Blog

Alimony is a form of financial support one spouse may be ordered to pay the other after a separation or divorce. There are several types of alimony, also referred to as spousal support, and each is generally designed to ensure the divorce does not financially devastate one party. While alimony is often required, the obligation…

In many of the cases we handle, unfortunately, substance abuse and alcohol abuse are issues that arise. In these situations, it’s crucial to take the necessary steps to not only protect your finances but also to safeguard your children. Consulting with a lawyer who understands these matters is essential. An experienced attorney will know what…

When parents decide to separate or divorce, two of the most important matters that must be handled are child custody and child support. Even after the parents split, they still share the responsibility of financially supporting the child. If one parent fails to make payments, however, a child support lien can be placed to enforce…

When it comes to seeking legal advice, especially in family or matrimonial matters, the recommendations I'd give are multi-faceted. Choosing the right attorney is one of the most important decisions you'll make, and it can greatly impact the outcome of your case. First and foremost, you must have a matrimonial attorney. You simply can't work with someone…

Many clients are often confused about what legal separation means in the state of New Jersey. In reality, there is no formal concept of "legal separation" under New Jersey law. In reality, there is no formal concept of "legal separation" under New Jersey law. If you have been living apart from your spouse and intend for that separation to be…

If you got married in a different state but now you or your spouse lives in New Jersey, you can file for divorce here. However, there are certain regulations to be aware of to ensure you protect your legal rights and options. Work with a skillful Morris County, NJ divorce lawyer for more information and…

When it comes to child custody, there are two main types you should understand: legal custody and residential custody.  Legal custody refers to a parent's rights to access important information about their children, such as medical and educational records, and to have input on major decisions that affect their well-being. This includes matters like healthcare, schooling, and other significant…

Custody cases can often take a long time to resolve, and there are several reasons for this. One major factor is the involvement of experts, such as custody evaluators, psychologists, or other professionals, whose input can take time to gather and review. However, another important factor to consider is the approach of the attorneys involved.…

Divorce can be a contentious and emotionally distressing process for couples. However, it does not always have to be that way. If you want to avoid going to court and the disputes that often come along with litigation, you have several alternative options. Many couples are choosing collaborative divorce instead of going to court for…

In family law, a motion is a formal application filed with the court in which a litigant requests specific relief. Motion plays an important role during and after the divorce process, as it provides a way for individuals to address issues that require court intervention. Filing a Motion During Divorce While a divorce is pending, either…

Receiving a summons and complaint in a divorce matter can be an unsettling experience. It is important to understand that this is a formal legal proceeding that requires a timely and appropriate response. Failing to act quickly may significantly impact your rights and the outcome of your case. Consult With a Certified Matrimonial Attorney Upon being served,…

If you have ever been involved in a custody dispute, you have likely heard the phrase “best interest of the child.” As a parent, it is important that you understand what this standard is and what it means for you and your child. Reach out to a Morris County, NJ child custody attorney today for…

Many clients ask me what mediation is and what the process involves. Mediation is designed to avoid litigation, which is often a stressful and expensive way to resolve a divorce. Instead, mediation offers a more collaborative approach where both parties sit down with a mediator, either with or without lawyers. The process is confidential and…

Ending a marriage doesn't always have to feel like a battle. Collaborative divorce has become a more common path for couples who want to part ways without the stress, expense, or hostility that often comes with a courtroom fight. It's a process built on mutual respect, shared decisions, and guided conversations that aim to keep…

When people hear the word "alimony," they usually think of financial support after a divorce. But what happens when two people who have never married yet built a life together and eventually part ways? That’s where palimony can come into the picture. It’s a lesser-known term, but one that comes up more often than most…

If you are getting married and signing a prenuptial agreement, it is crucial that you understand what provisions can and cannot be included. To learn whether child custody terms in a prenup can be enforced, read on and consult with a knowledgeable Morris County, NJ prenuptial agreement attorney today. What is a Prenup? Prenup is…

Due to life circumstances changing, you may need to make alterations to a custody order after a divorce or separation. Many parents wonder whether they can modify their custody agreement without having to go to court. For more information, read on and consult with a knowledgeable Morris County child custody modification lawyer today. Why Are…

