Attuned to the Full Range of Family Structures
At Townsend, Tomaio & Newmark, L.L.C., we have consistently been at the forefront of developments in the law involving civil unions, domestic partnerships and nontraditional relationships. We have written and lectured extensively on issues such as same-sex alimony and property division, and we have represented many clients in related matters.
Contact us to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced, cutting-edge family law attorneys.
Paying Close Attention to New Jersey's Recent Civil Union Law
In 2007, New Jersey's state legislature, responding to the state Supreme Court, passed a civil union law making same-sex couples eligible for all the benefits of marriage under state law. (Federal benefits such as joint federal income tax filing are not covered by the civil union law.)
Our lawyers are highly knowledgeable about all of the latest developments in civil union laws. If you are considering entering into a civil union, concerned about the status of children in a civil union household or seeking dissolution of a civil union, we can offer you sound advice and effective representation.
Keeping Track of Rapid Changes in Domestic Partnership Law
New Jersey was one of the first states in the country to enact domestic partnership laws, giving eligible couples some but not all of the state-level benefits of marriage. The domestic partnership law originally applied not only to same-sex couples but also to opposite-sex couples over the age of 62, who may benefit from being unmarried for government and employee benefits purposes.
Under the new civil union law, domestic partnership registrations are only allowed for couples over 62, but domestic partnerships entered into by younger same-sex couples before that time are still valid under the old law. Our attorneys can advise you on the consequences of replacing your existing domestic partnership with a civil union or entering into an over-62 domestic partnership.
Skilled Family Law Services for Unmarried Partners
Many same-sex and opposite-sex couples have partnerships that are not formally recognized as marriages, civil unions or domestic partnerships. Our firm has helped many clients with a wide variety of issues affecting nontraditional households.
Contact us to discuss any and all issues affecting unmarried couples, such as palimony, distribution of debts, property division, child custody and child support. We serve clients in North and Central Jersey, including the counties of Morris, Somerset, Essex, Union, Hunterdon, Bergen, Passaic, Sussex, Warren, Mercer, Middlesex and Monmouth.
