NJSBA Family Law Section

Hello,

Hopefully, some input can provide me some clarity on this obstacle in my divorce matter. Last March, my husband and I decided to divorce after 14 years of marriage.  We have one child and are very good friends.  I have been a paralegal in Pennsylvania for 15 years.  In spite of my experience, NJ law still baffles me.  To minimize costs, my husband and I are doing this without attorneys.  My husband filed, in Gloucester County,  as a self represented plaintiff on the Complaint.   Between the date of filing the complaint and yesterday, achieving our settlement agreement, about 6 months passed.  Much of the time, my husband and I spent meeting with a few professionals to come to the most beneficial agreement securing both of our futures.  We decided on an amount in child support, and I will be receiving minimal alimony until our property sells.  Today, I called Gloucester County, to schedule his Parenting Education Session and was told there is no availability in this month's class, and unfortunately, she doesn't know about October's class yet.  This prompted me to ask if this could hold up my final divorce until after the new year.  She was unable to reply with a straightforward, definitive answer.  

Does anyone know the average wait time to secure a date for this mandatory parenting education course?  Personally, I am outraged by this mandate, my husband and I are dignified parents, and carry ourselves with integrity, the evidence is in the emotional stability and academic success of our child.  We both feel this course is unnecessary, but to adhere to the requirement, he must attend, and we will oblige. (ironically, I do not have to attend - this course is not about the mutuality of goals, obviously).  Frankly, I never heard of such a thing, and sadly, I know if the court system was allotted more in the budget, I know they would hire more trained professionals to handle the divorce overload.  It is unfortunate that they are overwhelmed.

We are anxious to see this finalized.  Any suggestions or any input on your experience with waiting for an opening slot, for a party, to complete this mandatory course, is graciously welcomed! Also, does anyone know if I can call another county and schedule to attend the parents education course outside of the filing county?

I thank you, in advance, for sharing your experience.  

Sincerely,
M.J. DiPrimeo 


-------------------------------------------
Megan Diprimeo
Freelance Paralegal/Proprietor
Mantua NJ
(856)494-3371
-------------------------------------------

Megan -

There's plenty of things to be "outraged" about out there (and in our system), but this isn't one of them.  Attending the PEP program does not delay the divorce.  If all is done via consent / default, no one will even need to attend.

I understand wanting to save on legal fees, but there's times when it's "penny wise, pound foolish" to not have a professional go over your agreement with you and handle the procedural aspects of getting everything done.  ...and it can save some unnecessary outrage (like what you say you're feeling).  I'm a fan of doing it oneself when possible, but outside of a true "starter marriage" (short term, no kids, no joint property / debt, no support issues, etc), it's unwise to do so.  This is one of the times it'd be advisable to speak with a Family Law attorney.  A few hundred bucks now to do it right is worth it.

-------------------------------------------
David Perry Davis, Esq.
112 West Franklin Avenue
Pennington, NJ 08534
Voice: 609-737-2222
Fax: 609-737-3222
------------------------------------------- 


Original Message:
Sent: 09-09-2014 11:29
From: Megan Diprimeo
Subject: Parents' Education Program

Hello,

Hopefully, some input can provide me some clarity on this obstacle in my divorce matter. Last March, my husband and I decided to divorce after 14 years of marriage.  We have one child and are very good friends.  I have been a paralegal in Pennsylvania for 15 years.  In spite of my experience, NJ law still baffles me.  To minimize costs, my husband and I are doing this without attorneys.  My husband filed, in Gloucester County,  as a self represented plaintiff on the Complaint.   Between the date of filing the complaint and yesterday, achieving our settlement agreement, about 6 months passed.  Much of the time, my husband and I spent meeting with a few professionals to come to the most beneficial agreement securing both of our futures.  We decided on an amount in child support, and I will be receiving minimal alimony until our property sells.  Today, I called Gloucester County, to schedule his Parenting Education Session and was told there is no availability in this month's class, and unfortunately, she doesn't know about October's class yet.  This prompted me to ask if this could hold up my final divorce until after the new year.  She was unable to reply with a straightforward, definitive answer.  

