Richardson & Richardson, LLC

12/02/2023

Harry is curious about how pets are treated in a divorce; this is a common question from clients!

While we love our pets as if they were children, the law treats them as property. So establishing a chain of ownership is key if there is a dispute over who keeps the dog(s). This means checking whose name is on the adoption paperwork, vet bills, town licensing records, etc.

Some people choose to share time with dogs (dogs tend to not be very location-specific, unlike cats, which are) or have the dog travel with the children. This arrangement can work well as long as the parties are civil with one another.

If you are contemplating divorce, we stand ready to answer your questions. Call our office at (732) 741-3432 to schedule a consultation.

11/26/2023

At R&R, we are often asked how much a divorce will cost. We always say: The answer lies with the clients.

A trained mediator like Coulter Richardson can help make the process far less costly and draining. Fighting about every little thing gets expensive quickly. Separating emotions from business decisions can make the process go much more smoothly, and be far less costly, allowing the client to keep more of their assets for their future.

Our goal is to help our clients move forward in as good financial and emotional shape as possible. Call our office (732-741-3432) for a consultation to learn more about our mediation services, as well as traditional representation.

There are ways to reduce the stress and expense of ending a marriage, but they require both parties to want to end the relationship civilly.

02/02/2022

Sometimes we mistake our feelings for facts. It feels like we are busier than ever and therefore we conclude that the divorce rate is high/higher/going up. Here in NJ, the divorce rate is 6.3 per 1000 people, which is among the states with the lowest divorce rates in the nation. *

The divorce rate for 2019? 6.3 per 1000 people.

*This source says it is for 2022, but I suspect it is working with 2021 data as the ultimate source material is the U.S. Census Bureau, which could not possibly have 2022 numbers that quickly.

https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/divorce-rate-by-state

https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/articles/states-with-the-highest-divorce-rates

The divorce rate has dropped in the last decade, but so has the marriage rate.

06/20/2021

Happy Father's Day!

If you are a father going through a divorce right now, play the long game. Be a source of quiet strength and calm for your kids.

In the end, they will come out the other side with fewer lasting scars and that is the victory.

05/14/2021

Happy mid-May. It is beautiful outside!
1) Get the kids off their devices;
2) Go for a walk.
3) Do not talk to fill the space. Listen.
4) Ask the kid(s) "What is the T today?" They will tease you for using that phrase, but then they will start talking.

That's it. They do not necessarily want you to solve their problems, just someone to listen.

03/05/2021

We are happy to announce that Coulter Richardson is now a Rule 1:40 Family Law Mediator!

Please think of us for your mediation needs for collaborative divorces, standard divorces, contentious divorces, post-judgment matters, child support calculations/re-calculations.

Presently all mediation is conducted via Zoom. When restrictions are lifted, our home office is a calm space to address stressful topics, and there is space enough to place the parties in separate rooms, if needed.