Recession worries

With the ongoing financial mess in our country,  there is more and more concern about the inability of former spouses to meet their alimony and/or child support obligations.  The rule, generally speaking is that a alimony obligation cannot be modified unless there has been a permanent change of circumstances, not of the payor’s own making that makes it unfair for the supporting spouse to keep paying.  The standard was that a loss of employment was not “permanent” unless a year or more had passed.

The question given today’s financial woes is whether or not the one year standard will remain.   Post Judgment relief motions, will most likely out pace newly filed divorce actions by a large number.  No one knows at this point what the reaction of the judiciary will be.   We do know that discussions are being had.  One thing is sure however, there must be a recognition that change is here and economically speaking, it is not for the good.  Our courts must respond to the injustice that will occur if they do not carve out an exception in these difficult times.

Hello world!

Welcome to my blog.  I am a family law attorney practicing in Bergen County, Hackensack, New Jersey for 20 years.   Not your “ordinary” attorney, I have a slightly different view of the world, and use that spin to help my clients through what many describe as one of the most difficult periods in their lives.  I hope to offer encouragement, explain a few things, tell you about new cases that may be of interest as well as chronicle some of my other achievements on this site.  Feel free to visit my professional site at http://helenglassesq.com for additional information.