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Questions Answered by Teresa L. Reichek
1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for New Jersey on
Q: I am the non custodial parent. NJ court requires that I notify if I move, how do I make sure it’s in the case file?

With my work schedule, they are not open to take calls when I am free. I can’t find accurate information on the website. My ex has already been informed

Teresa L. Reichek
Teresa L. Reichek
answered on Mar 9, 2020

That is an excellent question. The best thing to do is to file an updated Confidential Litigant Information Sheet. The form can be found on the NJcourts.com website or at the following link:

https://www.njcourts.gov/forms/10486_conf_lit_info_sheet.pdf?c=wSX

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce for New Jersey on
Q: what is the first step in a divorce process? In which circumstance will I not to to separate 18 months prior?
Teresa L. Reichek
Teresa L. Reichek
answered on Feb 12, 2020

Thank you for your question. I know that contemplating divorce can be very stressful. The first step is to confer with an experienced family law attorney. A consultation will allow the attorney to explain your rights and make you aware of the process.

Procedurally speaking, a Complaint for...
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2 Answers | Asked in Child Support for New Jersey on
Q: Nj son is 18 years old, my husband says he no longer supports him. Can he?
Teresa L. Reichek
Teresa L. Reichek
answered on Jan 31, 2020

Thank you for your question. I'm sure your husband's statements are very frustrating. The answer depends largely on your individual circumstances. Factors to consider are is this his father or step father? Do you have an existing support order? Is it paid through the probation department?... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Divorce for New Jersey on
Q: On a CIS is the Joint Life Style the average of how we lived or the way we lived at the end of the marriage?

I'm getting divorced. In the final 5 months of the marriage we had moved to an upscale apartment after living in a cheaper one for the other 6 years of marriage.

Teresa L. Reichek
Teresa L. Reichek
answered on Jan 13, 2020

Thanks for a great question. The answer, as with most questions pertaining to family law, is it depends. The joint budget section is supposed to reflect the marital lifestyle as it is or was during the most recent time frame the parties resided together. That being said, the way you present that... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce for New Jersey on
Q: My wife wants to file for divorce is it better for me to file the separation papers before she does with the county seat
Teresa L. Reichek
Teresa L. Reichek
answered on Dec 27, 2019

Thank you for your question. That's a very common question among people contemplating divorce. There are no such thing as separation papers in New Jersey. Whoever files for divorce first is the PLAINTIFF and whoever answers that divorce complaint is the DEFENDANT. There is no strategic... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Divorce for New Jersey on
Q: My wife wants a divorce and will be leaving the house. Is it better if I file for separation before her?

At what point is she not in titled to my health care I’m not a jerk.

Teresa L. Reichek
Teresa L. Reichek
answered on Dec 27, 2019

Thank you for your question. There is no such thing as legal separation in New Jersey. There is no strategic advantage to filing for divorce first in this state. Divorce can be complicated and confusing and you will need legal expertise.

You are not allowed to alter or remove her from...
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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce for New Jersey on
Q: If you have 35 days to file a written answer or motion, is it 35 calendar days or 35 business days?
Teresa L. Reichek
Teresa L. Reichek
answered on Dec 17, 2019

That's a good question that many people ask. You have 35 calendar days to file an Answer, Answer and Counterclaim, or Notice of Appearance. Motions, if necessary, come later. The best thing to do is consult with an experienced family law attorney about your next steps.

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody for New Jersey on
Q: Can I get child support from ex-husband if he refuses to leave our martial home? He said he would in paperwork 1yr. ago.

He has joint custody and wants kids Half the week. My 16 year old feels that will be hard moving back and forth in middle of the week. She also doesn’t want to live with him as she would be going to a room that is too tiny and won’t have space while my 9yr. Will have bigger room. She wants to... View More

Teresa L. Reichek
Teresa L. Reichek
answered on Nov 6, 2019

Thank you for your question. It sounds like you have several issues going on. Each situation is unique, so the answer is almost always "it depends". If you have a Court order or agreement that says he will move out and he has not then you should consider an enforcement action in court.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Child Support for New Jersey on
Q: i Have my son 6 Overnights a week, and 4 days. His father has him 1 overnight and 3 days. What type of custody is this?

I am trying to figure out what type of custody this is(60/40, 70/30, 50/50) and if I qualify for child support. I have my son over night Sunday-Friday.. and his father has him over night, only Saturday, and I pick him before 5 on Sunday evening. He also has him during the day Monday from 4-9 and... View More

Teresa L. Reichek
Teresa L. Reichek
answered on Nov 4, 2019

Thank you for your question. Child support and parenting time can be confusing for a lot of people. It does not matter how you describe your parenting time situation. In New Jersey the percentage of time is determined by the overnights the child spends at each home. If the child spends more... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for New Jersey on
Q: My father passed and there are 4 total children, do ALL children have to agree before the house can be sold?
Teresa L. Reichek
Teresa L. Reichek
answered on Nov 4, 2019

Thank you for your question. My condolences on the loss of your father. Like many legal scenarios, the answer is that it depends. The house cannot be sold until all owners agree. If all four children were bequeathed the home, then everyone would have to agree. If you father died intestate... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for New Jersey on
Q: What form or forms should I be completing to respond to a motion filed by my ex-husband? I do not agree with his motion

My ex-husband and I filed our own divorce paperwork in 2014. He filed a motion two weeks ago that I disagree with and need to file a cross motion. I want to make sure I am filing the correct forms and providing the correct information. The more I read about the content of cross-motions, forms,... View More

Teresa L. Reichek
Teresa L. Reichek
answered on Oct 7, 2019

Thank you for your question. Motion practice is detail oriented work, and a misstep could make your response papers inadmissible. Do not make an already stressful situation even worse. The outcome of the motion is too important to take chances. You should consult with an experienced family law... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Collections for New Jersey on
Q: Can I move out at 19 without a parents permission? And will the cops get involved ?

