Finding Fault

In a 65-page decision from our Supreme Court with 3 different opinions, New Jersey divorce lawyers have finally been told how fault [such as adultery] plays a role in determining alimony. From now on, marital fault is supposed to be irrelevant to alimony, with two exceptions : when fault negatively affects the economic status of the parties and when fault so violates societal norms that continuing the economic bonds between the parties would confound notions of simple justice. Fault is also supposed to be irrelevant in a counsel fee award. Mani v. Mani, ___N.J.___ (2005); 2005 WL 767004; April 6, 2005