DeTorres & DeGeorge Family Law

College can be a pricey expense, but it can also be an investment in a child’s future. So who pays for college when the parents are divorced? If a child in New Jersey is admitted to a college and the parents can cover the college costs, the judge may order that the parents pay for tuition, room, board, and other expenses. In making a decision, the judge can consider the following factors: * If the parent and child still live together – whether the parent would normally have contributed to the daughter’s or son’s higher education costs. * The parent’s values and goals including an emphasis on having the child attend college. * The cost of the higher education. * The ability of each parent to pay for their child’s college education, including all their financial resources. * Whether the funds the child is requesting relate to the course of study the child is seeking. * The child’s ability to earn income during the school year and while she/he is on vacation. * The availability of financial grants and loans. Many colleges offer some type of financial aid or merit scholarships. * The relationship between the child and parent including shared goals and mutual affection. * The long-term goals of the child and the child’s prior experience and training. Looking for more information on paying for college in a divorce in NJ? Read our blog post, “Who Pays for College in a Divorce?”? https://lnkd.in/ezMcmCnW #njattorney #divorcelawyer #familylawattorney #DDFamilyLaw #divorce #familylaw #payingforcollege #survivingdivorce #flemingtonnj #clintonnj #hunterdoncounty #hunterdoncountynj #somersetcounty #morriscounty

For divorced couples trying to co-parent harmoniously, managing a summer schedule that’s different from the rest of the year can be challenging. With no school in session and vacation plans to consider, it’s important to have a plan that allows both parents precious sun-soaked time with their children. Summer parenting plans should account for the various situations that may unfold, including: * If the child is going on a planned vacation with one parent, there should be an agreement on when the other parent can have time with the child. * Parents must agree on how far in advance to notify the other parent about summer vacation plans. * Each parent will notify the other when their travel plans include out-of-state destinations. * Parents will share details about the child’s whereabouts throughout the vacation, especially if it covers multiple locations. Want more details on how to manage summer parenting plans, including two popular parenting schedules? Check out our blog post, “Summer Parenting Plans in NJ.” https://lnkd.in/exbDFSjq #njattorney #divorcelawyer #familylawattorney #DDFamilyLaw #divorce #familylaw #summer2025 #coparenting #coparentingtips #coparentingproblems #custody #survivingdivorce #flemingtonnj #clintonnj #hunterdoncounty #hunterdoncountynj #somersetcounty #morriscounty

You may have heard the term “uncontested divorce” before… but what does it really mean? In an uncontested divorce, the couple successfully reaches an agreement on the terms of ending their marriage. This can include alimony (amount and duration), division of assets (house, car, etc.), division of debts, child support, where children will live/go to school, etc. The parties define and agree to the terms on their own or with the help of their lawyers, leaving the court out of the decision-making process. If the parties are unable to reach an agreement, either on their own or with their lawyers, and they need the court to intervene, it’s a contested divorce. So instead of each of the individuals deciding the terms of their divorce, the court will need to get involved and make the decisions *for them* based on the information presented. As you might guess, that’s much more stressful, not to mention expensive. In New Jersey, most divorces are settled out of court. Even the ones that begin as contested divorces will often transition to being uncontested, meaning the parties ultimately come to an agreement on terms without the court making the final decisions. At DeTorres & DeGeorge, we’re experts at both; we can guide our clients in coming to terms outside of court, and we can also fiercely represent them in contested matters. To learn more about contested vs. uncontested divorce and contested vs. uncontested child custody, read our blog post, “What is the Difference Between a Contested and Uncontested Divorce in New Jersey?” https://lnkd.in/eMyciVHB #njattorney #njdivorcelawyer #familylawattorney #DDFamilyLaw #divorce #familylaw #flemingtonnj #clintonnj #hunterdoncounty #hunterdoncountynj #somersetcounty #morriscounty #morriscountynj

In any divorce where children are involved, custody can be the most heart-wrenching component of the process. Understanding the different types of custody and how they work can help you come up with an agreement that works for both parents, and most of all, the kids. In New Jersey, the parent with whom the children live most of the time is the Parent of Primary Residence (PPR). The other is the Parent of Alternate Residence (PAR). However, parents can also choose to share residential custody. In that case, parenting time is divided equally and neither parent is designated as primary. For instances where the parent with primary custody lives outside the preferred school system, the alternate residence parent can be designated as the PPR for school residency purposes ONLY. In that case, the children would still live most of the time with the PPR, but the PAR’s address would serve as the children’s primary address so they could attend the school in that area. It can get a little complicated, especially when you factor in LEGAL CUSTODY, which determines who makes the major decisions for the children. This includes: *?????which school/college the child will attend, *?????medical issues, and *?????religion. For answers to basic questions about how both legal and residential custody work in New Jersey, dive into our blog post, “How Does Joint Custody Work?” https://lnkd.in/eh8dxEp9 #njattorney #divorcelawyer #familylawattorney #DDFamilyLaw #divorce #familylaw #childsupport #custody #flemingtonnj #clintonnj #hunterdoncounty #hunterdoncountynj #somersetcounty #morriscounty #morriscountynj #warrencounty #warrencountynj