Who gets the house in a divorce? This is one of the most common questions clients ask, and the answer usually comes down to three main options for the marital home. Option 1: Sell the Home The first option is for the marital home to be sold, with both parties dividing the net equity from…

When two people who share children together separate or divorce, one of the most important issues that must be addressed is child support. Child support laws are designed to ensure that a child is always financially stable and supported, regardless of their parents’ relationship. If you have custody of your child and their other parent…

One of the most emotionally challenging things a person can do is file for divorce from their spouse. However, when you can’t locate your spouse, it can complicate the process. There are many reasons why you may not be able to find your spouse, whether you have been separated for so long that you have…

Planning a wedding comes with a long list of decisions. Amid the excitement, it’s easy to overlook legal matters like a prenuptial agreement. For many couples, just bringing up the idea can feel uncomfortable. But a prenup doesn’t have to be a deal breaker. In fact, more couples are openly discussing them before they marry.…

Our job is to take the pressure from you, put it to us. We will give you honest answers. We will tell you what the law says. We will tell you what we believe the judge will do here at Townsend, Tomaio, and Newmark. We have the team approach with regard to representing our clients.…

Owning a family business can be difficult, but something even more challenging is deciding how it will be divided if you and your spouse divorce. This type of decision can be overwhelming and emotionally complex. To learn more about your options during this time, work with an experienced Morris County, NJ business, property, and investment…

It is with great pride that we announce that several of our attorneys at Townsend, Tomaio & Newmark have been honored in the 2026 Edition Best Lawyers Awards for Family Law. Congratulations are in order for the following attorneys: Nicole A. Cioffi, Esq. John E. Clancy, Esq. Rita T. Jerejian, Esq. Laurie L. Newmark, Esq.…

One of the most common questions that an individual filing for divorce has is how long the process will take. Ending a marriage can be extremely stressful and emotionally draining, and no one wants to endure a long and drawn-out fight. The length of a divorce can vary significantly depending on the state you are…

Understanding the different types of alimony that are recognized under New Jersey law is important for all spouses considering divorce. For more information, schedule your free case evaluation with a Morris County, NJ alimony and spousal support lawyer today. What is Alimony? Alimony is a form of financial support provided by one spouse to the…

If you want to adopt your spouse’s child but are facing resistance from the child’s other parent, you may be wondering whether you need their consent or not. You may be able to adopt your stepchild without the other parent’s permission, but the outcome of the situation will vary depending on the details of the…

Visitation orders are enforced by New Jersey courts, so there can be significant repercussions and penalties for violating the terms of the agreement. If your child’s other parent refuses to comply with the parenting order, it is crucial that you understand your legal rights and options. Work with a Roxbury, NJ parenting time and visitation…

Divorce is a significant transitional time in an individual’s life. One of the most important documents that comes out of a divorce case is the settlement agreement. Once the divorce agreement is signed and submitted, the sense of finality may be daunting. While a divorce agreement is legally enforceable, it can also be modified after…

In a New Jersey separation or divorce, one of the most important but contentious topics is custody of any shared minor children. State courts are tasked with creating or approving custody arrangements that prioritize the well-being and best interests of the children involved which is no easy feat. NJ state law outlines various factors to…

We proudly announce Wren G. Downs as our newest associate attorney at Townsend, Tomaio & Newmark, L.L.C. Before this promotion, Wren worked at TTN as a J.D. Law Clerk until she earned her admission to the New Jersey Bar. After earning her Juris Doctorate from New York Law School, she interned at the New York…

When parents separate or divorce, one of the most challenging issues that arises is child custody. While New Jersey law presumes that it is in the child’s best interest to maintain a relationship with both of their parents, there are certain circumstances that may warrant a parent’s visitation rights being denied or restricted. If you…

For someone without a legal background, the process of filing for divorce can be complicated and overwhelming. You will be required to fill out a substantial amount of documents that you may not fully understand, one of which is a financial affidavit. Understanding what a financial affidavit is and why it is relevant in divorce…

