Medical malpractice is a leading cause of wrongful death cases. Unfortunately, while we typically expect hospitals and doctors to treat us with optimal care, this is not always the case. There are a plethora of errors that medical professionals and institutions make regularly, including issues with surgical techniques, anesthesia, birth injuries, and bedsores. In fact, it is estimated that there have been over 300,000 premature deaths attributed to medical malpractice in the United States each year. According to the New Jersey Wrongful Death Act, only pecuniary (financial) damages may be recovered in the event of a wrongful death claim. These damages may include loss of income, loss of services, and reasonable funeral and medical expenses. According to the New Jersey Wrongful Death Act, the “purpose of the award is the replacement of services that the decedent would have rendered and nothing more”. Emotional losses are only considered in the event that somebody witnessed the negligent death occur.

Notably, this claim would have to be filed as a separate lawsuit. The final element of a negligence case if damages. According to the New Jersey Wrongful Death Act, only pecuniary (financial) damages may be recovered in the event of a wrongful death claim. These damages may include loss of income, loss of services, and reasonable funeral and medical expenses. According to the New Jersey Wrongful Death Act, the “purpose of the award is the replacement of services that the decedent would have rendered and nothing more”. Emotional losses are only considered in the event that somebody witnessed the negligent death occur. Notably, this claim would have to be filed as a separate lawsuit.

1. In order to calculate loss of income a court-appointed economist will deduce the potential income that the decedent could have generated over the remainder of the lifetime, and will subtract variables such as income taxes and personal maintenance expenses. The resulting figure will be an estimate of the amount of money that the decedent could have reasonably contributed to their survivors.
2. Next, loss of services is calculated by estimating the monetary value of services that they decedent could have provided had they not died. These services may include those that directly benefit the decedent’s survivors, such as child-rearing, care-taking, business advisory, etc.
3. Finally, funeral expenses are deduced by evaluating expense receipts.

The total compensation for pecuniary damages in a wrongful death case varies from state to state. The median recovery has hovered around $250,000 nationally, while the average has exceeded $1,000,000. Notably, 20% of plaintiffs pursuing wrongful death claims in the United States have received over $1,000,000 in recoveries. At Aretsky Law Group P.C., we understand how difficult it can be for your family to deal with the death of a loved one, and we hope to provide legal guidance during this upsetting and frustrating time.

Cancel Joint Bank Accounts

After a divorce, it is important to fully separate joint checking accounts as well as shared credit cards. Experts suggest requesting an account suspension if a credit card balance cannot be paid off. It is important to replace these accounts with new ones. Especially considering the financial strain of a divorce, it can be wise to responsibly use a credit card of bridge loan to help with expenses in the short term. It can help to make a list of shared accounts while married and replace this with individual accounts.

Create an Emergency Reserve

After getting back on your feet, it is useful to create an emergency reserve with six months of living expenses. Having a safety net while single can be important in order to protect against future financial hardship.

Monitor Credit Score

After a divorce, it is important to check your credit score to help notice and dispute any discrepancies that could hurt your score. A low credit score makes it difficult to secure a loan with a low-interest rate, and can make it difficult to get a job or rent an apartment or condo.

Assess Investments

After a divorce, your personal finance goals may shift. Especially if a partner was responsible for investments prior to the divorce, it is important to consider ways in which you can reallocate investments to suit your own risk tolerance and financial goals. Many legal and relationship experts note that this may occur since many couples view January as the time to embark on New Year’s resolutions and new beginnings. The holiday season also may cause a delay in divorces, since many parents want to maintain a sense of harmony for children during the holiday season in November and December. A divorce is clearly an important financial milestone. If you are considering filing for divorce, it is important to find a reputable divorce attorney who can work with you. Here are some considerations: Selecting the right lawyer to represent you during this trying time is crucial. It is so important that you choose someone who understands what you are going through and who has the patience to guide you step by step through the process. When making your selection, look for someone who meets these basic criteria and is:

• is accessible 24/7;
• shows compassion;
• is experienced in both negotiation and litigation; and
• offers a valuable initial consultation.

Above all, look for someone who will put your interests first! Remember, although you want someone who is a skilled litigator in case the need for litigation arises, it is best to avoid an attorney who seems to favor litigation when negotiation or mediation would be in your best interests.

Initial Consultation

Once you have selected an attorney, it is time to take the next step and schedule your initial consultation. In order to get the most out of your consultation, you should come prepared, not only with answers to the attorney’s questions, but also with questions of your own—questions that likely have been on your mind since you first started to contemplate the possibility of divorce. Divorce is stressful, but the experienced and compassionate Bergen County divorce attorneys at Aretsky Law Group, P.C., are dedicated to guiding you through the difficult process with as little anxiety as possible. We will be with you every step of the way to ensure that your rights are protected and your needs met.

