Gaslighting: How To Recognize Your Spouse’s Manipulative Behavior

gaslighting

Does your ex ever make you feel like you’re crazy? Do you doubt your own judgment, but can’t figure out why? If so, you may be a victim of a form of psychological abuse known as gaslighting. The term was taken from the 1944 thriller Gaslight, in which a husband convinces his wife she’s going insane to distract her from his criminal shenanigans.

The first step in protecting yourself from the gaslighter’s abuse is to recognize the techniques they use to manipulate reality.

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Family Law Issues? Why Smart People Prep BEFORE the Holidays   

Making the decision to divorce is something that you don’t want to rush or decide in the heat of the moment. 

So this is why, if divorce or other related family law matter is on your radar for early 2020, we have an important piece of advice for you: start doing your homework now and learn all you can about your rights and options — no matter what you ultimately decide to do. Taking time to consult with a family law attorney over the next few weeks is a smart move for gaining the knowledge you need to make the best choices possible in the New Year.  Read more

I received part of my spouse’s pension in our divorce. How do I access it?

QDROsWhen dividing qualified retirement accounts in divorce, a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) can direct dispersement of the account. There may be a big gap between the time of the divorce and retirement, however, and this can cause confusion. What happens to a QDRO upon retirement? Here’s a look at this common question.   Read more

How can I prove parental alienation?

Parental Alienation

When one parent attempts to manipulate and disrupt their child’s relationship with their other parent, this is parental alienation. Parental alienation is serious and very real issue. But how do you prove parental alienation in court? Here’s our answer. 

Question:

My ex is pitting my daughter against me by telling her that I didn’t love her when she was a child and that I had wanted a boy. My ex has also instilled fear in her that my new partner and I plan to kidnap her and that it is not safe to be with me. I have evidence of this in some emails. My daughter is now shy around me and often cries at the beginning of our parenting time. Twice in the past month she has refused to get in my car.

Can I go to court to have my ex sanctioned in some way for these mind games she’s playing with our child? How do I prove that I am being alienated as a parent? Read more

Can you voluntarily terminate your parental rights?

voluntary termination of parental rights

Termination of parental rights: Can you informally agree to give up your rights and have this be legally binding? Here’s an answer to this commonly asked question.

Question: Two years ago I had a child with a former boyfriend. We no longer have any kind of relationship and he and I have come to an informal verbal understanding that I will not sue for child support and he will not seek custody. Is this kind of voluntary termination agreement legal? Read more

5 Things Worth Fighting For In Your Divorce

worth fighting for in divorce

How do you really figure out what’s worth fighting for in your divorce?

Most of us can see that entrenched fights over something low stakes — like who gets the microwave — is a waste of time and money. Getting the microwave in the divorce (or letting it go) is not going to change the course of your life. But what about bigger issues, including those related to child custody and finances? How do you hold your ground when negotiating true make-or-break items? Let’s take a look… Read more

Join Bari Weinberger at Socialize to Succeed!

Socialize to Succeed

Calling all single ladies! You won’t want to miss Socialize to Succeed, a fun and informative event presented by The Singles Social Network and led by relationship expert Beth Sonnenberg, LCSW.

Come meet other single women who are divorced, widowed or never married to make new girlfriends who are going through similar life experiences. Plus, get valuable advice and information from some of New Jersey’s top experts in dating, divorce, financial planning and more. Our own Bari Weinberger will be sharing her favorite tips for how women can safeguard their kids, their finances and their future!

Here are all the details…

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Having A Good Divorce: 6 Benefits Of A Low Conflict Divorce

benefits of low conflict divorceWhat’s the key to thriving after you split with your spouse? Having a low conflict divorce. You may feel angry and betrayed now — and legitimately so — but acting on those feelings by forcing a high conflict court battle won’t change the past, and certainly won’t help you move on with your life.

Need motivation to try a lower conflict approach to divorce? Here are six reasons why you should make your divorce as peaceful as possible. Read more

How To Recoup Monetary Damages When A Spouse Cheats

monetary damages cheating spouse

A divorce case in North Carolina made headlines recently when a judge ruled that an ex-husband was entitled to monetary restitution from his ex-wife’s paramour under the state’s “homewrecker” laws. Dating back to the 18th century, these laws allow a scorned spouse to sue their spouse’s lover for breaking up a happy home. 

Could a case like this ever happen in New Jersey? Read more

Marriage strained after a long summer? Here are 4 ways to fix it

fixing a strained marriageDid your marriage hit a rough patch this summer? You are not alone. According to new research from the University of Washington, divorce rates spike each year in August, with September filings not far behind.

What’s driving this end-of-summer divorce trend? Let’s take a look at relationship problems that tend to be unique to summer — along with tips you can use this fall to help mend your marriage and avoid divorce. Read more