Faith A. Ullmann & Assoc. LLC Faith A. Ullmann & Assoc. LLC 2026-07-22T12:45:10Z https://www.faudivorcelaw.com/feed/atom/ WordPress /wp-content/uploads/sites/1503892/2022/07/cropped-Site-icon-UM-Law-32x32.png On Behalf of Faith A. Ullmann & Assoc. LLC <![CDATA[How are art collections valued and divided in divorce?]]> https://www.faudivorcelaw.com/?p=48197 2026-07-22T12:45:10Z 2026-07-22T12:45:10Z How should you value an art collection? Once you identify which pieces may be subject to division, you need a reliable value for each one. A qualified appraiser reviews the artist, condition and ownership history, then compares recent sales of similar works. The appraisal method may depend on the type of item. Auction records might guide the value of a modern painting, while an antique could require an appraiser who knows its maker and period. Authentication also affects the final estimate. A doubtful signature or missing record might reduce buyer interest. Receipts, gallery files and prior reports may help establish provenance, which traces a work’s ownership history.

What options could help you divide the collection?

You could sell the collection and divide the net proceeds. An auction may reach more buyers, but fees and market conditions might lower the return. A private sale could offer more control, though it often takes longer. You might instead divide works of similar value or let one spouse keep certain pieces in exchange for other property. A temporary co-ownership agreement may suit some cases. Its terms should address possession, insurance, upkeep and any future sale.

Preparing for a fair division

Understanding how courts classify and value art gives you a clearer view of what may affect the division. Careful preparation, including complete records and reliable appraisals, could help protect the collection’s value and reduce disputes. That knowledge and preparation may help you reach a fairer outcome.]]> On Behalf of Faith A. Ullmann & Assoc. LLC <![CDATA[Building a custody plan around a demanding career]]> https://www.faudivorcelaw.com/?p=48196 2026-07-06T09:56:29Z 2026-07-06T09:56:29Z A long commute, unpredictable shifts or a job that pulls you in at a moment's notice does not make you any less of a parent. If you live in Newton, Hackettstown or the surrounding communities of northwestern New Jersey, you can build a custody plan that honors both your career and your relationship with your children. The key is thoughtful planning, not fear of the outcome.

What New Jersey courts actually weigh

New Jersey courts decide custody based on the best interests of the child. Work responsibilities are considered, but they do not automatically make someone unfit. Judges look at the quality of your relationship with your children, the stability you provide and your willingness to cooperate with the other parent. A busy schedule is simply a logistics question to solve, not a mark against your fitness as a parent.

Legal and physical custody are different

Legal custody covers major decisions about health, education and religion. Physical custody covers where the children live day to day. A parent with limited weekday availability may still share legal custody and remain fully involved in major decisions. This distinction matters for executives, physicians, business owners and other professionals with demanding calendars. You do not need a perfect 9-to-5 schedule to show steady parenting. You need a plan that reflects the way your family actually works.

Build a schedule the court can understand

Start with your real calendar, not the schedule you wish you had. A useful proposal may include:
  • Peak work seasons, travel blocks and on-call weeks
  • Extended weekends, school breaks or summer time
  • Reliable backup care for late meetings or emergencies
  • A shared app for calendars, expenses and messages
  • Fair make-up time when either parent needs flexibility
These details organize logistics and show that you have thought about transportation, homework, childcare and the routines your children need.

When conflict becomes litigation

Most custody matters in Sussex and Warren Counties still resolve through negotiation or mediation rather than a contested trial. If your case does reach a courtroom, remember that a demanding career and devoted parenting coexist every day. Judges see it constantly. Coming prepared with a detailed, child-centered plan often does more good than any argument about the other side.

Bring in support to keep the plan running

Even a solid plan meets friction when two busy households coordinate. Rather than run to court over every clash, many high-earning parents lean on a parenting coordinator, an appointed professional who can help adjust the parenting plan when conflicts flare. In tougher disputes, a custody expert can recommend an arrangement that protects the children.