The process of ending a marriage can take several months or years of emotional turmoil, arguments, and overwhelming legal action. Many people refer to divorce as the most stressful time of their life. Understanding how to cope with the stress of divorce and the advantages hiring a lawyer can offer is crucial in protecting your…

In a New Jersey divorce where the couple shares minor children, custody arrangements are made to prioritize the best interests of the children. However, these arrangements are not necessarily set in stone. Circumstances change over time and it is possible that a custody order can be adjusted to match a family’s new reality. Continue reading…

Divorce can be one of the most frustrating and overwhelming processes, especially if you are dealing with an uncooperative or absent spouse. A common question petitioners ask is whether they can get divorced without their spouse’s approval or consent. While it is possible to proceed with the divorce without your spouse’s signature, it can make…

When parents in New Jersey go through a separation or divorce, one of the most challenging and emotional issues that they will face is determining custody arrangements for their minor children. In some cases, the children involved will express a strong opinion about custody. As a parent, you may be wondering whether your kid can…

If you and your spouse are considering divorce but are not quite ready to pull the trigger, you may decide to separate for a time to figure out what you want moving forward. Separation agreements, while not required in New Jersey, can be beneficial during this tumultuous time and provide spouses with a sense of…

Starting over after a divorce can be tough. Even if you can put aside your emotions and convince yourself that you’ve done the right thing, living on your own is going to be tough. Taking some steps to prepare yourself for your new life can make a big difference though. One thing our Morris County,…

We would like to welcome the newest attorney at Townsend, Tomaio & Newmark, L.L.C., Dean T. Bennett. Dean brings an impressive 30-plus years of family law experience to our firm. Before joining our team, he served as the designated public defender for the City of Summit, New Jersey Bar Foundation. Here, he was frequently appointed…

Getting a divorce can require quite a bit of paperwork, so it’s a good idea to know what kinds of documents you’ll need to gather before you get the process started. Our Morris County, NJ divorce lawyers can help you figure out what kinds of documents you need and make sure that filing for divorce…

Townsend, Tomaio & Newmark, L.L.C. is happy to welcome Michael J. Fleres as our newest attorney. Michael is a family law attorney focusing on divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, equitable distribution, and domestic violence. Of note, he also has experience representing military members in family law matters unique to their service obligations. Michael is…

We are thrilled to introduce Danielle M. Key as the newest attorney on the Townsend, Tomaio & Newmark, L.L.C. team. Danielle is a family and criminal defense attorney who started her career with Legal Services of New Jersey. Since then, in 2013, she opened her own firm, Key Law Center. She took on a partner…

When you and your spouse get a divorce, the marital property you share is going to have to be split up. Some are surprised to learn that this often includes retirement savings and benefits. Our New Jersey dividing retirement assets lawyers can help you figure out how this process works and ensure that you do…

You have rights as a parent, and they still apply even if you get a divorce. You and your ex need to cooperate, share parenting time, and share big decisions. If you think that your rights as a parent are being ignored or that your divorce agreement is being violated, you need to take action.…

Before you get divorced in New Jersey, you have to make sure that you have met the legal requirements to file your paperwork. Fortunately, these requirements are not too complex, and our Morris County, NJ divorce lawyers can tell you exactly what you need to do. What Are the Requirements To Get Divorced in New…

Going through a divorce is probably not going to be a pleasant experience, but you can take steps to protect yourself and avoid some of the common financial mistakes that trip up couples as they separate. Our Morris County, NJ division of assets attorneys can help you fight for a fair divorce agreement and sidestep…

A divorce can be complicated enough without other legal processes interfering. That’s why it can be tough to deal with a spouse who files for bankruptcy during your divorce. This can cause a variety of issues and is sure to delay the settlement of your divorce. Our Morris County, NJ division of assets attorneys can…

Congratulations to the lawyers at Townsend, Tomaio & Newmark who have been honored and listed as New Jersey Super Lawyers and Rising Stars, as published by Thomson Reuters for 2025. Super Lawyers Honorees: John E. Clancy, Esq. Grace Eisenberg, Esq. Laurie L. Newmark, Esq. Angela M. Scafuri, Esq. Dominic A. Tomaio, Esq. Paul H. Townsend,…

