Divorce

Social Media Mistakes in a Divorce Case

June 15, 2026 | by The Law Offices Of Peter Van Aulen

Divorce is not fought solely in courtrooms. This is particularly the case in the digital communications age. The end of a marriage often plays out across social media platforms. Posts, photos, comments, and even private messages can become evidence that shapes outcomes related to custody, support, and property division. What may feel like harmless sharing in the moment can carry serious legal consequences later. Understanding the most common social media mistakes in a divorce case can best protect your vital interests in a New Jersey marriage dissolution proceeding.

Oversharing Personal Emotions

Divorce is an emotionally charged experience. In this day and age, social media can feel like a natural outlet. However, venting frustrations, anger, or sadness online can backfire and represent one of the most significant social media mistakes in a divorce case. For example, public posts criticizing your spouse can be used to portray you as volatile, hostile, or unwilling to co-parent effectively. This can be the case even when what you post on social media is factually correct. Judges often consider the tone and behavior of each party, particularly in cases involving children. A pattern of negative or aggressive posts may suggest poor judgment or emotional instability. Even vague or “subtweet”-style posts can be interpreted as targeted attacks. With all of this in mind, when it comes to avoiding social media mistakes in a divorce, it is best to keep emotional processing offline. Speak with trusted friends, family, or a professional rather than broadcasting your feelings to a wide audience.

Discussing the Divorce Case Online

During a New Jersey marriage dissolution proceeding, it may be tempting to share updates or your side of the story. This can especially be the case if you feel misunderstood. However, discussing details of your divorce proceedings online is a serious mistake. Anything you post can potentially be used as evidence. Statements about legal strategies, settlement negotiations, or interactions with your spouse can weaken your position. Worse, they may violate court orders or confidentiality agreements. Keep in mind that even private groups or so-called friends-only posts are not truly secure. Screenshots can be taken and shared, and courts generally treat digital communications as discoverable evidence. Continue Reading →

Rising Tide of New Jersey Gray Divorce

November 24, 2025 | by The Law Offices Of Peter Van Aulen

The population of the Garden State, and the United States more broadly, is becoming proportionally older. As a consequence, it is easy to imagine that divorce among older people is becoming more frequent. Oftentimes, divorce of older individuals is referred to as gray divorce. Before we dive into a deeper discussion about the rising tide of New Jersey gray divorce, we take a moment to define the concept. Generally speaking, gray divorce is defined as Gray divorce is the term used for the dissolution of marriage among older adults, typically couples aged 50 and above. Unlike divorces earlier in life, gray divorces often occur after decades of marriage and involve unique financial, emotional, and social considerations – which are discussed with you in this article.

Increasing Rate of Gray Divorce

The esteemed Pew Research Center provides some alarming statistics about gray divorce in the United States, including New Jersey gray divorce. The divorce rate among people over the age of 50 has doubled since 1990. The divorce rate for people over the age of 65 has seen an even sharper incline. Since 1990, the divorce rate among people over the age of 65 has nearly tripled. With this statistical background in mind, we take a close look at the impact of New Jersey gray divorce.

Financial Wallop of Gray Divorce

Following the conclusion of a divorce in the Golden Years, parties to such a marriage dissolution proceeding can face significant financial issues. For example, following a divorce later in life, a woman’s standard of living declines by about 50 percent, according to PudMed. A man’s standard of living can also be expected to decline, on average by 21 percent. Overall wealth or value of accumulated assets tends to drop by 50 percent for spouses of both genders. Continue Reading →

How to Retain Control and Protect Your Rights in a New Jersey Divorce

August 4, 2025 | by The Law Offices Of Peter Van Aulen

Navigating a New Jersey divorce can be emotionally challenging and even financially draining. With this duly noted, you must be vigilant to avoid giving away your power during the marital dissolution process. Unnecessarily (even dangerously) relinquishing your power in a New Jersey divorce can have dire and long-lasting consequences. These include everything from agreeing to unfair asset and debt division to losing child custody. There are a number of time-tested tactics you should consider employing to better ensure that you stay empowered and protect your rights during a New Jersey marriage dissolution case.