Test the plan before you rely on it

Before you present a custody schedule, walk through one hard month on paper. Mark the late meetings, travel days, school events, doctor visits and handoffs that are most likely to strain the arrangement. Then decide where the plan needs a backup driver, make-up time, a decision deadline or a communication rule. A custody plan should not ask the court, or your co-parent, to trust that you will figure things out later. It should show how your children’s routines will keep working when your job gets demanding. That kind of planning gives you a stronger starting point and gives your children a steadier path into the next chapter.]]> On Behalf of Faith A. Ullmann & Assoc. LLC <![CDATA[Can your ex get part of your year-end bonus?]]> https://www.faudivorcelaw.com/?p=48187 2026-06-08T08:44:33Z 2026-06-08T08:44:33Z Your year-end bonus finally lands in your account, but your divorce is already underway. Now the question feels uncomfortable: does that money belong to you, or can your spouse claim part of it? In New Jersey, the answer often depends on what the bonus rewarded, when someone earned it and how it fits into the larger financial picture.

Look at what the bonus rewards

A bonus earned during the marriage may become part of the marital estate. If it rewards work performed before someone filed the divorce complaint, your spouse may argue that at least part of it belongs in the divorce. That argument can become more complicated when the company pays the bonus later. A January deposit may still reflect work completed during the prior year.

Check whether the bonus follows a pattern

A truly unexpected bonus may be easier to discuss as a one-time payment. A regular annual bonus is different. If your employer has paid similar bonuses for years, the other spouse may argue that the money is part of your normal compensation. That can matter for both property division and support, especially when bonuses make up a large share of total income.

Separate property from support

A bonus can raise two different issues. One issue is whether the bonus counts as property for equitable distribution. The other is whether it counts as income for alimony or child support. Those questions do not always have the same answer. In New Jersey, equitable distribution looks for a fair division of property, money and debt, not always a perfectly equal split. Support calculations may also look at income patterns, especially in high-income households.

Review the full compensation package

Year-end bonuses are often only one part of executive pay. Stock options, restricted stock units, deferred compensation, commissions and performance incentives may also need review. This is where high-asset divorce can become more technical. Employment agreements, tax records, pay statements and award letters can help show what the compensation was for and when someone earned it.

Consider whether mediation can narrow the dispute

A bonus dispute does not always need to become a long courtroom fight. New Jersey law gives courts several factors to consider when dividing property, including income, tax consequences, the length of the marriage and each spouse’s contribution to the other’s earning power. For many high-income couples, mediation works best when both sides have complete financial information. With the right structure, mediation can address high-value property division while keeping the conversation focused and practical.

Do not rely on the deposit date alone

The date the money hits your account matters, but it rarely settles the issue by itself. A fair discussion usually looks at the bonus plan, the work period, the payment history and the couple’s broader finances. A year-end bonus can become part of divorce negotiations. Clear records can make it easier to decide whether the bonus should be divided, counted as income or treated another way.]]> On Behalf of Faith A. Ullmann & Assoc. LLC <![CDATA[Can my spouse claim a share of my private practice in New Jersey?]]> https://www.faudivorcelaw.com/?p=48185 2026-05-11T09:08:20Z 2026-05-11T09:08:20Z You have spent years building your private practice. Long hours, personal sacrifices and unwavering dedication made it what it is today. However, facing a divorce can feel overwhelming, especially when you worry about what happens to your business. Fortunately, New Jersey law offers a clear framework and understanding it puts you in a stronger position to protect what you built.

When does your practice become marital property?

Not every part of your practice automatically becomes subject to division. In fact, several key factors determine how a court classifies your business during a divorce. Here are the main ways your practice can take on marital property status:
  • Timing of acquisition: If you started your practice before marriage, it is generally separate property, but a court may still divide any growth it gained during the marriage.
  • Active efforts and contributions: If your spouse helped manage books, handled administrative work or provided support that allowed you to focus on your practice, their claim to a share becomes stronger.
  • Commingling of assets: If you used marital funds to finance the practice or deposited business income into a joint account, the court may reclassify separate property as marital property.
  • Appreciation in value: Even if your practice remains separate property, a court can likely divide any increase in its value during the marriage.
Thus, knowing which of these factors apply to your situation is the first step toward understanding your options. From here, it helps to know what your spouse may actually receive.