You probably know that your property needs to be split up during a divorce, but did you know that your joint debts have to be dealt with in the same way? If you and your spouse share any debt, that needs to be addressed during the divorce process. Our Morris County, NJ division of assets…

Child support is meant to cover a wide range of expenses. If it’s necessary to keep your child safe and happy, it’s probably something that your child support should be helping with. Our Morris County, NJ child support attorneys can help you negotiate a fair arrangement or modify an existing child support agreement. What Should…

It’s understandable if you don’t want to spend a lot of time on the divorce process. You shouldn’t rush into an agreement, but you can get a fast divorce if you are well-prepared and willing to try out alternatives to the courtroom. Our Morris County uncontested divorce attorneys can help you find ways to ensure…

Most of the time, a court believes that maintaining a relationship with both parents is in the children's best interest when a divorce occurs. When parents live close to each other, it can make it easy to make a custody arrangement. Maybe one parent has primary custody and the other gets to visit on a…

Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements are sometimes seen in a bad light, but the bottom line is that these documents can be great ways for you and your spouse to protect yourselves and your finances if you get divorced. If you are thinking about asking your spouse for a postnuptial agreement, you should be careful about…

There are a lot of issues to discuss when you get a divorce, and if you and your spouse cannot come to an agreement on key issues you are going to have to go to trial. It’s a good idea to know what to expect and how you can minimize the time spent, and money…

It can feel like a gut punch when your spouse files for divorce unexpectedly, especially when you thought that there was going to be an attempt to work things out. Unfortunately, you cannot just ignore the divorce papers and hope that the problem will go away. You need to respond, and you should really have…

Angela M. Scafuri will speak at a New Jersey State Bar Association (NJSBA) program titled, “WIPS Bada$$ Women Roundtable.” Alongside other Women in the Profession Section (WIPS) officers, Ms. Scafuri will touch on personal experiences and discuss ways to make a career and life path that is successful and fulfilling, all while maintaining authenticity and…

Many types of professionals can help out during the divorce process and ensure that both spouses get fair treatment. One professional who can be especially helpful is a forensic accountant. Even if you do not think that you have enough assets to need an accountant, hiring one might still be a good idea. Our Morris…

You may not have to go to court to settle your divorce and come to a final agreement with your soon-to-be ex-spouse. There are other ways to solve your problems, including divorce mediation. Our Morristown divorce mediation lawyers can help you figure out if this is a good option for you and then we’ll help…

A prenuptial agreement can be a useful way to protect each party’s assets and reduce the number of complications that a divorce can bring with it. However, it’s important to realize that these documents need to stand up to scrutiny. You or your spouse can challenge a prenup if you split up and there are…

Many divorcing couples try to solve their issues through litigation, but you don’t have to go to court to solve every conflict. Alternatives like divorce arbitration could end up being a better option for you, especially if you want the proceedings to be confidential. Our Morris County, NJ divorce lawyers can tell you more about…

We are excited to announce that Cynthia J. Lambo, Esq. recently joined the team at Townsend, Tomaio & Newmark, L.L.C. Cynthia has been committed to the practice of family law since the beginning of her career as a law clerk in 2002. Since then, she has been a panelist for the Early Settlement Panel in…

If you are getting a divorce because you are a victim of domestic violence, it’s important to know how this history might affect the negotiations. Our Morris County, NJ domestic abuse lawyers can help you pursue a divorce, negotiate for a fair agreement, and ask for temporary restraining orders or other protective measures when needed.…

Sometimes litigation isn’t the best way to solve all of the issues facing a couple in a divorce. Alternative methods like mediation can help two people come to fair agreements on tough topics like child custody, property division, alimony, and more. Some serious effort needs to be made by both parties during mediation sessions though.…

When you get divorced, the marital property needs to be split up. Anything that you and your spouse own together gets divided up in an equitable way, but there are some items that can cause confusion here. One common sticking point is the engagement ring. Who does it belong to after you get divorced? Our…