Does anyone know the average wait time to secure a date for this mandatory parenting education course?  Personally, I am outraged by this mandate, my husband and I are dignified parents, and carry ourselves with integrity, the evidence is in the emotional stability and academic success of our child.  We both feel this course is unnecessary, but to adhere to the requirement, he must attend, and we will oblige. (ironically, I do not have to attend - this course is not about the mutuality of goals, obviously).  Frankly, I never heard of such a thing, and sadly, I know if the court system was allotted more in the budget, I know they would hire more trained professionals to handle the divorce overload.  It is unfortunate that they are overwhelmed.

We are anxious to see this finalized.  Any suggestions or any input on your experience with waiting for an opening slot, for a party, to complete this mandatory course, is graciously welcomed! Also, does anyone know if I can call another county and schedule to attend the parents education course outside of the filing county?

I thank you, in advance, for sharing your experience.  

Sincerely,
M.J. DiPrimeo 


-------------------------------------------
Megan Diprimeo
Freelance Paralegal/Proprietor
Mantua NJ
(856)494-3371
-------------------------------------------

I am with David on this.  You may be very intelligent and can understand what is written; however, it is my job to know what should be there that isn't.

-------------------------------------------
Ellen Bromsen Esq.
Englewood Cliffs NJ
(201)894-0844
-------------------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 09-09-2014 11:29
From: Megan Diprimeo
Subject: Parents' Education Program

Hello,

Hopefully, some input can provide me some clarity on this obstacle in my divorce matter. Last March, my husband and I decided to divorce after 14 years of marriage.  We have one child and are very good friends.  I have been a paralegal in Pennsylvania for 15 years.  In spite of my experience, NJ law still baffles me.  To minimize costs, my husband and I are doing this without attorneys.  My husband filed, in Gloucester County,  as a self represented plaintiff on the Complaint.   Between the date of filing the complaint and yesterday, achieving our settlement agreement, about 6 months passed.  Much of the time, my husband and I spent meeting with a few professionals to come to the most beneficial agreement securing both of our futures.  We decided on an amount in child support, and I will be receiving minimal alimony until our property sells.  Today, I called Gloucester County, to schedule his Parenting Education Session and was told there is no availability in this month's class, and unfortunately, she doesn't know about October's class yet.  This prompted me to ask if this could hold up my final divorce until after the new year.  She was unable to reply with a straightforward, definitive answer.  

Does anyone know the average wait time to secure a date for this mandatory parenting education course?  Personally, I am outraged by this mandate, my husband and I are dignified parents, and carry ourselves with integrity, the evidence is in the emotional stability and academic success of our child.  We both feel this course is unnecessary, but to adhere to the requirement, he must attend, and we will oblige. (ironically, I do not have to attend - this course is not about the mutuality of goals, obviously).  Frankly, I never heard of such a thing, and sadly, I know if the court system was allotted more in the budget, I know they would hire more trained professionals to handle the divorce overload.  It is unfortunate that they are overwhelmed.

We are anxious to see this finalized.  Any suggestions or any input on your experience with waiting for an opening slot, for a party, to complete this mandatory course, is graciously welcomed! Also, does anyone know if I can call another county and schedule to attend the parents education course outside of the filing county?

I thank you, in advance, for sharing your experience.  

Sincerely,
M.J. DiPrimeo 


-------------------------------------------
Megan Diprimeo
Freelance Paralegal/Proprietor
Mantua NJ
(856)494-3371
-------------------------------------------

Original Message------

Hello,

Hopefully, some input can provide me some clarity on this obstacle in my divorce matter. Last March, my husband and I decided to divorce after 14 years of marriage.  We have one child and are very good friends.  I have been a paralegal in Pennsylvania for 15 years.  In spite of my experience, NJ law still baffles me.  To minimize costs, my husband and I are doing this without attorneys.  My husband filed, in Gloucester County,  as a self represented plaintiff on the Complaint.   Between the date of filing the complaint and yesterday, achieving our settlement agreement, about 6 months passed.  Much of the time, my husband and I spent meeting with a few professionals to come to the most beneficial agreement securing both of our futures.  We decided on an amount in child support, and I will be receiving minimal alimony until our property sells.  Today, I called Gloucester County, to schedule his Parenting Education Session and was told there is no availability in this month's class, and unfortunately, she doesn't know about October's class yet.  This prompted me to ask if this could hold up my final divorce until after the new year.  She was unable to reply with a straightforward, definitive answer.  