One of the many critical questions that needs to be answered in a final divorce settlement is how to assign responsibility for the child(ren)’s health insurance. In New Jersey, health insurance can be provided by either parent (custodial or non-custodial), and it usually depends on whomever has the better plan or lowest cost. Parents are generally in agreement that their children should have the best possible care at a reasonable cost, since both are responsible for maintaining the coverage. The parent who provides the health insurance can receive a credit (according to child support guidelines) so that the cost is split between both parties. For more info on health insurance for kids after divorce, including whether therapy is considered a medical expense for child support, read our blog post, “Is the noncustodial parent responsible for medical bills and health insurance?” https://lnkd.in/gRrEAWYr #njattorney #divorcelawyer #familylawattorney #DDFamilyLaw #divorce #familylaw #childsupport #custody #njhealthinsurance #flemingtonnj #clintonnj #hunterdoncounty #hunterdoncountynj #somersetcounty #morriscounty #morriscountynj

Local friends, please consider supporting The Friends of Fleming Castle as they present their 7th Annual Tricky Tray Auction! All money raised directly benefits the Samuel Fleming House Museum & Gardens, the historic heart of Flemington dating back to 1756. Come support a local treasure while having a fun time with over 200 attendees! #DandDFamilyLaw #flemingtonnj #hunterdoncounty #hunterdoncountynj

That statistic is from a study by the American Sociological Association based on data collected between 2009 and 2015. For college-educated women in the data pool, the percentage of women initiating divorces shot up to 90%! There may be many reasons for these shifts in the expectations and norms of marriage. But when someone decides to end one chapter so they can begin another, we know how important it is for that person to partner with a family lawyer who views them as more than a statistic. At DeTorres & DeGeorge, we help real people through one of the most stressful experiences in life. We inform them of their rights and guide them through all the legal hoops they need to jump through to get to that next chapter. If you’ve been thinking about divorce but are unsure how it all works, contact us to arrange a 1-hour consultation. Call us at 908.284.6005, or visit our website at www.danddfamilylaw.com. #njattorney #divorcelawyer #familylawattorney #DDFamilyLaw #divorce #familylaw #childsupport #alimony #custody #survivingdivorce #flemingtonnj #clintonnj #hunterdoncounty #hunterdoncountynj #somersetcounty #morriscounty #morriscountynj

Divorce mediation can save you time, money, and stress—but preparation is key. Before your session, gather details on your finances, assets, and debts, and be ready to discuss parenting arrangements if you have children. The process will go more smoothly if you have a clear idea of what you want ahead of time and remain open to compromise. Another important thing to note: As a neutral party, the mediator facilitates negotiation with the goal of reaching terms agreeable to both sides. The mediator does NOT decide the final outcome. For more details on preparing for mediation, read our blog post, “How to Prepare for Divorce Mediation.” https://lnkd.in/evtfxUhR #njattorney #divorcelawyer #familylawattorney #DDFamilyLaw #divorce #familylaw #mediation #divorcemediation #divorcetips #flemingtonnj #clintonnj #hunterdoncounty #hunterdoncountynj #somersetcounty #morriscounty #morriscountynj

In a divorce, would you receive alimony, or would you be the one paying it? The other huge question is HOW MUCH the alimony payments will be. In New Jersey, there’s no set formula (as there is in other states) for how much alimony payments will be. Instead, the amount is determined by a series of factors and the central theme of weighing one party’s needs against the other party’s ability to pay. For an in-depth review of alimony and how it works, listen to our managing partner, Rosanne DeTorres, address the most frequently asked questions in our Alimony Webinar. This on-demand video will cover the topic of alimony at length and give you a solid foundation of knowledge so you have a better idea what to expect. https://lnkd.in/eN5ue7p #njattorney #divorcelawyer #familylawattorney #DDFamilyLaw #divorce #alimony #survivingdivorce #flemingtonnj #clintonnj #hunterdoncounty #hunterdoncountynj #somersetcounty #morriscounty #morriscountynj

This International Women's Day, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of women everywhere—especially our incredible team of powerhouse women who help DeTorres & DeGeorge thrive every day. Here's to breaking barriers, lifting each other up, and creating a future where the next generation of women continue to lead and inspire! #InternationalWomensDay #WomenInBusiness #njattorney #divorcelawyer #familylawattorney #DDFamilyLaw #divorce #familylaw #flemingtonnj #clintonnj #hunterdoncounty #hunterdoncountynj #somersetcounty #morriscounty #morriscountynj