Jersey. We’ll also give you an honest assessment of whether or not we think your application has merit.

Contact a Relocation and Child Custody Lawyer Today

At Bronzino Law Firm, LLC we have helped many parents to successfully resolve child relocation disputes across Sea Girt, Toms River, Point Pleasant, Brick, and the greater Ocean County, NJ area.

We understand exactly how important your children, their future and your relationship with them are, and we are prepared to help you present the best possible case to any family court.

Our smaller size allows us to develop personal and attentive relationships with our clients, while charging fair and reasonable rates for our services. Attorney Peter J. Bronzino believes that by keeping his clients informed and involved throughout the legal process, he can better secure them a favorable resolution of their legal matter, in all family law cases including child custody and relocation.

To schedule a free and confidential consultation with our firm today regarding your child relocation or child custody and visitation issue, please contact us today or through our Brick, NJ office at (732) 812-3102.

Ocean County NJ Child Support Attorneys

Providing Child Support Calculation counsel in Sea Girt, Brick, Wall, Seaside Heights, Toms River and across the Jersey Shore

As opposed to alimony, which is depending on the variety of factors as well as the judge’s feel of the case, New Jersey child support is based on a calculation. When determining child support, New Jersey uses the “New Jersey Child Support Guidelines,” which comes from the New Jersey Court Rules. When calculating child support, we first use the custodial parent’s income, then we use the noncustodial parent’s income, and then, – it is very important, the number of overnights that the noncustodial parent has with the child or children is then factored in to the guidelines. Obviously, the number of children as well as whether or not the children are over or below the age of 12 is then factored in as well. Finally, we include any work-related daycare costs, whether or not alimony is paid or received, whether or not there is medical insurance premium paid by either parent. All this is placed into a formula, a button is clicked, and then your child support figure is calculated.

Contact our Ocean County, NJ Child Support Attorneys

The attorneys that make up the Bronzino Family Law Team understand the struggles that many people go through because of child support payments. We will help you comprehend how those payments are calculated. Our attorneys have the knowledge to help guide you through the often complicated legal process and provide client-centered counsel every step of the way. To speak with to us today in a free and confidential consultation, please contact us online or through our Brick, NJ offices at (732) 812-3102.

Ocean and Monmouth County Adoption Lawyer

Serving Families in Ocean and Monmouth County towns including Toms River, Wall, Asbury Park, Point Pleasant, and Brick, NJ

The one area of Family Law that I really enjoy is adoptions. I really like bringing families together. We handle same-sex adoptions, step-parent adoptions, both contested and uncontested. We will be there every step of the way. Drafting the paperwork and guiding you through this momentous occasion. After the adoption is finalized, the adopting parent has the same rights to the child as a biological parent. This includes inheritance rights, as well as custody and child support rights if the biological parent and adopting parent are separate.

Contact us at our Brick or Sea Girt Office Locations

At Bronzino Law Firm, LLC we are helping many parents in the child adoption process across Spring Lake, Toms River, Point Pleasant, Jackson, and the greater Ocean County area.

Not all family attorneys possess the knowledge and experience necessary to navigate through many complex issues and circumstances that arise during any and all types of adoptions. Our managing partner Peter Bronzino has developed a skillset and an intimate understanding of the legal adoption process, that allows him to educate and guide prospective parents as they give a precious gift to their new child.

Speak with Peter Bronzino and our legal team today in a free and confidential consultation. Please contact us online, or through either our Brick or Sea Girt, NJ offices at (732) 812-3102.

Providing Parents with Financial Advice Across Spring Lake, Toms River, Point Pleasant, Brick, and the greater Ocean and Monmouth County Areas

One of the most important “status quo” issues besides the children are finances. If your spouse cuts you off financially or stops paying the mortgage, we can file what it is called a “Pendente Lite” or during Litigation Motion, which can force your spouse to give you financial support or pay the mortgage.

Ocean County Family Law Attorney providing Guidance in Financial Issues

At Bronzino Law Firm, LLC we have been helping many families with legal advice to successfully resolve financial and other disputes across Spring Lake, Toms River, Point Pleasant, Brick, and the greater Ocean County area.

