The Mediation Process in New Jersey
September 26, 2007
The 'Uniform Mediation Act' ('UMA') was adopted by New Jersey on Nov. 22, 2004. The Act establishes uniform standards and procedures for mediation and guidelines for the mediators; it was codified in N.J.S.A. 2A:23C-1 <i>et seq.</i> The UMA has generally retained the same structure in most states that have adopted it, although many of them have made slight modifications. This article explains.
Collaborative Practice
September 26, 2007
Is collaborative practice for you? The author feels that, with this relatively new concept, a family law practitioner who has not tried this method may still have a few questions. Here are the 10 most frequently asked questions ' and some answers.
Statute of Limitations for Pre-, Postnuptial Agreements
September 26, 2007
Effective July 3, 2007, a new ' 250 was added to the Domestic Relations Law. Any confusion has now been cleared up by its passage. Except for the inexplicable shortening of the underlying statute of limitations from six years to three, the uncertainty concerning the maintaining of a separate plenary action has now been resolved. A challenge can be brought at any time up to the commencement of a matrimonial action or proceeding or, if none is brought, then the death of one of the parties.
Governor Takes Action on Child and Family Legislation
September 26, 2007
Governor Elliot Spitzer took action this past month on some legislatively approved bills dealing with family and children's interests. Some of these were signed into law, but one was not. This article offers some of the highlights.
Jurisdiction over Non-Resident Spouses
September 26, 2007
Residency or domicile? What is the legal difference? The interaction between the CPLR, the DRL and traditional notions of due process warrant a closer look when addressing the issues surrounding non-residents. Bearing in mind that motions to dismiss on jurisdictional grounds must be made immediately under CPLR ' 3211, the matrimonial attorney should understand the interplay and be prepared to act swiftly.
Overcoming the Barriers to Organizational Change
September 26, 2007
Last month, we explained that in order to stay ahead of the competition in today's economic environment, a law firm needs to be flexible and agile in adapting to change, whether through a corporate restructuring, adopting new technologies or processes, or introducing new products or services. We discussed a number of important ways of doing so, and we conclude this month with a final major area: IT.
Orientation Revisited and Reinvented
September 26, 2007
Many firms have instituted elaborate machinery for their recruiting (entry-level and lateral) and orientation, but there is a long way to go toward stellar results regarding orienting, integrating, and retaining those hard-won recruits. Some of the difficulties are generational; others can be traced to the traditions of partnership culture, which often lacks openness about management and how the firm handles the business of law. This article focuses on pumping up orientation programs.
Professional Development: Being Civilized in a High-Tech World
September 26, 2007
Being civilized means living, learning and working with others in an environment which is conducive to interaction and camaraderie. Proper etiquette means using all the high-tech tools we now possess in a manner in which we can build relationships and show others we are available and open to them. Technology should make our lives easier not more complex, so think before you turn on your Ipod next to that stranger on the plane.