Does anyone know the average wait time to secure a date for this mandatory parenting education course?  Personally, I am outraged by this mandate, my husband and I are dignified parents, and carry ourselves with integrity, the evidence is in the emotional stability and academic success of our child.  We both feel this course is unnecessary, but to adhere to the requirement, he must attend, and we will oblige. (ironically, I do not have to attend - this course is not about the mutuality of goals, obviously).  Frankly, I never heard of such a thing, and sadly, I know if the court system was allotted more in the budget, I know they would hire more trained professionals to handle the divorce overload.  It is unfortunate that they are overwhelmed.

We are anxious to see this finalized.  Any suggestions or any input on your experience with waiting for an opening slot, for a party, to complete this mandatory course, is graciously welcomed! Also, does anyone know if I can call another county and schedule to attend the parents education course outside of the filing county?

I thank you, in advance, for sharing your experience.  

Sincerely,
M.J. DiPrimeo 


-------------------------------------------
Megan Diprimeo
Freelance Paralegal/Proprietor
Mantua NJ
(856)494-3371
-------------------------------------------

I'm somewhat baffled why non-attorneys are on this listserv.  

-------------------------------------------
Rachel Cotrino Esq.
Jackson NJ
(732)987-9966
-------------------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 09-09-2014 11:29
From: Megan Diprimeo
Subject: Parents' Education Program

Hello,

Hopefully, some input can provide me some clarity on this obstacle in my divorce matter. Last March, my husband and I decided to divorce after 14 years of marriage.  We have one child and are very good friends.  I have been a paralegal in Pennsylvania for 15 years.  In spite of my experience, NJ law still baffles me.  To minimize costs, my husband and I are doing this without attorneys.  My husband filed, in Gloucester County,  as a self represented plaintiff on the Complaint.   Between the date of filing the complaint and yesterday, achieving our settlement agreement, about 6 months passed.  Much of the time, my husband and I spent meeting with a few professionals to come to the most beneficial agreement securing both of our futures.  We decided on an amount in child support, and I will be receiving minimal alimony until our property sells.  Today, I called Gloucester County, to schedule his Parenting Education Session and was told there is no availability in this month's class, and unfortunately, she doesn't know about October's class yet.  This prompted me to ask if this could hold up my final divorce until after the new year.  She was unable to reply with a straightforward, definitive answer.  

Does anyone know the average wait time to secure a date for this mandatory parenting education course?  Personally, I am outraged by this mandate, my husband and I are dignified parents, and carry ourselves with integrity, the evidence is in the emotional stability and academic success of our child.  We both feel this course is unnecessary, but to adhere to the requirement, he must attend, and we will oblige. (ironically, I do not have to attend - this course is not about the mutuality of goals, obviously).  Frankly, I never heard of such a thing, and sadly, I know if the court system was allotted more in the budget, I know they would hire more trained professionals to handle the divorce overload.  It is unfortunate that they are overwhelmed.

We are anxious to see this finalized.  Any suggestions or any input on your experience with waiting for an opening slot, for a party, to complete this mandatory course, is graciously welcomed! Also, does anyone know if I can call another county and schedule to attend the parents education course outside of the filing county?

I thank you, in advance, for sharing your experience.  

Sincerely,
M.J. DiPrimeo 


-------------------------------------------
Megan Diprimeo
Freelance Paralegal/Proprietor
Mantua NJ
(856)494-3371
-------------------------------------------

Original Message------

I'm somewhat baffled why non-attorneys are on this listserv.  

-------------------------------------------
Rachel Cotrino Esq.
Jackson NJ
(732)987-9966
-------------------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 09-09-2014 11:29
From: Megan Diprimeo
Subject: Parents' Education Program

Hello,

Hopefully, some input can provide me some clarity on this obstacle in my divorce matter. Last March, my husband and I decided to divorce after 14 years of marriage.  We have one child and are very good friends.  I have been a paralegal in Pennsylvania for 15 years.  In spite of my experience, NJ law still baffles me.  To minimize costs, my husband and I are doing this without attorneys.  My husband filed, in Gloucester County,  as a self represented plaintiff on the Complaint.   Between the date of filing the complaint and yesterday, achieving our settlement agreement, about 6 months passed.  Much of the time, my husband and I spent meeting with a few professionals to come to the most beneficial agreement securing both of our futures.  We decided on an amount in child support, and I will be receiving minimal alimony until our property sells.  Today, I called Gloucester County, to schedule his Parenting Education Session and was told there is no availability in this month's class, and unfortunately, she doesn't know about October's class yet.  This prompted me to ask if this could hold up my final divorce until after the new year.  She was unable to reply with a straightforward, definitive answer.  