To schedule a free and confidential consultation with our firm today regarding your family financial support issues, please contact us today or through our Brick, NJ office at (732) 812-3102.

Child Relocation Attorney Ocean County, NJ

Helping Parents Across Spring Lake, Toms River, Point Pleasant, Brick, and the greater Ocean and Monmouth County area

Child Relocation Attorney Ocean County, NJ After a divorce, if a non-custodial parent wants to move out of New Jersey (without the child), there are no laws preventing them from doing so. New Jersey relocation statute N.J.S.A. 9:2-2 allows a custodial parent to “remove” or relocate out of state with the child if the noncustodial parent doesn’t object. A custodial parent may also obtain permission from the court before moving out of state with the child(ren) to reflect a modification in the physical custody of the child.

If there is an objection by the noncustodial parent or the child (if of age), then the custodial parent must obtain court approval before moving the child from the court’s jurisdiction by showing a reason or cause for the move.

At Bronzino Law Firm, LLC, we have helped many parents across Spring Lake, Toms River, Point Pleasant, Brick, and Ocean County to legally relocate with their children, as well as helped parents contest relocation requests, and maintain their close relationships with their children.

Contact our firm today to discuss your unique situation, needs, and legal options moving forward regarding a relocation and your child custody agreement in a free and confidential consultation.

Three Ways Under NJ Law a Parent May Remove a Child Out of State:

consent of the other parent,
a court order granting permission, or
if the parent is fleeing immediate risk (ie., domestic violence, child abuse, etc.,)

It is recommended that the moving parent ask the non-custodial parent to sign a written statement consenting to the “removal.” Although it´s not required by law, this typed or legible written statement should be signed by both parents, and if possible witnessed and signed before a notary. This added step could prevent any family law related misunderstandings or parental kidnapping claims.

RELOCATION OUT-OF-STATE

Out-of-State Removal Attorney Toms River, NJ

Regardless of the type of child custody that either parent may have, fortunately as a result of the NJ Supreme Court ruling in Bisbing v Bisbing, all out-of-state relocation requests are decided on the best interests of the child(ren) involved. Parents requesting court approval MUST follow two key steps. They have to show “good cause” for the relocation, and that they are not in “bad faith” or through parental alienation, trying to hurt their former spouse by preventing the children from maintaining a close relationship with the co-parent.

Courts favor children maintaining equal relationships with both parents. Parental interference or withholding a child from the other parent during court-ordered parenting time is a crime. Removing a child to another state even with permission from the co-parent, can make any existing visitation and parenting time schedule much more challenging for the parent left in New Jersey to maintain or enforce.

At the Bronzino Law Firm, LLC we are ideally equipped to deal with sensitive situations like these, and we believe in supporting our clients in establishing a fair and stable visitation schedule to nurture and maintain a close parent-child relationship.

BEST INTEREST OF THE CHILD & CHILD CUSTODY MODIFICATIONS

Child Custody Modification Attorney Point Pleasant, NJ

In all child relocation matters, if a court finds that there is sufficient cause for the relocation of a parent, (out-of-state or within New Jersey itself), it will perform a “best interest analysis”, as outlined in N.J.S.A. 9:4-2, to determine which location best accounts for the needs and interests of the child(ren) involved, while also attempting to find a solution which allows for both parents to maintain as close a relationship as possible with their children after the relocation.

Because each case is unique, the courts will consider a number of different factors such as the child´s:

ability to maintain a relationship with the other parent after the move,
special needs, talents, interests, or abilities which can be supported in either location,
relationship with extended family after a move,
personal preferences (if the child is of sufficient age and maturity),
educational opportunities in both potential locations,

and the

likeliness that each parent will encourage the children to maintain their relationship with the other parent after the move, and
whether the parent who is not relocating might also be able to relocate in order to maintain their relationship with their child.