Understand New Jersey’s Divorce Laws and Recognize What You Don’t Know

Knowledge is your first line of defense in a divorce. For example, New Jersey utilizes what is known as equitable distribution or division standard when it comes to marital assets and debts (and who gets what). Under the equitable division of property standard, assets and debts are divided in a manner that is deemed just and equitable under the facts and circumstances of a particular case. You need to bear in mind that equitable does not mean equally. Courts consider a variety of factors that include:

The marriage’s duration
Each spouse’s earning capacity
Contributions to the marriage

Child custody decisions hinge on another judicial standard used in a New Jersey marriage dissolution case. This is the best interests of the child standard. In basic terms, the best interests of the child standard keeps the focus on the child’s well being above other issues when it comes to matters like custody, parenting time, and support. Continue Reading →

Dangers of Living with Significant Other During Divorce

July 14, 2025 | by The Law Offices Of Peter Van Aulen

When a marriage ends, the period of separation and divorce can be tumultuous, emotional, and legally complex. One key decision that can significantly influence both the legal outcome and emotional well-being of those involved in a New Jersey marriage dissolution case is whether to live with a significant other during this time. There are a number of facts and factors to bear in mind when it comes to living with a significant other during divorce.

Negative Impact on Custody and Parenting Time

In a New Jersey divorce proceeding, the best interest of the child is the paramount consideration when determining custody and parenting time arrangements. Introducing a new partner into the household, especially during an ongoing divorce, can raise red flags in the eyes of the court. Judges may question the stability of the child’s living environment, the character of the new partner, or whether the cohabitation is confusing or even potentially emotionally harmful to the children.

In some cases, the presence of a new partner can be used by the other parent to argue for limited custody or supervised parenting time. This particularly is the case if the romantic partner has a questionable background or if the transition for the children has not been handled with care. Continue Reading →

How to Deal with Spousal Financial Abuse: Protect Yourself in a Challenging Situation

September 22, 2024 | by The Law Offices Of Peter Van Aulen

Spousal financial abuse is a form of domestic violence where one partner controls or exploits the other partner’s financial resources. This form of abuse can manifest in various ways, making it difficult for the victim to achieve financial independence or feel secure. Some common tactics include controlling access to bank accounts, where the abuser might not allow the victim to have their own bank account or insist on monitoring all transactions.

The overarching goal of spousal financial abuse is to gain power and control over the victim, making it extremely challenging for them to leave the relationship or achieve financial independence. Financial abuse can have long-lasting impacts, not only on the victim’s financial stability but also on their mental and emotional well-being. Continue Reading →

Strategies to Deal with Your In-Laws During a New Jersey Divorce

August 9, 2024 | by The Law Offices Of Peter Van Aulen

In a majority of New Jersey marital dissolution proceedings, the parties to the cases have in-laws that may be orbiting around and about. With this in mind, there are strategies to bear in mind when it comes to dealing with in-laws during the course of a New Jersey divorce.

Stay Calm

A divorce is an emotionally taxing experience, and interactions with in-laws can sometimes add to this strain. Despite the heightened pressure and potential for conflict, it’s imperative to keep calm and composed during any discussions or confrontations. Maintaining a cool demeanor can not only prevent the situation from spiraling out of control but also pave the way for more constructive conversations. It might seem challenging at times, but striving for serenity and calm during these interactions can prove immensely beneficial.

Set Boundaries

Amid the tumult of New Jersey divorce proceedings, it’s crucial to establish clear boundaries about what topics are permissible for discussion. These boundaries can encompass a variety of areas, from your personal relationship with your ex-spouse to financial matters or plans for the future. It’s essential to communicate gently but firmly to your in-laws what you’re comfortable discussing and what topics you’d prefer to avoid. By doing so, you can guide conversations in a direction that’s more comfortable for you and potentially sidestep unnecessary conflict. Continue Reading →

Key Statistics About Divorce in New Jersey

March 17, 2024 | by The Law Offices Of Peter Van Aulen

If you are one of many people in the Garden State who might be thinking of divorce at this time, you may have a feeling of being alone, isolated. When it comes to divorce in New Jersey, perspective can be helpful. With this in mind, we provide you with some key statistics about divorce in New Jersey.

New Jersey Divorce Rate

The divorce rate in New Jersey currently stands at approximately 2.7 divorces per 1,000 population. This significant figure provides a reliable insight into the prevalence of divorce within the state, indicating a fairly high frequency of marital dissolution.

Interestingly, New Jersey’s divorce rate is lower than the national average in the United States, which is approximately 3.2 divorces per 1,000 population. This implies that marriages in New Jersey tend to be slightly more resilient and enduring compared to the national average.

