New Jersey Family Law

HUDSON COUNTY DIVORCE ATTORNEY

On an application under the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act [N.J.S.A. 46:38A-33]  and the Uniform Gifts to Minors Act [N.J.S.A. 46:38-27(b)] to compel an unwilling custodian to spend custodial funds for the minor’s benefit, the custodian’s decision deserved the same respect that is generally granted to a trustee’s decision, and it should be disturbed only on a showing of abuse of discretion, dishonesty, improper motive, or abdication of judgment.      Roberts v. Roberts, New Jersey Ch. Div., October 6, 2006

NEW JERSEY DIVORCE : ESTATE PLANNING

With an oil fortune on the line, former stripper Anna Nicole Smith encountered a sympathetic audience at the Supreme Court. Several justices said they were concerned that the one-time Playboy Playmate was kept from pursuing a piece of her late husband's fortune. Smith married oil tycoon J. Howard Marshall II in 1994 when he was 89 and she was a 26-year-old topless dancer in Texas. Marshall died the following year. His fortune has been estimated at as much as $1.6 billion. One of his two sons claims he is the only heir. Smith's claim is simple, said Justice David Souter, "Just give me the money I would have had."   Marshall v. Marshall, # 04-1544, Unites States Supreme Court, March 2, 2006