Unfortunately, innocent pedestrians sustain serious and permanent injuries or even death caused by negligent drivers. In fact, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates more than 130,000 hospitalizations for crash incidents inflicted on pedestrians. Pedestrian accidents can often bring harmful physical consequences with them including fractures, brain injuries, as well as paralysis and injury to internal organs. The speed of the driver at the time of the collision has a strong effect on victim fatality. For example, while the chance of victim fatality during a 20 mph collision is only 5%, this figure increases to 85% when the speed of the collision is 40 mph.

If a pedestrian is struck while walking in a designated crosswalk, liability on the part of the driver is clear. Drivers have a duty to stop for pedestrians in a crosswalk. However, it appears that the driver who struck the pedestrian in this case did not violate a duty of care to the pedestrian, since the victim was not walking at the appropriate signal. Below is a recommended list of precautions provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that pedestrians can take in order to maintain safety when crossing busy streets.

1. Walk on sidewalks when available and follow the rules of the road (traffic signals and signs).
2. Try to walk facing traffic and make eye contact with drivers when attempting to cross streets.
3. Be visible. Wear bright colored clothes during the day, and wear reflective and neon colors at night so that motorists can see you.
4. Avoid alcohol and drugs while walking, since these substances may impair vision.
5. Look for cars in all directions, including left and right and watch for vehicle entering or exiting driveways and parking lots.

In order to prevent pedestrian accidents when crossing streets, drivers are also cautioned to yield at crosswalks, look out for parked cars, and follow speed limits and other regulations. Furthermore, drivers should be cautious when backing up and should proceed with extra caution in lower speed limit areas such as school zones. At Aretsky Law Group, P.C. our attorneys will upon being retained by you, immediately begin to investigate your case and gather evidence to build the strongest possible case on your behalf. Often we will employ private investigators to assist us in this investigation. Deploying these assets early on assists us to produce the strongest case on your behalf. We aim to outwork the other side and to be as prepared as possible to fight for you.

According to reports from the Office of Attorney General, Derrick stabbed the child at least six times throughout the duration of the 12 hour shift. Derrick’s conduct was recorded using a security camera found in the room, which revealed footage of her stabbing the child on his “upper arm, thigh, kneecaps, [and] foot and hand” resulting in an accumulation of blood droplets. Derrick claims she did not actually stab the child, but did admit to using the needle as a threat to encourage good behavior.

Other cases of poor ethics in the New Jersey medical community include individuals who have been accused of taking bribes, such as the case of a Bergen County pharmacist, Eduard Shtindler, who is charged with conspiracy for health care fraud. Shtindler supposedly paid kickbacks to a Hudson County based psychiatrist in order to provoke the doctor to direct his patients to the pharmacy that Shtindler owns in West New York. This scheme resulted in nearly $3 million worth of medications prescribed by the doctor which were filled by Shtindler’s pharmacy.

Unfortunately, these cases of violations of healthcare ethics are becoming prevalent.

Medical malpractice is a leading cause of personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits in New Jersey. Unfortunately, while we typically expect hospitals and doctors to treat us with optimal care, this is not always the case. There are a plethora of errors that medical professionals and institutions make regularly, including issues with surgical techniques, anesthesia, birth injuries, and bedsores. In fact, it is estimated that there have been over 300,000 premature deaths attributed to medical malpractice in the United States each year.

Poor conduct by doctors can also take place in nursing homes and long-term care facilities. Commonly, this conduct includes bed sores, dropped patients, choking, medication errors, and dehydration. The Department of Health in the United States holds nursing homes to a high standard, outlined in the Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987. This provided many protections to patients and their families, including the ability to monitor and update the patient’s Care Plan. Nursing home facilities must be in compliance with these federal regulations in order to receive tax dollars from Medicare and Medicaid to fund operations.

Unfortunately, these regulations are often not enough. If you or loved one has suffered from nursing home abuse or experienced poor care from a trusted medical professional, contact the Aretsky Law Group P.C. in order to protect your family’s rights and ensure that you are properly compensated for any violations of patient rights that may have occurred.

Mediation

Low-conflict marriages are typically low-conflict divorces. As such, these divorces can sometimes be settled with meditation, which can be a less expensive alternative to divorce. A successful mediation can result in a friendly divorce after proceedings. Alternatively, high-conflict divorces often require more significant litigation in order to protect assets and secure favorable custody agreements if children are involved.

Prioritizing Their Children

Low-conflict divorced couples often are able to put aside conflicts with their ex in order to prioritize their children’s well-being. Often, high-conflict divorced couples allow their animosity for one another to overcome the well-being of shared children. Ultimately, one of the best things that a divorced couple can do for their children is to create an effective co-parenting plan that has the child’s best interest in mind.