Remarkably, New Jersey boasts the lowest divorce rate in the Northeast region of the United States. This suggests that, compared to its regional counterparts, New Jersey fosters a relatively stable environment for marriages, possibly due to a combination of socio-economic factors and state policies. Continue Reading →

New Jersey Divorce: Myths and Misconceptions

January 15, 2024 | by The Law Offices Of Peter Van Aulen

A variety of persistent New Jersey divorce myths and misconceptions exist. We take a moment to dispel some of these commonplace mistaken beliefs about New Jersey marriage dissolution cases.

Divorce Always Leads to a Bitter Court Battle

Many people believe that divorce automatically results in a hostile and contentious court battle. While some divorces do involve disputes, it’s important to note that many couples are able to reach amicable agreements through mediation or collaborative divorce. These alternative methods of dispute resolution can help minimize conflict and promote a more positive outcome for both parties.

Mothers Nearly Always Get Custody of the Children

Even in 2024, there is a fairly common misconception that mothers always receive custody of the children in a New Jersey divorce case. However, child custody decisions are actually based on the best interests of the child. Factors such as parental involvement, stability, and the child’s needs are taken into account when determining custody arrangements. Both parents have an equal opportunity to demonstrate their ability to provide a nurturing and supportive environment for their children.

Divorce Nearly Always Involves Infidelity

Infidelity is often cited as an underlying cause of a New Jersey divorce, but it is important to recognize that there are often multiple reasons that contribute to the breakdown of a marriage. Issues such as communication problems, financial difficulties, or incompatible goals can also play a significant role in the decision to divorce. It’s important to avoid assuming that infidelity is the sole cause of all divorces.

A New Jersey Divorce is Easy if Both Parties Agree Continue Reading →

Understanding the Possible Connection Between Divorce and Anxiety and Depression

January 1, 2024 | by The Law Offices Of Peter Van Aulen

Divorce can disrupt the stability and routine that individuals rely on, leading to increased anxiety and depression. When a marriage ends, individuals may lose the sense of familiarity and predictability that they once had in their lives. This loss of stability can trigger feelings of uncertainty and insecurity, which can contribute to anxiety and depression. In this article we discuss the possible connection between divorce and anxiety and depression.

Divorce and Stress

In considering the connection between divorce and anxiety and depression, we need to look at the overall level of stress that can be associated with marriage dissolution. The process of divorce often involves high levels of stress, which can contribute to the development or exacerbation of anxiety and depression. From making the decision to separate to navigating the legal proceedings, divorce can be a highly stressful experience. The constant emotional and logistical challenges that arise during this process can take a toll on individuals’ mental well-being and contribute to the onset or worsening of anxiety and depression.

Divorce and Loss, Grief, and Loneliness

Divorce can lead to feelings of loss, grief, and loneliness, which are common triggers for anxiety and depression. The end of a marriage can bring about a profound sense of loss, not only of the relationship itself but also of shared dreams, goals, and future plans. This loss can evoke feelings of grief and sadness, which can contribute to the development of anxiety and depression. Additionally, the loss of a partner can leave individuals feeling lonely and isolated, further impacting their mental health. Continue Reading →

Impact of Employment on Marriage and Divorce: A Look at the Movie Oppenheimer

September 4, 2023 | by The Law Offices Of Peter Van Aulen

One of the most popular movies of 2023 is Oppenheimer. Oppenheimer tells the story of Robert Oppenheimer, director of the Manhattan Project. The Manhattan Project was the research undertaken to develop the United States first atomic bomb during World War II. A question raised about the Manhattan Project at the time was how the endeavor affected the divorce rate among employees and their spouses. In this article, we discuss the impact of employment on marriage, using the Manhattan Project as an illustration.

Manhattan Project and Family Life

The project was so secretive that most of the workers didn’t even know what they were working on, and their families were kept in the dark about their work. Despite these challenging conditions and the high-stakes nature of the work, divorce rates among Manhattan Project workers were lower than the national average at the time, according to a study conducted during the early 1940s. In other words, researchers concluded that the impact of work on marriage in the case of the Manhattan Project was not as significant as anticipated or presumed.

Reasons Why Divorce Rates was Lower Among Manhattan Project Workers

The study on impact of employment on marriage found that divorce rates among Manhattan Project workers were about half the national average during the early 1940s. This was surprising, given the long hours, hazardous conditions, and isolation from family and friends that the workers experienced. However, some factors may have contributed to these lower divorce rates. For instance, the workers received good pay and benefits, which may have helped to support their families. Additionally, the close-knit community of workers on the project may have provided a support system for families. Continue Reading →