AWARDING PRIMARY CHILD CUSTODY

Deciding Primary Custody in Your Wall NJ Relocation Case

After this analysis is performed, the courts will award primary child custody, depending on which location they believe better meets the children’s best interests, and modify the existing child custody – while also possibly making a special visitation order to reflect this ruling.

Unsure about your parental rights and future? Whether you are currently going through divorce litigation or are covered by a child custody and visitation order and are concerned about parental relocation, you should retain the counsel of an experienced Ocean County child custody modification attorney to help you demonstrate to the courts that your close relationship with your child(ren) and their best interests are one and the same.

Contact a Brick Relocation and Child Custody Lawyer Today

At Bronzino Law Firm, LLC we have helped many parents to successfully resolve child relocation disputes across Spring Lake, Toms River, Point Pleasant, Jackson, and the greater Ocean County area.

We understand exactly how important your children, their future, and your relationship with them are, and we are prepared to help you present the best possible case to any family court.

Arbitration Modification and Appeals Attorney Brick NJ

Serving Clients with offices in Sea Girt and Brick across Monmouth and Ocean County NJ

Arbitration Modification and Appeals Attorney Brick NJ While going through the divorce process or any other family law dispute can seem challenging, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods such as mediation, collaboration, and arbitration can be seen as viable and effective ways of resolving family law issues. Though the concept of a quick, inexpensive divorce option can be attractive, many people do not realize that arbitration awards do not need to specify findings of fact or conclusions of law; and unlike a court order, an arbitration award is subject to a very narrow and limited review on appeal.

Any time you are resolving the life-changing and complex issues that come with any divorce, it is highly recommended that you work with an experienced and knowledgeable family law attorney in order to better understand your rights and options, and protect you and your family’s legal and financial futures.

At Bronzino Law Firm, our attorneys have extensive experience acting as independent legal counsel during the arbitration process for clients in Monmouth County, Ocean County, and across the Jersey Shore. Our firm is dedicated to providing highly attentive and effective family law counsel in all manner of situations, including arbitration, mediation, collaboration, negotiation, and litigation.

Contact us today at 732-812-3102 to discuss your individual needs and concerns when it comes to arbitration or whether or not an arbitration award can be set aside, vacated or corrected. We can help you resolve family law matters you may have, in a free and confidential consultation with a member of our legal team.

Enforcing an Arbitration Award Ocean County NJ

Have you recently gone through the arbitration process and are unhappy or dissatisfied with award decision in your divorce or civil union dissolution case? Are you disappointed or confused by the outcome of the child support or the amount of your alimony? Are you left wondering “is that it”? Or do you find yourself on the other end of this situation, and the other party has decided they wish to appeal your arbitration award? The New Jersey Arbitration Act (Act), N.J.S.A. 2A:23B-1 to-32 provides the framework for the arbitration process (e., method, conduct, issuance of the award) and standards for confirming, vacating, and modifying the award.

If an arbitrator refused to review evidence related to your issue, was biased or partial to the other party, or acted outside their scope of power, you have a right to appeal that result. While divorce rulings and awards are affirmed more often than they are reversed, there are circumstances where an appeal may be successful.

Modifying Arbitration Awards in Monmouth County NJ

In New Jersey binding arbitration cases, any decisions reached by the judge arbitrator are enforceable and legally binding. Divorce settlements or other awards may be modified at a later time based on a change in circumstance, but binding arbitration decisions cannot be immediately appealed by either party for the sole reason that the decisions are not satisfactory. In order to change the outcome of binding arbitration, a family law appeal must be filed, and the plaintiff must prove that circumstances have changed or the proceedings were somehow unfair or illegal. Modifying an award is possible when:

figures were miscalculated,
the arbitrator makes an award on an issue not before them and outside the scope of the arbitration, or
the award is so poorly written and unclear, that further clarification is necessary to enforce it.

In contrast, non-binding arbitration in New Jersey means either party is free to disagree with the decisions reached, and take their matter to be settled in family court. Since arbitrators are typically retired judges or experienced family law attorneys, the results of arbitration are generally in line with what can be expected in family court.