If you want to settle all of the disagreements you and your spouse have in divorce court, you can do that. There are other options though, including a collaborative divorce where you can work together to reach a conclusion. A collaborative divorce team is more than just you, your spouse, and your lawyers. There are…

If you are divorcing your spouse, you know that your property will have to be divided up. Does this mean that you have to divide up your business as well? It could, but there are ways to protect a business and its assets in a divorce. Our Morris County, NJ division of assets attorneys can…

Working out a child custody and visitation schedule can be difficult enough, but then you have to throw holidays into the mix? Fortunately, there are some things that you can do to make it easier to set up a holiday schedule that you and your ex can stick to. Our Morris County, NJ child custody…

Your child support is meant to cover all of the various expenses that come with raising a child. Does that mean that these payments from your ex can also help with your car insurance premiums? Our Morris County, NJ child support attorneys would argue that this is not a bad use of those funds. Is…

Many people believe that child support agreements end when a child turns 18. They are an adult, so they don’t need support anymore, right? That’s not really how this works though. Our Morris County, NJ child support attorneys can tell you why most agreements last longer. When Can Child Support Agreements Be Extended? Child support…

Townsend, Tomaio & Newmark, L.L.C. is excited to welcome Eric A. Parisi, Esq. as the newest attorney in our family. Eric brings to the table decades of experience as a licensed attorney in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Specifically, before joining TTN, he practiced divorce and family law with a boutique firm in Hudson County, New…

Child support is meant to cover many of the expenses associated with caring for a child, but what happens when an extraordinary cost arises? A common source of expenses for children is orthodontic work, like braces. Does the non-custodial parent have to pay for that too? The answer is usually yes, but there are some…

Divorce can be an expensive process, so it’s understandable that people don’t want to start shelling out money before they have even filed the necessary paperwork. It’s important to meet with a lawyer and protect your interests, but shopping around for a lawyer can get expensive quickly if they charge for meetings. Fortunately, our firm…

Some states set a specific age for when a child is legally emancipated. New Jersey does not, which can complicate matters like child support agreements. Fortunately, there are now some clear laws on the books about when a child becomes emancipated. A lawyer from our firm can tell divorced parents what they need to know…

A divorce can go on for a while, so this sometimes leads to our clients asking us if they can go out on dates while their agreement is finalized. Dating is allowed, but it can interfere with an ongoing divorce in a few ways. A lot of this depends on how your divorce is going…

If you inherit money or a piece of property while you are married, are those assets up for grabs if you get a divorce? Usually, an inheritance is protected, but there are actions that you can take or mistakes that you can make that could make it harder to protect these assets when property has…

Townsend, Tomaio & Newmark, L.L.C. is thrilled to welcome Marlene Bonet as the newest law clerk to our family. Before joining the TTN team, Marlene worked at several other law firms conducting research; drafting complaints, agreements, motions, briefs, and certifications; and preparing for trials for partners in various areas of law. Additionally, she interned and…

When you finalize your divorce agreement, spousal support or alimony is a part of that. It’s decided who is going to pay who, how much will be paid, and for how long. However, sometimes circumstances change and the old agreement really does not hold up due to recent life events. This is when you can…

An uncontested divorce often takes far less time to get finalized than a contested divorce would, but there is still a lot of work that needs to be done. Our Morris County uncontested divorce attorneys can advise you on the process and let you know more about what you should expect. What Are the Steps…

If you and your spouse are getting a divorce and think that you can handle things amicably, you may be thinking that there’s no need to hire two lawyers. Just hire one for the both of you and have them look over everything to make it all legal. This is rarely a good idea. You…

Angela M. Scafuri is set to be a presenter at New Attorney Day, a program designed by the New Jersey Institute for Continuing Legal Education (NJICLE), a division of the New Jersey State Bar Association (NJSBA). Specifically, Ms. Scafuri will speak at the Introduction to Family Law webinar among other notable New Jersey attorneys, and…

When you are ready to begin the divorce process, our Morris County, NJ divorce lawyers are ready to assist you. Preparing for a divorce can take quite a bit of work, but we can help you with the first steps. This is how you can begin the process. How Do I Start the Divorce Process?…