What your spouse can receive

Those factors above directly shape how much of your practice becomes part of the marital estate. Additionally, New Jersey follows equitable distribution principles. This means the court divides marital property fairly, but not necessarily in equal halves. This is why a judge considers the length of the marriage, each spouse's financial contributions and future earning potential before reaching a decision. 

Your private practice has a path forward

Divorce is rarely simple, but it does not have to mean losing everything you worked hard to build. New Jersey law gives you room to explore your options, whether that means negotiating a buyout, revisiting existing agreements or simply gaining a clearer picture of what the court can and cannot divide. Therefore, the more you understand about how courts value private practices, the better you can make decisions that protect your financial stability and keep your professional future intact.]]> On Behalf of Faith A. Ullmann & Assoc. LLC <![CDATA[Could mediation be better for your children than a custody battle?]]> https://www.faudivorcelaw.com/?p=48184 2026-04-14T10:08:00Z 2026-04-14T10:08:00Z Why does the approach matter? Traditional custody court cases put you and your co-parent on opposite sides of a courtroom. Lawyers argue. Judges decide. Your children may feel caught in the middle of a fight between the two people they love most. Mediation takes a different approach. You and your co-parent work together with a neutral mediator to create solutions that work for your family. This team atmosphere can build a better co-parenting relationship that lasts long after your divorce is final. Children do better when they see their parents talking respectfully and working together. Research shows that kids adjust better to divorce when their parents get along. Mediation encourages this from the start, while courtroom battles often create lasting anger and resentment.

What makes mediation more child-focused?

In litigation, attorneys focus on winning legal arguments and protecting their clients' rights. That is important, but it does not always align with what is best for your children's emotional well-being. Mediation allows you to design custody arrangements around your children's actual needs and schedules. You can build these details into your agreement. Courts typically do not have time for this level of customization. You also control the timeline. Custody litigation can drag on for months or even years, creating ongoing stress and uncertainty for your children. Mediation typically resolves issues in weeks, allowing your family to move forward and establish new routines more quickly. The privacy of mediation also protects your children. Court proceedings become public record, but mediation discussions remain confidential. Your family's private matters stay private.

Is mediation right for your situation?

Mediation works well when both parents can communicate civilly and want to prioritize their children's well-being. It may not suit every situation, particularly cases involving domestic violence or severe power imbalances. If you are a high-income earner concerned about litigation costs, mediation offers significant savings while potentially delivering better outcomes for your children. Consider whether this collaborative approach might serve your family better than a courtroom battle.  ]]> On Behalf of Faith A. Ullmann & Assoc. LLC <![CDATA[How to avoid a public fallout in your NJ divorce]]> https://www.faudivorcelaw.com/?p=48183 2026-03-03T01:27:50Z 2026-03-03T01:27:50Z The risks of a public courthouse trial If you take a divorce case to trial, the public can generally attend the hearings. This means anyone can sit in the room and listen to the details of your life. Furthermore, documents you file in court typically become part of a permanent public record. Because of this, competitors or curious neighbors could potentially view business valuations or debt obligations if you do not specifically hide them. Standard trials also require a judge to make final rulings based on the evidence. Most importantly, a court reporter records your contested financial history because the court must document these decisions. Many high-income individuals find this level of exposure unacceptable.

Why mediation secures your financial data

Mediation functions as a private contract between you and your spouse. Unlike a trial, discussions in a mediation room generally remain confidential. Therefore, your talks remain excluded from appearing in court. However, specific legal exceptions exist to protect children or prevent criminal acts. There are several key privacy benefits to this approach:
  • Only you, your spouse, the attorneys and the mediator remain in the room.
  • Financial experts can review your stock units and tax returns privately to reach an agreement.
  • You can resolve complex property division issues without a public list of your marital assets.
By choosing this path, you maintain significantly more control over who sees your financial portfolio.

