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Tale of New Jersey Governors and Rock Stars: Reasons Why New Jersey Should Be a "No Fault" Divorce State

For more than two decades New Jersey legal scholars, Courts and Legislature have tried valiantly to make a NJ a "no fault" divorce state. Why? To protect litigants from the unnecessary humiliation of disclosing highly personal information, and to recognize that there are at least two sides to every story and/or very often underlying reasons for a person's conduct.

For over a half century New Jersey has abandoned its former "Heart Balm" statutes which allowed a "wronged" litigant to sue the third party for "alienation of spousal affections". Why? Such claims simply had no relevancy in modern society. But, despite the best efforts of many, some of our citizens seem to have a inexplicable need to be certain that not only the "fault" of their spouse is glaringly exposed, but that the rest of us are inundated with all of the prurient details.

First, our former First Family, the McGreevy's "entertained" us with daily allegations and cross allegations regarding homosexual behavior, multiple sexual partners and group sex. Who, I ask are interested and, if so, why?

Now we are bombarded with allegations concerning the sexual exploits of the "Boss". Is there a person out there who cares, and, if so, why?

Experienced New Jersey divorce attorneys strive to keep cases under control, eliminate unnecessary allegations of "fault" and to refrain from allegations which can only inflame the matter, embarrass the parties, severely damage the children and cause irreparable harm to all concerned. Unfortunately, our task is made much more difficult when political media hounds, show business publicity seekers and attorneys who, apparently feel that such publicity, will benefit their personal careers allow the divorce process to regress into media messes.
 

Why? Certainly for no legally viable reason. Most likely for some distorted emotional reaction, some publicity seeking litigant or attorney or some other distorted reasoning. None of which benefits the system. All of which further, and unnecessarily, burdens an already overworked system. All of which prevents the Court form directing its attention to those litigants who do "play by the rules".

Note to the famous NJ residents --- enough already --- handle your problems like the rest of us, in private and civilly.

Full post as published by New Jersey Law Blog on April 15, 2009 (boomark / email).