The holidays are stressful for almost anyone, but they can particularly take an emotional toll on those who are separated or divorced.  In last week's blog, I provided some tips to help ease the holiday stress for divorced or separated individuals. 

The holidays are stressful enough, but if you add a divorce or separation into the mix, it can become pure chaos. Between my clerkship and private practice, this upcoming holiday season will be my tenth year experiencing the inevitable turmoil and tribulation these “festivities” impose upon individuals and the congested Court system. In light of my experience, I will relay three key pieces of advice I believe are important to consider in striving for a smooth holiday season.

Child custody is often the most difficult part of any divorce proceeding.  There are many different ways custody of children can be split between their parents.  Every single case is different and the parties should reach an agreement that works best for their situation.

During a divorce proceeding, marital assets are divided between the two parties. New Jersey law states that all property acquired during a marriage is marital property regardless of how it is titled. The courts also follow a policy of equitable distribution of those assets.

Divorce can be a difficult time for both parents and children; the upheaval and sense of instability that children may experience can be particularly challenging. While children often benefit from being able to spend plenty of time with both parents, going back and forth between their homes can take its toll. Even worse, neither of those homes may be familiar to them.

      Over the weekend, a divorced mother posted a video depicting her six-year-old daughter, Tiana, demanding that her mother and ex-husband “be friends” after Tiana witnessed them arguing.  It's a "must see" for any divorced or separated parent.  Click here to watch the video.

      In the video, Tiana was sitting on the stairs lecturing her mother: