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 In a recent unpublished decision the Appellate Division of New Jersey reviewed whether defendant’s conduct towards plaintiff involving parenting time disputes constituted harassment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

Order Denying Defendant’s Request to Terminate His Alimony Obligation

Steuber v. Desmelyk Docket No. A-600-19T2 Decided December 28, 2020 Submitted by New Jersey Family Lawyer, Jeffrey Hark. In a recent unpublished decision the Appellate Division reviewed a trial court’s order denying defendant’s request to terminate his alimony obligation initiated by a Matrimonial Settlement Agreement (MSA) entered into just eight months prior. In Steuber, after 7…

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 In a recent unpublished decision the Appellate Division reversed a trial court’s denial of a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO), as the Court failed to make appropriate findings as to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

Remote Trial Without the Consent Of Either Party During the COVID-19 Pandemic

State v. D.E.: Submitted by New Jersey Domestic Violence Lawyer, Jeffrey Hark. The State appealed an order denying reconsideration of a verbal decision to schedule a trial date for defendant’s remotely conducted domestic violence contempt trial in the Family Part, and the defendant joined in the State’s application as well. Defendant was charged with two…

Read More