Blog | M. Hart Divorce & Family Law

5/1/20

When you decide to divorce, there are important decisions to be made about things like The most common misconception I hear is that divorce means going to court and having a judge make these decisions. Especially when we consider that divorce is often portrayed in the media as angry court battles. The overwhelming majority of divorce cases in New Jersey, however, are actually settled by mutual...

4/24/20

How Difficult Conversations Can Actually Reduce Stress

The longer social distancing and self-quarantines continue, the harder it becomes for us to picture what our post-pandemic world will look like. And so, it’s not uncommon for our worries and anxieties to escalate. In these unusual times, close personal relationships are more important than ever – other people with whom we can share our frustrations, anger, sadness, or perhaps a much-needed laugh. Having others...

4/16/20

Five Tips For Lower Stress And Stronger Relationships When We Need It Most

Many of us have now been self-quarantined with our spouses and kids for several weeks as this pandemic continues. And perhaps like me, you worry about getting sick, how long the pandemic will last, and what the future holds. All these thoughts and worries raise anxiety levels. And the more anxious we are, the more we’re susceptible to conflict with those closest to us. By...

4/9/20

How Working From Home Can Transform Family Relationships

In these uncertain times of the coronavirus self quarantines, schools have transitioned to online learning. And many of us now work from home. With two teenagers at home, I’ve encountered more than a few challenges. But just recently, I uncovered one very special opportunity. And what I learned in one lightbulb moment, has transformed my family. You see, while I’ve been physically present at home, my...

3/26/20

How Brené Brown’s Elements of Trust Can Be Your Guide to Strong Personal Relationships

I’ve found it’s not so easy to know whether or not you can trust someone. Or more accurately, to what extent can you trust a person? For example, can you trust someone with some things but not others? But first, how do we define trust, really? According to research professor and bestselling author, B I admit I’ve suffered from a condition I call “trust aversion.”...

3/19/20

How Coronavirus/COVID-19 Can Impact Your Divorce Process

The impact on our nation of the coronavirus pandemic is unprecedented. We are all being encouraged to practice social distancing, avoid travel and group social situations to reduce the chance of catching and spreading coronavirus. But what is the protocol if you’re in the midst of a divorce? And where can you find answers about family court schedules and procedures in the wake of the...

3/5/20

How To Respond vs. React For Negotiation Success

Let’s say you’ve had a run-in or heated argument with your partner, spouse, family member, or colleague. And chances are, there was an underlying negotiation going on. Because whether we know it or not, we’re always negotiating, both in our personal and professional lives. In my experience, people most often do one of two things in these instances – fight or give in. Either way,...

2/27/20

The #1 Reason I See Couples Divorce & How You Can Save Your Marriage

In over 20 years as a divorce and family lawyer, I’ve seen the same reason for divorce come up time and time again. And I’ve found there are 3 specific things you can do today to start to get your marriage back on track. The reason for most divorces I’ve seen is when couples have stopped communicating. They’ve just stopped talking to each other. And...

2/20/20

Save Time and Money on Your Divorce with Mediation

If you’re considering divorce and want things to stay amicable, your best bet can be divorce mediation. Especially when litigation can be drawn out, acrimonious, and costly. What is Divorce Mediation? Divorce mediation is a confidential non-binding dispute resolution process. It is a structured negotiating process facilitated by the mediator, a neutral third party. Divorce mediation can be used to resolve child custody, child support, alimony,...

2/13/20

What Most Lawyers Don’t Tell You For Free About Getting Divorced In New Jersey

It’s a common misconception that judges make the decisions when it comes to divorce. And you typically have to hire and pay a lawyer to find out the reality of how most New Jersey divorces work. The fact is the overwhelming majority of New Jersey divorces are settled by agreement between the spouses themselves who sign a “Marital Settlement Agreement.” The Marital Settlement Agreement is typically...