Ask Cassie

Dear Cassie: If I have a custody dispute with my spouse in our divorce, will my children be witnesses in Court? -R.E. Dear R.E.: You did not indicate in your question the ages of your children. If your children are young, it is extremely unlikely that they will appear as…

Dear Cassie: I am divorced, and have a son who is about to start his senior year in high school. Does my ex-spouse have to pay for my son’s college? -P.S. Dear P.S.: On the basis of your question, I am not sure if you entered into a Marital Settlement…

Dear Cassie: How does the court resolve a custody dispute? -L.K. Dear L.K.: In determining custody of a child, a court is always controlled by the child’s best interests. New Jersey has a custody statute, N.J.S.A. 9:2-4, which identifies several factors a court shall consider when evaluating what custody arrangements…

Dear Cassie: If I am divorcing but not yet divorced, does this change how I file my income taxes? Also, do I have to file jointly with my spouse? -M.M. Dear M.M.: A divorce, in and of itself, does not affect your tax filing status. So long as you are…

Dear Cassie: I am in the process of going through a divorce. My wife now wants to make a number of repairs to our home (and to have me contribute to these costs).  Do I have to pay for these repairs?  -J.L. Dear J.L:   Generally speaking, the court will seek…

Dear Cassie: I am divorced. My spouse has enrolled our children in a very expensive summer camp this summer.  Do I have to pay for it?  -L.P. Dear L.P.:  The first question that must be answered is, what does your Marital Settlement Agreement or Judgment of Divorce say about the…