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The Law Office of Andrew A. Bestafka, Esq. is taking a safe but proactive approach to the Coronavirus situation in our law practice. We are working every day to represent our clients. We are offering frontline healthcare workers at CentraState free Simple Wills. To read more please Click Here

The days ahead may be a challenge. But we will continue to work to take care of our client’s cases and to take on new matters and clients. We will simply manage your case in less traditional, more technology-driven ways, that are safer for your health and ours.

Please stay healthy and contact us if you have any questions or concerns regarding your case or a new matter for us to consider.

Andrew Bestafka, Monmouth County Divorce Lawyer

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Divorce, Custody & Family Law

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New Jersey set to change alimony laws, but contention remains

Legislators in New Jersey have concluded a two-year overhaul to the state’s alimony laws. This comes after a storm of protest from numerous men and women in the state. According to an Joan Quigley of The Jersey Journal, the men and women advocating for change were the ones paying alimony to ex-spouses.

Unfortunately, proponents of the proposed changes remain unhappy with legislators. If the bill is signed into law as is, it will actually end up not applying to these people, which Quigley suggested is the reason for their continued outrage.  To clarify, the new legislation would only affect alimony payments established after the new bill takes effect. Those who are currently paying alimony, or those who start paying it before the new legislation is signed into law, will operate as-is.

Paris Eliades, the President of the New Jersey State Bar Association, said the entire process has been like a divorce itself. “Like in any divorce, we ultimately achieved a resolution where not everyone has gotten what they wanted.” After this two-year struggle, the bill now goes on to governor Chris Christie for approval or veto.

Changes included in the bill are an end to permanent alimony, more flexibility in alimony changes, and other stipulations that the paid spouse must abide by. Regardless of any changes to New Jersey alimony laws, the attorneys at the Law Office of Andrew A. Bestafka, Esq., are committed to representing the interests of our clients during their divorce and may be able to help you. If you have any questions or wish to discuss your situation, call our offices at (732) 898-2378 today.



Lawyers reveal a growing number of ex-husbands are receiving alimony from wives

In a report published by Reuters on December 24, it was shown that more divorce lawyers are noting a shift in economic roles between men and women that has resulted in an increasing number of men receiving spousal support from more ‘well-off’ ex-wives.

A survey conducted by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers among its 1,600 members revealed that close to half of their colleagues have observed a rise in the number of husbands receiving alimony from their divorced wives. Experts say the shift is a result of an ongoing trend where women tend to be the key breadwinner in the family while men tend to slow-down their career to stay at home and look after children.

Monmouth County residents who are facing alimony and other family issues should seek help from an attorney at the Law Office of Andrew A. Bestafka, Esq. We are equipped with the experience and resources needed to efficiently and fully address your legal family needs. You can reach us by calling (732) 898-2378 today.



Two competing bills seek to reform NJ alimony system

Another bill seeking to implement reform in the current alimony law in New Jersey was recently introduced, giving the current alimony reform bill being considered some competition.

The first measure, which was announced earlier this year, aggressively aims to end permanent alimony by proposing to cut payments when the receiving spouse earns more than what the payer spouse earns. Assemblyman and sponsor of the bill Charles Mainor labeled the current ruling on permanent alimony as “unfair” and “outdated,” saying a time limit should be set on the NJ permanent alimony system.

Meanwhile, a more lenient measure was introduced in the last week of November. It aims to lessen or terminate alimony payments when the payer loses his/her job, has retired, or when the receiving person has moved in with a new partner. However, critics asserted that this revision does not address the issue that many cases of permanent alimony involve receiving spouses who have the capacity to be financially independent.

If you have questions about the intricacies of New Jersey’s alimony system, our Monmouth County-based lawyers from the Law Office of Andrew A. Bestafka, Esq., can help you get the answers and help you need. Call us at (732) 898-2378 today.



New Jersey residents disagree with NJ’s current alimony ruling

A report released by the New Jersey Alimony Reform on Tuesday, November 12 revealed that about two-thirds of New Jersey residents believe the imposition of lifetime alimony is wrong. The current ruling imposes lifetime alimony for a supported partner after the end of a marriage that lasted at least 15 years.

Rutgers-Eagleton poll revealed that 75% of respondents believe spousal support should continue until the recipient becomes capable of meeting their financial needs. New Jersey Alimony Reform president Tom Leustek said the poll revealed how detestable the state’s defective system of alimony is to New Jersey residents.

When you are going through a divorce or dealing with alimony-related issues in Monmouth County, you need a lawyer from the Law Office of Andrew A. Bestafka, Esq., supporting you. Our legal team makes sure to stay up-to-date on the most current laws and has the experience needed to get you the outcome you are seeking. Call us at (732) 898-2378 today.



No-fault divorces may be allowing for larger alimony payments

In 2010, the state of New York adopted the no-fault  divorce law in attempts to avoid assigning blame in divorce cases. Many were very excited with the passing of the new law, but one year later, a few concerning outcomes are starting to be seen.

One of them is the the law of temporary alimony and the strict guidelines that judges have to set this. The temporary alimony was meant to protect those who did not have as much money, but in some cases, it is completely shifting the financial situation of the couple.

“It really impacts the payer spouse in a way that sometimes is draconian,” said Sondra Miller, a retired judge who led a state commission between 2004 and 2006 to evaluate New York’s divorce laws and currently mediates divorces. “It’s not a well-thought-out piece of legislation.”

Those in favor of this law have admitted that there are some issues with is and are attempting to correct them. The formula used to assign alimony applies to those who make up to $524,000 a year and was meant to make sure that people who could not afford(mainly women) were still treated fairly in the courtroom.

If you or a loved one is considering divorce, you need representation on your side. Contact the Monmouth County divorce lawyers of Andrew A. Bestafka, Esq, by calling (732) 898-2378 and speaking to a legal professional.



Katy Perry, Russell Brand decide on divorce settlement

Katy Perry and Russel Brand, whom announced their divorce a few months ago, have now decided on a settlement agreement.

According to sources close to the couple, the papers were signed amicably. Brand decided to not accept the money that he is legally entitled to under California law. This would have meant that he could receive half of the $44 million that Perry made last year.

After Brand filed for divorce, Perry filed paperwork in order to make sure that he would not be receiving spousal support from her. The former couple is now awaiting the divorce to be finalized.

If you or a loved one is going through a divorce at this time and need spousal support in order to make a living after the divorce occurs, you need experienced representation on your side. Contact the Monmouth spousal support lawyers of Andrew A. Bestafka, Esq. by calling (732) 898-2378  today.