Appealing or Vacating Arbitration Decisions in Ocean NJ

New Jersey has specific statutes, laws, and guidelines to appeal the arbitrator’s decision and provide for the enforcement of arbitration awards against parties unwilling to comply with the arbitrator’s decision. N.J.S.A. 2A:23B-23 partly states that within 120 days after the award, a party to an arbitration may commence an action for the confirmation of an award and its enforcement, or for its modification, correction or avoidance. Under the New Jersey Arbitration Act, an arbitration award can only be set aside or vacated if:

obtained by fraud, corruption, or any other undue means,
there is a finding of bias or misconduct by the arbitrator,
the arbitrator refused to review evidence related to the issue,
the arbitrator acted outside the scope of their power,
there was no valid agreement to submit the issue to arbitration, or
the arbitration hearing was held without proper notice.

Contact an Arbitration Appeal Lawyer at Our Brick or Sea Girt Locations

At Bronzino Law Firm, we have years experience serving clients in divorce and Alternative Dispute Resolution cases across Monmouth and Ocean Counties in towns including Brick, Point Pleasant Beach, Sea Girt, Seaside Heights, Spring Lake, and Toms River.

We have the practical experience to counsel you on the prospective outcomes of an arbitration award appeal. Our firm prides itself on client-centered counsel in an effort to deliver the most effective possible legal counsel when it comes to the issues most important to you and your family. We focus on providing each of our clients with the knowledgeable, effective, and attentive legal counsel that they need and deserve when it comes to matters so critical to their legal, financial, and familial futures.

To speak with a member of our family law team in a free and confidential consultation to discuss your options for securing resolutions related to arbitration, divorce, custody or any family law matter, please contact us online, or through our Brick or Sea Girt offices today at 732-812-3102.

Social Media in Monmouth County Divorce Cases

Serving clients in Sea Girt, Brick, Point Pleasant, Wall, Spring Lake, Toms River and across Ocean and Monmouth Counties

Social Media in Monmouth County Divorce Cases Few could have predicted just thirty years ago the profound impact that social media would have on our society and the way we personally interact and maintain relationships. It is difficult to deny that the feeling of connectivity that social media gives us has become almost a modern obsession; even a societal addiction in certain cases. Though social media has many positive aspects, it is important to understand the dangerous pitfalls that can be brought into relationships via social media, further in divorce and family law proceedings.

While larger firms may pass around your case from partner, to junior partner, to associate, our attorneys will be here to guide you through the legal process from day one until your case is successfully resolved.

At Bronzino Law, we will carefully hear you and provide the information you need to make an informed decision for yourself and your family. Call us at (732) 812-3102 or fill out a contact form on our website to schedule a confidential consultation today, and allow us to be your trusted and experienced advisor to help protect your rights.

Common Pitfalls of Social Media in Ocean County Relationships

Jealousy– This is one of the more common dangers of social media and should not be discounted. Many people often spend more time interacting and developing relationships on social media while ignoring their relationship with their significant other. Obviously, this can cause stress on any relationship and can be a precursor to divorce.

Digital infidelity– This occurs when people use social media and other electronic communication to cross marital boundaries. It may take the form of suggestive chatting or picture messaging, or emotionally bonding through email with someone other than your spouse. Though many may not necessarily view this as “real” infidelity, it doesn’t make it any less dangerous than a physical encounter.

Cheating websites– Websites like Ashley Madison and Tinder have brought new dangers and challenges to marriage. According to The Guardian, more than 30% of people on Tinder are in fact married. Finding out your spouse has been frequenting these types of sites can be the cause of an extreme loss of trust and be a major step on the path to divorce.

Legal Implications of Social Media Correspondence in NJ Family Court

Though it has become common to post or tweet every event, thought, feeling or mood change, many often don’t think of the permanence of social media posts and text messages. Social media, in many cases, has replaced actual social interaction. It is important to remember that any text or social media posting, be they messages or pictures, are public for all time. In times of divorce, savvy investigators can study all your post and text messages going back for years. In criminal cases, subpoenas may be issued giving law enforcement access to your entire social media history and reveal things that you may have thought to be hidden or forgotten.

Correspondence with your Attorney over Social Media

When it comes to correspondence with your attorney, should you reveal a confidential communication from your attorney on a social network, e-mail or other forms of communication, that privilege would be lost. Though court proceeding is often emotional, it is important to resist the urge to vent to friends and family via social media. It is often prudent to shut down all social media accounts if you are facing any court proceeding be they criminal or divorce.

Posting Comments About Your Divorce Online

Once again, divorced or separated parties should be cautious never to post comments about their divorce, their spouse, a new partner, or any aspect of the proceedings on social networks, being that those comments cannot be guaranteed to be kept private and could ultimately legally be used against them in any litigation.

Save texts, Screen Shots, Posts if Your Spouse is Inappropriately Posting

If you are facing a divorce, it is prudent to save all text messages from your spouse especially any threats or admissions of infidelity or violence. Screen captures and forwarding these correspondences to your attorney can be invaluable in helping to prove any assertions you may be making about your spouse. It also allows you to establish a legal “paper trail” of any important events.

Contact a Brick NJ Family Lawyer to Review the Details of your Case

Peter Bronzino could be a vital resource during and after your divorce. Reach out today to learn how we can help you gain a fresh start. You don´t have to handle this tough situation on your own; without the support of a skilled attorney, you risk losing the hope for a better after divorce arrangement. We have successfully represented hundreds of clients in Ocean and Monmouth Counties as they navigated the challenges of divorce.

Contact us to speak with you today in a free and confidential consultation, reach us online or call us to schedule an appointment at one of our convenient offices located in Brick or Sea Girt, NJ at (732) 812-3102.

Electronic Threats, Harassment, and Final Restraining Order Attorneys

Domestic Violence and Restraining Order Attorneys serving Sea Girt, Spring Lake, Ocean Township, Red Bank and across the Jersey Shore

Electronic Threats, Harassment, and Final Restraining Order Attorneys New Jersey’s Prevention of Domestic Violence Act is a comprehensive and progressive piece of legislation designed to reduce violence between domestic partners and the precursors that lead up to it. This can mean addressing the issue of violence during the threat phase. These threats can come in many forms including physical, verbal or even electronic.

Threats of this nature could not have been imagined 30 years ago, however, as society evolves virtually and we have endless forms of communication at our fingertips, the courts have had to pay close attention to the harm these capabilities can deliver. Increased attention has been placed on abuse and criminal activity committed via electronic threats, via the transmission of texts, images, video, and more. Electronic threats, in fact, can now even be used as grounds for filing a Final Restraining Order.

Over the years, we have grown a family law firm focused on families and pride ourselves on delivering value to satisfied clients. At Bronzino Law Firm, your problems become ours, and together we work hard to obtain a successful outcome in your case. Peter Bronzino and the attorneys on his staff help educate and counsel clients so that they can make informed decisions.

Contact us for more information and a dedicated Family Law Attorney will provide you with the proper guidance to help navigate through the legal process. Call us at 732-812-3102 or visit our website to fill an online form and schedule an appointment.

Representative Case Regarding Electronic Harassment and Restraining Order Charges

In the 2017 case M.Y. v. G.C., the parties were divorcing after five years of marriage. M.Y. filed a complaint with the Superior Court of New Jersey Family Part in March 2016 for a temporary restraining order against G.C. She stated that G.C. had harassed her by calling and texting her repeatedly and that the calls and texts were threatening and harassing. The messages caused M.Y. to fear for her safety, kept her awake and made her feel sick.

The trial court judge granted M.Y. a final restraining order after finding that M.Y. was credible and believable. Using N.J.S.A. 2C:33-4(a) the judge determined that G.C. had committed a predicate act of harassment. The judge found that G.C.’s actions constituted harassment because G.C. sent M.Y. hundreds of messages over a four-day period with the intention of annoying or alarming her. Furthermore, the judge also concluded that a final restraining order was necessary to protect M.Y. from potential future harm or abuse.

What Constitutes Harassment in New Jersey?

