Case Brief: M.C.S. v. J.C.K., 2021 WL 2010654

Unpublished Opinion; Shall not constitute precedent or be binding upon any court Submitted by New Jersey Domestic Violence Lawyer, Jeffrey Hark. Parties:               Plaintiff: M.C.S. Defendant: J.C.K. Proc. Hist.:         Trial Court granted plaintiff’s request for a FRO under the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act, based on the predicate acts of harassment, and simply assault by physical menace. …

Read More

Case Brief: L.D. v. M.J.M., 2021 WL 2012249

Unpublished Opinion; Shall not constitute precedent or be binding upon any court Submitted by New Jersey Domestic Violence Lawyer, Jeffrey Hark. Parties: Plaintiff: L.D. Defendant: M.J.M. Proc. Hist.:         Trial Court denied plaintiff’s request for a final restraining order and vacated temporary restraining order against defendant.  Plaintiff argues on appeal that (1) trial judge erred in failing…

Read More

The Legality and Appropriateness of Entering A FRO, And of Awarding Counsel Fees and Punitive Damages

Submitted by New Jersey Domestic Violence Lawyer, Jeffrey Hark. After the conclusion of a six month trial, defendant appealed the entry of a June 20, 2019 final restraining order (FRO) pursuant to the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act (Act), N.J.S.A. 2C:25-17 to -35. Defendant also appealed the judge’s November 18, 2019 reconsideration decision awarding plaintiff G.D.…

Read More

Does Conduct Involving Parenting Time Disputes Constitute Harassment Under the Domestic Violence Statute?

C.C. v. I.C. Docket No. A-0771-19 Decided March 16, 2021 Submitted by New Jersey Domestic Violence Lawyer, Jeffrey Hark. In a recent unpublished decision the Appellate Division of New Jersey reviewed whether defendant’s conduct towards plaintiff involving parenting time disputes constituted harassment under the domestic violence statute, warranting a Final Restraining Order (FRO). In C.C., The…

Read More

Denial of A Temporary Restraining Order (TRO); No Predicate Act or Credibility, and Reliance on Irrelevant Facts

L.E.A. v. M.A. Docket No. A-4174-18T3 Decided December 16, 2020 Submitted by New Jersey Domestic Violence Lawyer, Jeffrey Hark. In a recent unpublished decision the Appellate Division reversed a trial court’s denial of a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO), as the Court failed to make appropriate findings as to a predicate act, failed to make credibility…

Read More

SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS IN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RESTRAINING ORDER DECISIONS

Submitted by New Jersey Domestic Violence Lawyer, Jeffrey Hark. Credibility is the single most important factor in a Judge’s decision to grant a Final Restraining Order (FRO).  With these matters, there is often little or no evidence detailing that events other than your testimony.  If social media contradicts your testimony or demeanor, or shows you…

Read More