Fair Settlements

Low-conflict divorced couples prioritize fair and secure settlements instead of opting for expensive divorce trials that can ultimately harm both parties involved and the children. On the contrary, high-conflict divorce couples often overspend on litigation, which ultimately can harm both parties involved in the long-term.

Communication

Many high-conflict divorced couples heavily overuse electronic communication such as text messages and emails when fighting with one another. This approach is an unhealthy mechanism to deal with conflict, which ultimately can lead to exaggerated conflicts between divorced couples. Instead, low-conflict couples communicate effectively with one another and rarely make threats or accusations about the other party.

For the well-being of yourself and your family, it is wise to adapt many of the approaches of low-conflict couples. Ultimately, this can help you to save money, avoid a stressful legal battle, and protect the sanity of your family.

If you are considering a divorce, one of the first steps to take is to contact a reputable divorce attorney. Selecting the right lawyer to represent you during this trying time is crucial. It is so important that you choose someone who understands what you are going through and who has the patience to guide you step by step through the process. When making your selection, look for someone who meets these basic criteria and is accessible 24/7, shows compassion, is experienced in both negotiation and litigation, and offers a valuable initial consultation.

Above all, look for someone who will put your interests first! Remember, although you want someone who is a skilled litigator in case the need for litigation arises, it is best to avoid an attorney who seems to favor litigation when negotiation or mediation would be in your best interests.

Undoubtedly, divorce is stressful, but the experienced and compassionate Bergen County divorce attorneys at Aretsky Law Group, P.C., are dedicated to guiding you through the difficult process with as little anxiety as possible. We will be with you every step of the way to ensure that your rights are protected and your needs met.

According to officials, Beaucejour was aware of McClain’s fall and consequent head injury on August 13, 2019. However, despite McClain’s declining medical condition, Beaucejour neglected to find assistance, and instead blamed the fall on another patient who was suffering from dementia. In fact, she left McClain alone and re-entered the room nearly thirty minutes after the fall, while pretending that it was her first time seeing McClain in the deteriorated state. As a result, McClain suffered three deep wounds on her head, a broken neck, and a brain bleed. For this reason, Beaucejour is currently being charged with reckless manslaughter, obstruction, and neglect of the elderly.

The Waterview Center has responded to this incident claiming that, “We are very concerned about this incident as the safety and well-being of our residents is our highest priority…”. Despite this statement, this incident shines a light on the rising amount of nursing home abuse cases in both New Jersey and the United States.

According to data from the Center for Disease Control (CDC)there are more than 15,000 nursing homes in the United States. Out of this figure, roughly 70% are for-profit institutions. These centers house over 1.7 million licensed beds, and host nearly the same amount of patients. Comparatively, New Jersey has a higher standard for nursing homes in relation to many other states. For example, only 29% of nursing homes in New Jersey are for-profit institutions. The remaining centers are either nonprofit organizations or are government owned entities.

Unfortunately, many for-profit centers take cost-cutting measures that can harm the patient experience. This can include hiring less experienced staff that will accept lower wages, or even neglecting to adequately staff the facility to a capacity that would allow for optimal patient care. Since many patients pay upwards of $80,000/year for nursing home care, they expect a higher standard of care, and certainly one that is safe and will accommodate their medical and physical needs.

The Department of Health in the United States holds nursing homes to a high standard, outlined in the Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987. This provided many protections to patients and their families, including the ability to monitor and update the patient’s Care Plan. Nursing home facilities must be in compliance with these federal regulations in order to receive tax dollars from Medicare and Medicaid to fund operations.

As the case of Fannie McClain indicates, these regulations are often not enough, and the care of residents is often a direct result of the caretaker they are assigned to.

At Aretsky Law Group, P.C., we understand that it can be frustrating to experience less than ideal care at a nursing home facility. If you or loved one has suffered from nursing home abuse, contact the Aretsky Law Group P.C. in order to protect your family’s rights and ensure that you are properly compensated for any violations of patient rights that may have occurred at a nursing home.

Here are some tips that can be taken in order to maintain a strong position during a divorce lawsuit:

1. Close Joint Credit Card Accounts

Keep in mind that credit card agreements involving joint accounts are made with lenders before divorce agreements are made. That being said, if one spouse does not take responsibility for their portion of the debts, the other spouse is still financially liable. For this reason, it is wise to consider splitting up joint accounts before proceeding with divorce filings.

2. Consider Alternative Dispute Resolution

With the costs of a typical divorce exceeding $15,000, it is no question that getting divorced is an expensive process. For couples with children, the average cost of a divorce is even higher: $19,200. Unfortunately, these costs usually escalate even further when cases spend extensive time in trial. For this reason, alternative dispute resolution (ADR) is often a popular and money-saving choice.

Alternative dispute resolution is a less costly alternative to traditional divorce litigation, which involves using a third party mediator. ADR does not always involve attorneys, which ultimately helps couples to save money. This option allows couples to avoid leaving their fate to a judge in what often is a highly stressful process.