Under 2C:33-4, harassment occurs when a person engages in any conduct which is alarming or repeats the behavior in a way which has the intent to annoy or alarm an individual seriously.

A person can be found guilty of harassment if they have the purpose to harass another by making communication anonymously, at extremely inconvenient hours or using offensively coarse language or communicating in any other manner likely to cause annoyance or alarm. Furthermore, a person can also be found guilty of harassment if they subject someone to striking, kicking, shoving, other offensive touching or threats to do so.

If a person engages in any conduct which is alarming or repeats conduct in a way which has the intent to annoy or alarm an individual seriously, they may also be found guilty of harassment. All of this conduct by itself would constitute a petty disorderly person offense. However, if a person is on probation or parole for any indictable offense, a new charge of harassment automatically becomes a fourth-degree offense, even when it is in no way related to the prior charge. A person will also be charged with a fourth-degree offense if they are serving a prison sentence at the time of the alleged Harassment.

First Amendment Protection of Offensive Language versus Harassment

It is important to note that the First Amendment of the United States Constitution permits the regulation of conduct, not expression. Consequently, the speech prohibited by the harassment statute must be said with the specific intention of harassing the listener.

In the 1981 New Jersey Appellate Division case of State v. Fin American Corp., it was clearly stated that the harassment statute was not enacted to prohibit mere speech, use of language, or other forms of expression. Therefore, the speech that is not permitted by the harassment statute has to be said with the specific intention of harassing the listener. Restraining orders predicated on harassment cannot be issued if based purely on a mere expression of opinion stated with offensive language or in an aggressive manner.

Contact a Toms River DV and Restraining Order Attorney Today

The Family Law Attorneys at Bronzino Law Firm handle clients facing harassment issues in Sea Girt, Spring Lake, Ocean Township, Red Bank and Monmouth County. Contact us today and let us protect your rights, and your privacy. Feel free to give us a call at 732-812-3102 to schedule a meeting at one of our conveniently located offices in Brick and Sea Girt or fill out the online form and we´ll get back you shortly.

Attorneys Defend Those Falsely Accused of Domestic Violence in Ocean County NJ

Providing support and counsel necessary to those accused of Domestic Violence in Sea Girt, Brick, Wall, Seaside Heights, Toms River and across the Jersey Shore

Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys Ocean County NJ For many years domestic violence and domestic violence allegations were not viewed or treated as seriously by the courts and law enforcement as they are today. However, the view of domestic abuse against a girlfriend, spouse, child, or anyone else has changed substantially as we now understand how destructive domestic violence and abuse overall can be both in the short and long term. This has caused the courts to err on the side of caution, and in most cases address an allegation of abuse or violence in the home very seriously. The consequences of a guilty verdict and terms of a Final Restraining Order can be quite severe and do not go away; they are enforced for the rest of your life.

If you have been unfairly accused of committing an act of domestic violence, your future is at stake. You need an experienced and capable lawyer able to protect your rights and prepare a solid defense. The skilled and experienced legal team at Bronzino Law Firm are ready to provide the counsel you need to navigate this difficult process and are prepared to be by your side every step of the way. Call us at (732) 812-3102 or fill out a contact form to schedule a free and confidential consultation.

Why people make false allegations of Domestic Violence

The reasons why someone may accuse an innocent person of domestic violence vary greatly. However, the truth is that falsely accusing someone of a crime is the result of gravely emotional and mental instability that may have been evident in some instances early on in a relationship, but become much more apparent and egregious once things start to fall apart in the home and the prospect or reality of divorce becomes too overwhelming to bare.

Some of the most common instances where we see false allegations made are:

Jealousy
Attempt to gain child custody or more parenting time
Attempting to gain a greater share of the property in a divorce settlement
Revenge for some slight (real or imagined).

No matter the reason, none are acceptable, fair, just, and most of the time they are not legal. Be sure to attack this circumstance swiftly and aggressively with an attorney that you can trust. The consequences of a false conviction resulting in an FRO or Final Restraining Order can and will impact you for the rest of your life. These are not allegations to take lightly just because you know you are innocent.