When you have a child, you should be paying money to support them. That’s how the courts in New Jersey tend to see it, and that opinion holds whether you are married or dating the other parent of your child or if your relationship has ended. Our Morris County, NJ child support attorneys can help…

When you write a prenup, or prenuptial agreement, you and your spouse can come to an agreement in advance about how many of your potential conflicts will be solved if you were to get a divorce. No one wants to think about divorce before walking down the aisle, but this document can protect you and…

When courts consider arguments for child custody, the parent’s interests and needs are not the top priority. Instead, the judge wants to do what is in the best interest of the child. This means that the custody agreement has to be made with their health and happiness in mind. Our Morris County, NJ child custody…

We are proud to announce that two of our distinguished attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2025 edition of Best Lawyers, a testament to their dedication, skill, and excellence in the field of family law. John E. Clancy has been recognized in Best Lawyers for his outstanding contributions to Family Law. His commitment…

We are proud to announce that Nicole A. Cioffi, an esteemed attorney here at Townsend, Tomaio & Newmark, has been selected for inclusion in the 2025 Edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America for her exceptional work in Family Law. This recognition marks Nicole's continued excellence in the legal profession, having been honored…

When one parent tries to turn their children against their former spouse, the courts can step in. Parental alienation can deprive a child of healthy relationships with both of their parents, and the court often believes that having good relationships with both parents is in the best interests of the child. If you think that…

When you receive child support payments or send them, you may be wondering if they are treated like any other expense or income. Does the IRS or state treasury have any interest in the payments you give to or get from your spouse? The answer is generally no, but having kids and being divorced can…

Your divorce records are important, and you cannot just get rid of them because you are tired of being reminded of that time in your life. These records still have some important uses, and you’ll definitely be annoyed if you do not have them when you end up needing them. Here’s some advice on the…

It can be hard to guess how long your divorce will take to get finalized. Our Morris County, NJ divorce lawyers can guide you through the process and tell you how you may be able to speed up the dissolution of your marriage though. If there is a way to save time or an issue…

There are a few different ways for divorcing couples to come to an agreement on matters relating to their marriage and its dissolution, but can you be forced to try specific methods of conflict resolution? You can in New Jersey. When you ask a judge to settle things for you, they might instead order you…

What can you do if you disagree with a family law decision? You can file an appeal. Our New Jersey divorce and family law attorneys can help you with this, but it’s also important to know when filing an appeal is worthwhile. You should talk things out with an attorney and carefully weigh your options…

When you get a divorce, your assets and properties need to be split up. It’s often one of the more contentious parts of the process, so it’s important to know what to expect going in. The goal of the state is not to split things up 50/50. Instead the court will use an equitable distribution…

If you are currently embroiled in fights about custody arrangements, you may be wondering if your child’s preference can make a difference. If your child prefers your home, that can definitely be a factor. However, it is far from the only factor the court will consider. If you want to make a more convincing argument,…

Going from single to married to divorced is sure to affect your taxes, so it makes sense that many newly divorced people have questions about how their status will affect them come tax time. This is especially relevant for those who will be receiving some kind of payment from their former spouse as a part…

When you pay child support, you know that it’s supposed to cover a portion of your child’s expenses. Does this include medical expenses? It does, but matters can get a bit complicated when expenses exceed expectations and some other factors, like who has health insurance, may affect your child support arrangement. Fortunately, our Morris County,…

When you are a noncustodial parent, you know that you’ll have to pay child support until your child is legally considered an adult. What happens if they go to school for a bachelor’s degree though? Do you have to pay for college costs as well? A court can order you to pay some of these…

Most of the time when people think of custody arrangements, they think of one parent having the kids most of the time and the other getting visitation rights for select weekdays, weekends, and holidays. However, it is possible to ask for a 50/50 custody arrangement in which both parents spend equal time with the kids.…

There are many things to think about before you decide to file for a divorce. One thing that some people don’t carefully consider is whether or not they can afford it. A divorce can be quite expensive. If your breakup is contentious and you and your spouse are going to argue over everything, then it’s…