I have strict parents and I’m 19 they do not let me do anything I want to move you but I’m afraid that they’re going to call the cops.... can I move out at 19 without their permission ??

Teresa L. Reichek
Teresa L. Reichek
answered on Oct 4, 2019

Yes. Once you are 18 years old you have reached the age of majority. Unless you are declared mentally incompetent you are free to do as you please including vote, sign contracts or move out. That being said you need to consider if you have enough income to support yourself. It would not be a good... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Family Law and Child Custody for New Jersey on
Q: Hi if my ex schedules activities on my visitation weekend am I required by law to take her?

We have joint custody of our 9 year old daughter with him having residential custody. I see her every other weekend. The court order says he is supposed to ask and discuss all extracurricular activities, medical, religious, and school decisions. Instead he signed her up for soccer in which the... View More

Teresa L. Reichek
Teresa L. Reichek
answered on Sep 17, 2019

Thank you for your question. I understand that must be very frustrating. My response is predicated on your court case being in a NJ court. You are supposed to agree on extra curricular activities, then you are responsible for taking your daughter during your parenting time. You are not a bad... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody for New Jersey on
Q: I go a letter from nj with both "custody" and "parental time" from her dad whose in jail and his mom can they get 100%

Is this for visitation or full custody? Her father is in jail awaiting a case of domestic violence against me! Can his mom take her? If so, why would she be able to? I work and provide myself and get food and a home, clothes and toys. She's the happiest kid you'll meet. She's fat and... View More

Teresa L. Reichek
Teresa L. Reichek
answered on Sep 16, 2019

Thank you for your question. I'm sure this must be very stressful for you. There are two types of custody in NJ, legal custody, which is where the parties share responsibility for major decisions in a child's life such as medical, education and religious upbringing. The second type is... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Tax Law for New Jersey on
Q: Can i sue my father for threatening my mother to give her income tax returns to him

I was living with my mother at the time this happened but i was getting my things to live with my father, and this was recently in late April. I just recently found out from my mother that she was threatened for the dependent tax return money, she did not know she had a right to keep it. My father... View More

Teresa L. Reichek
Teresa L. Reichek
answered on Aug 20, 2019

Thank you for your question. I'm sure it is frustrating to watch your mother go through this. The short answer is No. You do not have standing to sue a third party, your mother is the one who will be potentially injured. Also, suing someone is typically for personal injury cases.

If...
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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody for New Jersey on
Q: How hard would it be for me to get full custody and approved for relocation out of New Jersey

Her father only sees her every other weekend but he is always working and never home he doesn’t call or communicate with her only when she’s there no interaction other wise not involved in her life really not even school she has always lived with me and I’ve always financially taken care of... View More

Teresa L. Reichek
Teresa L. Reichek
answered on Aug 19, 2019

Thank you for such an interesting question. I'm sure it must be very frustrating to be in your situation. There are two kinds of custody, physical and legal. Physical custody is where the child primarily lives and who has parenting time. Legal custody is having the right to make big decisions... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support, Divorce and Family Law for New Jersey on
Q: Need divorce advice for husband who left home due to mental and physical abuse by the stay at home mother.

Husband left the home due to mental and physical abuse over 2 years. The mother was a stay at home mom and filed first because he left, he willingly paid the rental amount for 2 months plus groceries and other needs but stopped when she restricted the father access to the child because he can only... View More

Teresa L. Reichek
Teresa L. Reichek
answered on Aug 15, 2019

Thank you for your inquiry. I’m sure this must be a very frustrating situation for your friend. He will need temporary orders to set parameters pending the end of the divorce. The issue of his parenting time, and other things, can be addressed with a motion. There are many factors effecting the... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce for New Jersey on
Q: My husband and I have been married for 6 years and separated for 1 year of those 6 I would like to file an annulment.

I’m not going to take him for child support and am working with him on getting the children in the weekends.

Teresa L. Reichek
Teresa L. Reichek
answered on Aug 1, 2019

In order to get an annulment in New Jersey you need one of the underlying grounds. These are:

1. Fraud or lies were used to trick one of you into agreeing to the marriage;

2. Bigamy;

3. one of you was under 18 when you married and you have not had sexual relations since...
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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Child Custody and Child Support for New Jersey on
Q: What happens if I cannot afford a divorce?

I make 65k a year, my wife makes 120k a year. We have 2 kids 1 & 4 in daycare that costs 2k a month. About how much would by monthly obligation be if we divorced? I would prefer 50/50 custody however I can see it being 30/70 in her favor due to my undesirable living arrangements after the... View More

Teresa L. Reichek
Teresa L. Reichek
answered on Aug 1, 2019

You should consult with a qualified family law attorney sooner rather than later. There are too many factors involved to be able to adequately respond to your questions because each case is unique.

Daycare costs are generally split in proportion to your respective incomes. This is on top...
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1 Answer | Asked in Child Support for New Jersey on
Q: How as the daughter in college at age of 21 turning 22 can I receive the child support money?

My father is required to pay child support to my mother, but she moved to South Carolina and I live in New Jersey, and she does not pay towards my college. How can I be eligible to receive all of the money when she pays none of my bills and uses half of the money to pay her rent to a place I do not... View More

Teresa L. Reichek
Teresa L. Reichek
answered on Jul 30, 2019

You should consult with an experienced family law attorney who can assist your father in filing a motion to emancipate you and terminate the child support. There are multiple factors involved. Many firms, including mine, offer free consults to give you a better idea of what is involved.

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