Defending yourself against False Accusation of Domestic Violence

An effective defense against domestic violence actually begins before any accusations are made and hinges on knowing your partner. Signs of emotional instability and a vindictive personality are not always clear early on in a relationship, however they do tend to become more apparent as the relationship is tested and a prospective end is in sight.

If you feel that your relationship may be turning sour and your partner may accuse you of domestic violence you should:

Notify friends and family members about your concerns.

Keeping those close to you and your relationship informed of your accuser’s erratic and troublesome behaviors, as well as your fears of what they may do, may prepare your family for any false allegations and have them be more inclined to believe your side of the story as well as provide witnesses to help debunk any future accusations.

Change all login information that may be compromised.

This includes bank accounts, computers, laptops, vehicle entrance, hard drives, cell phones, and anything else you can think of that requires your password should be changed as soon as possible. Accusers have been known to send messages from the defendant’s cell phone and then later accuse them of sending threatening messages.

If an allegation has been made or you feel an accusation is imminent you should:

Consult a domestic violence defense attorney.

Even if you are not planning to hire an attorney, though it is recommended, they can give you invaluable information to help you better understand what your options are.

Gather evidence if you are being abused; in most circumstances that is the case.

There have been many cases where the person who is accused of committing domestic abuse is actually the victim of physical and/or emotional abuse. If this is the case, you need to gather as much evidence as you can without putting yourself in danger.

In truth, exposing false allegations of domestic violence is not easy. However, knowing your partner and predicting their actions may go a long way toward bringing the truth to light.

When a “not guilty” verdict still hurts in a Domestic Violence Case

Some might even argue that an underlying predisposition to believe all charges of domestic violence has caused many problems for those who have been and are being falsely accused of such a horrible act or pattern of behavior. When a person charged with domestic violence and is not guilty of their alleged crimes, it does not necessarily guarantee a fair, just, and accurate legal proceeding or verdict. Many unscrupulous spouses and girlfriends have used these allegations to gain an advantage in divorce or child custody court cases understanding full well the power that even an accusation can have.

If an individual is accused and they are lucky enough o prove their innocence through the court proceedings, the negative allegations can still impact their lives and in many cases it does. Sadly, even proof of innocence may not be enough to repair one’s life, reputation, and most importantly their relationship with their children once a person has been accused of these types of crimes.

Contact a Brick and Sea Girt NJ Restraining Order Lawyer

These situations can be very serious as a conviction for domestic violence can mean an unfair judgment of divorce, loss of child custody as well as loss of freedom. For these and many other reasons, if you or someone you know has been accused of domestic violence it is critical to contact an experienced and knowledgeable domestic violence attorney as soon as possible.

For a free initial consultation about your legal options for resolving a domestic violence charge, contact Peter Bronzino today. His experience is what you need during this time of frustration and confusion. Contact us online or call (732) 812-3102 for your free case evaluation with our domestic violence attorneys.

Protecting Children During Ocean and Monmouth County Divorce

Serving Brick, Sea Girt, Toms River and Wall Township and across the Monmouth and Ocean County area.

Protecting Children During Ocean and Monmouth County Divorce A key part of any parent’s job is to provide a stable home for their children. Parents want to provide positive life experiences and ensure that their children are supported physically, mentally and emotionally. During a divorce, there are several strategies that can help a family achieve these goals, even when adjusting to new living situations and daily routines. Well-meaning parents may want to shield their children from all aspects of a divorce, however, establishing ways to communicate openly with children about the changes they are experiencing may be more beneficial.

Scientific American cites research by Paul R. Amato,¹ noting that “negative effects of marital disruption on children have been exaggerated and that most children recover without long-term harm.” As a divorcing parent, there are things you can do to protect your children from the disruptive aspects of divorce while ensuring a favorable outcome.