A dignified path for local professionals

Maintaining privacy does not require a trip to a distant city. You can find the necessary discretion and high-level expertise through certified matrimonial law attorneys located in Sussex and Warren counties. Because mediation offers a dignified, local environment, you can resolve your matter efficiently while keeping your professional transition private. Choosing a private resolution allows you to move into your next chapter with your reputation and your business partnerships intact. Finally, a local attorney can help you determine if your financial situation is a good fit for this confidential process.]]> On Behalf of Faith A. Ullmann & Assoc. LLC <![CDATA[How high income impacts alimony calculations in New Jersey]]> https://www.faudivorcelaw.com/?p=48182 2026-01-30T09:53:48Z 2026-01-30T14:00:34Z alimony. Instead, they focus on fairness and the facts of each marriage. When income rises above typical levels, courts look more closely at how that income is earned and how steady it is. Judges also consider how the income supported the household during the marriage. Understanding these issues early helps high earners plan with greater certainty.

What courts consider in high-income alimony cases

Judges rely on statutory factors rather than a set calculation. In higher-income cases, several factors tend to matter more:
  • The marital standard of living: Courts review how the couple lived during the marriage and whether both spouses can maintain a similar lifestyle after divorce.
  • The source and structure of income: Salary, bonuses and deferred compensation may receive different treatment. Courts examine whether income stays consistent or changes year to year.
  • Duration of the marriage: Longer marriages may support longer or higher alimony awards, especially when one spouse depended on the other’s income.
  • Earning capacity of each spouse: Courts look beyond current pay. Education, skills and future earning potential also play a role.
  • Tax consequences and financial obligations: Judges consider how support affects both parties after taxes and regular expenses.
These factors work together. No single issue decides the outcome. Even with a higher income, the court reviews the full financial picture.

Variable income requires planning

Many high earners receive income that changes from year to year. Bonuses, equity compensation and business profits may rise or fall. Courts may average income over several years or separate guaranteed pay from discretionary compensation. Judges have broad discretion in these cases. That makes early planning important. Clear records and realistic expectations help limit disputes and control costs. Some high-income individuals also choose mediation to protect privacy and retain control. Mediation allows spouses to shape support arrangements that reflect real cash flow while supporting long-term financial stability.

Protecting long-term financial stability after divorce

Alimony in high-income New Jersey divorces depends on careful review, not assumptions. Courts aim for fair outcomes based on the full financial record, not a single paycheck. A clear legal strategy and accurate financial information allow high earners to address alimony while protecting long-term financial goals.]]> On Behalf of Faith A. Ullmann & Assoc. LLC <![CDATA[Understanding “double dipping” in high-asset New Jersey divorces]]> https://www.faudivorcelaw.com/?p=48179 2026-01-09T21:22:57Z 2026-01-09T21:22:57Z The legal precedent: Steneken v. Steneken It is a common misconception that "double dipping" is prohibited. In the landmark case Steneken v. Steneken, the New Jersey Supreme Court clarified that courts may count the same income for both business valuation and alimony. The court’s priority is to ensure the supported spouse receives alimony based on "actual" income, even if that income is also used to set the company's value. While this may seem unfair to a business owner, the law treats asset division and spousal support as separate matters. However, applying this rule is rarely straightforward, and your company's specific financial facts will dictate how a judge balances these two areas.

Valuation challenges and reasonable compensation

To ensure the final numbers are as fair as possible, your attorney must dive deep into "reasonable compensation." If a valuation "normalizes" your salary to a lower market rate to increase the company’s value, you must address any gap that results during support negotiations. To manage these calculations, financial professionals typically analyze:
  • The difference between your actual take-home pay and a standard market-rate salary.
  • The distinction between actual business profits and your personal earnings.
  • How future earning capacity affects the enterprise's current value.
Forensic accounting helps clarify exactly which dollars are generated by the business entity versus your personal efforts. Understanding these distinctions is the first step in building a strategy that protects your company’s health while meeting your legal obligations.

Protect your financial integrity

The intersection of matrimonial law and business valuation requires sophisticated legal guidance during a divorce. Because New Jersey case law is technical, you need a skilled lawyer who understands how to present your financial data in the most favorable light. Securing your financial legacy depends on precise calculations and a clear legal strategy to assess your obligations accurately without compromising your business.]]> On Behalf of Faith A. Ullmann & Assoc. LLC <![CDATA[How do New Jersey courts divide high-value property in divorce?]]> https://www.faudivorcelaw.com/?p=48176 2025-12-09T09:54:32Z 2025-12-09T09:43:14Z Dividing property in a divorce can feel complicated, especially when you have multiple high-value assets. Learning how courts typically approach property division can help you see how different types of assets may be treated in your case.