Does anyone know the average wait time to secure a date for this mandatory parenting education course?  Personally, I am outraged by this mandate, my husband and I are dignified parents, and carry ourselves with integrity, the evidence is in the emotional stability and academic success of our child.  We both feel this course is unnecessary, but to adhere to the requirement, he must attend, and we will oblige. (ironically, I do not have to attend - this course is not about the mutuality of goals, obviously).  Frankly, I never heard of such a thing, and sadly, I know if the court system was allotted more in the budget, I know they would hire more trained professionals to handle the divorce overload.  It is unfortunate that they are overwhelmed.

We are anxious to see this finalized.  Any suggestions or any input on your experience with waiting for an opening slot, for a party, to complete this mandatory course, is graciously welcomed! Also, does anyone know if I can call another county and schedule to attend the parents education course outside of the filing county?

I thank you, in advance, for sharing your experience.  

Sincerely,
M.J. DiPrimeo 


-------------------------------------------
Megan Diprimeo
Freelance Paralegal/Proprietor
Mantua NJ
(856)494-3371
-------------------------------------------

Original Message------

Agree.

Samuel B. Young, Esq.-MSW

Sent from my iPhone 

I believe there are associate members of the State Bar Association and it appears that they receive some of the privileges that regular attorney members do.

-------------------------------------------
Robert Goldstein Esq.
Manalapan NJ
(732)972-1600
-------------------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 09-10-2014 15:13
From: Rachel Cotrino
Subject: Parents' Education Program

I'm somewhat baffled why non-attorneys are on this listserv.  

-------------------------------------------
Rachel Cotrino Esq.
Jackson NJ
(732)987-9966
-------------------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 09-09-2014 11:29
From: Megan Diprimeo
Subject: Parents' Education Program

Hello,

Hopefully, some input can provide me some clarity on this obstacle in my divorce matter. Last March, my husband and I decided to divorce after 14 years of marriage.  We have one child and are very good friends.  I have been a paralegal in Pennsylvania for 15 years.  In spite of my experience, NJ law still baffles me.  To minimize costs, my husband and I are doing this without attorneys.  My husband filed, in Gloucester County,  as a self represented plaintiff on the Complaint.   Between the date of filing the complaint and yesterday, achieving our settlement agreement, about 6 months passed.  Much of the time, my husband and I spent meeting with a few professionals to come to the most beneficial agreement securing both of our futures.  We decided on an amount in child support, and I will be receiving minimal alimony until our property sells.  Today, I called Gloucester County, to schedule his Parenting Education Session and was told there is no availability in this month's class, and unfortunately, she doesn't know about October's class yet.  This prompted me to ask if this could hold up my final divorce until after the new year.  She was unable to reply with a straightforward, definitive answer.  

Does anyone know the average wait time to secure a date for this mandatory parenting education course?  Personally, I am outraged by this mandate, my husband and I are dignified parents, and carry ourselves with integrity, the evidence is in the emotional stability and academic success of our child.  We both feel this course is unnecessary, but to adhere to the requirement, he must attend, and we will oblige. (ironically, I do not have to attend - this course is not about the mutuality of goals, obviously).  Frankly, I never heard of such a thing, and sadly, I know if the court system was allotted more in the budget, I know they would hire more trained professionals to handle the divorce overload.  It is unfortunate that they are overwhelmed.

We are anxious to see this finalized.  Any suggestions or any input on your experience with waiting for an opening slot, for a party, to complete this mandatory course, is graciously welcomed! Also, does anyone know if I can call another county and schedule to attend the parents education course outside of the filing county?

I thank you, in advance, for sharing your experience.  

Sincerely,
M.J. DiPrimeo 


-------------------------------------------
Megan Diprimeo
Freelance Paralegal/Proprietor
Mantua NJ
(856)494-3371
-------------------------------------------