Stay Positive During Brick NJ Divorce

Although divorce affects many children in the short term, the vast majority of children adjust to the changes accompanying divorce without any negative long-term effects. Research suggests that children whose parents divorce from a struggling marriage have more positive outcomes than children whose parents opt to stay in a struggling relationship for fear of exposing the children to the pressures of divorce. Positive, healthy lifestyles and relationships, even if they require some transitions and adjustments, set a much better example for children to follow.

Children reflect the environment they live in. Dr. Shoshana Bennett notes that, “when the tension dissolves out of the house, kids will be more relaxed.”² Even if children experience a transition in their living situation, trading a high-stress living environment for a low-stress living environment is a winning scenario.

Keep the focus of your divorce decisions on the goal of calmer seas for you and your children. A positive outlook for your children’s future makes a strong foundation for all decision making. Be confident your choices are in their best interest and always lead by example. Leaving a difficult relationship to pursue healthy interactions may be the most meaningful model you can set.

Minimize Conflict During Toms River NJ Divorce

Although most children make it through divorce unscathed, some children do struggle with the effects of divorce longer than others. There is a link between children who take longer to move on after a divorce with those who have been exposed to high levels of conflict during the divorce process. Every attempt should be made to protect children from the more difficult aspects of the divorce process, such as disagreements over finances or custody.

When children are involved, it is impossible for mom and dad to simply end all communications. The logistics of childcare necessitate communicating, and communicating as well as possible. If conflicts tend to arise frequently, consider employing new communication strategies to avoid exposing the children to unnecessary conflict. The Jacobs Berger blog post on communication details several strategies that can be utilized in this situation.^3,4

Plan for the Future Post NJ Divorce

Although communication strategies offer excellent tools to reduce a child’s exposure to conflict between parents, keep in mind the long-term goal of developing a working long-term relationship with your co-parent. During a divorce, all parties are concerned about the “what if?” and can act in a manner that they might be embarrassed to admit after a few years have passed. Avoid reacting negatively and try to always keep a positive plan for the future in mind. You may not know what will happen in the next few weeks or months but plan what you would like to happen in the upcoming years, and create a plan that will allow this to happen. Some questions to ask yourself to help achieve this long-term plan are: How do you envision your relationship with your co-parent in five years? How do you hope to have modeled healthy grown-up interactions for your children?

Communicate During and After Your Wall Township Divorce

Children handle transitions better when the transitions are well explained. Understanding what is happening in their world gives them a sense of control and helps them to frame their experiences. It would be unreasonable for a married couple to not tell their children about moving houses until the moving truck arrives in the driveway. The children would feel entirely unprepared about the event, and even more hurt that their parents did not feel they could be told in advance.

Ongoing communication with children about the divorce process is better than trying to stage one big talk. Reinforce that your children are loved at every opportunity and allow them to express their feelings without judgement. When children are able to express their emotions openly, those feelings can be discussed in a healthy and productive manner. Be curious about your child’s daily life and share the positive parts of your day with them. When a routine for communication is established (like chats at the dinner table or during story time) children become more comfortable discussing their experiences and asking questions.⁵

Reach Out to Professionals During and After an NJ Divorce

If additional questions about your child’s adjustment arise, don’t hesitate to reach out. For school-age children, their school counselor can provide local resources that are age appropriate. A consultation with a child therapist or psychologist may also provide your child with a neutral person with whom to express their emotions.

Remember, being a positive role model for your child is one of the most important thing you can do. Take care of yourself and limit any exposure to conflict. Set a good example by planning for a bright future. Set your internal GPS for where you want you and your children to be in the years to come, and then drive forward!

Contact a Sea Girt NJ Child Custody Attorney Today

Peter J. Bronzino understands that divorce and child custody hearings can be incredibly stressful. We take pride in mitigating the many stresses of the legal process while protecting our clients’ legal rights throughout Sea Girt, Spring Lake, Wall, Point Pleasant, Silverton, Toms River, Brick, Ocean County and Monmouth County.

For more information, or to talk about your child custody options with one of our licensed and experienced New Jersey matrimonial law attorneys, please contact us online or through our Brick or Sea Girt offices by calling (732) 812-3102 today for a free and confidential consultation,