What counts as high-value property?

High-value property includes more than your family home. It could also include vacation homes, investment accounts, retirement savings, business interests or valuable collectibles. Courts usually treat assets you and your spouse acquire during the marriage as marital property and may divide them between both of you. At the same time, courts often treat property you owned before the marriage differently. Gifts or inheritances from family members other than your spouse may also receive special consideration and might not become part of what the court divides. 

What factors do courts consider in property division?

New Jersey courts follow the principle of equitable distribution, which focuses on fairness rather than an exact 50/50 split. Courts look at several factors to determine what seems fair for each spouse. They may consider the length of your marriage, your age and health, your income, earning capacity and overall financial situation. They also consider contributions you and your spouse made to the marriage, including financial support and non-monetary efforts such as raising children or maintaining the household. Because courts aim for fairness, you may receive a larger portion of certain assets while your spouse receives compensation through other means. Thinking about these factors can give you perspective on how the court might evaluate your situation.

How are high-value assets usually divided?

Courts often combine approaches to reach a fair outcome. They generally prefer a “clean break” to reduce ongoing financial entanglements. Some methods you might see include:
  • Asset swapping: You could keep certain high-value properties, such as a business, while your spouse receives assets of comparable value, like the family home and retirement accounts.
  • Immediate buyout: You could keep an asset but compensate your spouse immediately, often through refinancing, cash reserves or other arrangements.
  • Selling and splitting: You and your spouse might sell shared assets, like vacation homes or investment properties and divide the proceeds.
Although courts rarely require gradual repayments over time, you can sometimes negotiate structured payment arrangements in a settlement agreement. 

Finding balance in complex cases

High-value divorces rarely produce simple solutions. Even with clear guidelines, outcomes can vary considerably. While no one can guarantee a specific result, understanding how courts handle high-asset divorces can help you feel more prepared and make the process easier to navigate.]]> On Behalf of Faith A. Ullmann & Assoc. LLC <![CDATA[3 myths about high-asset divorce mediation]]> https://www.faudivorcelaw.com/?p=48175 2025-11-11T15:09:21Z 2025-11-11T15:09:21Z Myth 1: Mediation is too simple for my complex assets This is a damaging myth. Many believe that a judge must resolve issues involving business valuations, deferred compensation or multiple properties. In reality, mediation is often ideal for complex finances.
  • Creative solutions: A court is limited by legal remedies. In mediation, you and your spouse can craft custom agreements for business succession, property buyouts or the division of vesting stock options.
  • Neutral experts: Instead of hiring two opposing experts for a court battle, you can agree to use one neutral expert. This saves significant time and money.
  • Greater efficiency: Negotiating complex issues directly is far more efficient than presenting them through formal, lengthy court procedures.
These benefits often make mediation a practical choice for complex cases.

Myth 2: Mediation means I will have to "give in"

Some people fear mediation is a "soft" approach that forces compromise. This is incorrect. Mediation is not about surrendering. It is about negotiating from a position of knowledge. A mediator is a neutral third party who facilitates conversation. They do not make decisions for you. While mediators cannot give legal advice, a mediator with a strong background in New Jersey law can help guide the process. You can, and should, have your own consulting attorney review any agreement before you sign it. You always control the final outcome.

Myth 3: A courtroom battle is the only way to protect my privacy

Many high-income professionals worry about privacy. They may believe litigation offers more protection, but the opposite is true. Court filings and trial proceedings are often part of the public record.   Mediation, by contrast, is completely confidential. What you say in mediation cannot be used in court. The New Jersey Judiciary confirms that strict confidentiality rules govern the mediation process, allowing you to resolve sensitive financial matters privately.

Making an informed decision

These are just three of the myths that stop people from exploring their options. Remember that litigation is not your only choice, even in a complex divorce. Understanding the truth about mediation allows you to make a fully informed decision about the best path forward for your financial future.  ]]>