3. Remain Cautious on Social Media

When proceeding with divorce litigation, it can be wise to consider the implications of your social media activity on your case. Anything that is found on your social media can be used in the courtroom. So, while you are in the midst of getting divorced, it may be wise to refrain from posting about a lavish lifestyle, and about anything else that can be used against you during trial.

4. Prepare for Post-Divorce Finances

For most families, divorce can be a financially draining time period. With legal fees to pay and two households to support, many families have to cut back on previously lavish lifestyles and savings in order to finance the split. For this reason, it can be wise to seek the counsel of a financial advisor while going through a divorce, in order to plan for the future. For example, some questions to consider will be:

• Should we finance the divorce with invested assets or with credit?
• Should we use the equity in our home to fund the divorce?

These tips can certainly help to ease a divorce lawsuit, but it can still be a highly stressful time for you and your family. The experienced and compassionate Bergen County divorce attorneys at Aretsky Law Group, P.C., are dedicated to guiding you through the difficult process with as little anxiety as possible. We will be with you every step of the way to ensure that your rights are protected and your needs met.

What did you do in High School and College? Just saying. Recent statistics point to a well known fact. Teen boys get in trouble. The statistics pointed to the reality that arrests in this age group are increasing. Teen boys have been getting in trouble for decades. The alarming trend might be that teen girls are now getting into more criminal activity than in previous generations. Bieber was picked up by Miami Beach police for drag racing, driving under the influence (admitted to alcohol, marijuana, and prescription drugs), and resisting arrest. What are the chances that your teen might end up with similar criminal charges?36.4% of high school seniors used marijuana in the past year8% report using synthetic marijuana in the past year15% report using a prescription drug for a non-medical reason5% used cough medicines to get high26% of high school seniors report getting drunk in the past monthStatistics from http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/high-school-youth-trendsIf you get that call from your teen, you are well advised to seek the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney at Aretsky and Aretsky. As a boutique firm, we give highly personalized service. Below you will see the cell phone numbers of our senior attorneys. Call us 24/7 to discuss your case.

Aretsky & Aretsky Attorneys at Law

3 University Plaza Dr. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-580-3411 office@aretskylawfirm.com https://www.aretsky-law.com/

Competing interests keep any proposal from moving forward

Everyone seems to agree that the alimony laws in New Jersey need reform. In particular, the concept of lifetime alimony. Famous cases have made national news as one man was forced to pay many times his current income. New guidelines, modeled after a 2011 Massachusetts alimony reform law, are championed by New Jersey Alimony Reform. They are calling for a major overhaul of the system. The State Bar Association’s Family Law Section believes that alimony based on marriage duration would eliminate permanent alimony, and feel this would not be good for certain disadvantaged spouses. They also express concern that the new proposed law would change how awards are calculated in the first place. The New Jersey Law Journal sets up the debate this way:

Under the NJAR bill, A-845, alimony duration would be capped at a period equal to: one half the life of the marriage, if it lasted five years or less; 60 percent, if less than 10 years but greater than five; 70 percent, if less than 15 years but greater than 10; 80 percent, if less than 20 years but greater than 15; and an indefinite period, if the marriage lasted longer than 20 years. The judge could deviate “in the interest of justice” based on specific findings.

The Bar says the law would:

totally undermine the contributions and sacrifices of a stay-at-home parent” by treating marriages with and without children the same way. And judges, though they’d be allowed to deviate, would rarely do so and instead take a “cookie cutter approach

The Bar has offered a different approach in measure A-1649

… it enumerates factors for judges to consider in connection with an application to modify or terminate alimony. The payer would have to demonstrate changed circumstances by a preponderance of the evidence, and the judge could order a change based on the payer’s retirement, job loss or, if self-employed, loss of business. A recipient’s cohabitation with a new partner also would qualify, and a judge could find such an arrangement exists even if they aren’t living together full time. Common factors for the judge to consider are the age and health of the ex-spouses, reasons for change in employment and whether the change is in good faith, and the accepted retirement age in the payer’s field or industry.

If you are faced with a future of paying alimony, you need to make certain that you are well represented by a family law attorney with experience dealing with New Jersey divorce law. We can help. Our offices are located at: Hackensack – Just off Route 4 3 University Plaza Drive Suite 207 Hackensack, N.J. 07601 Phone: 201-580-3411 Fax: 201-445-5867 We also offer numerous meeting locations throughout the three county area.

Fort Lee Created a Media News Storm in May of 2012

In what could easily be characterized as a perfect example of media histeria over a botched analysis, Fort Lee, NJ, became the talk of the nation. The reporting headlined what was supposedly a decision by the police in Fort Lee to start ticketing folks for texting while walking. The press even pointed to examples of pedestrians who had been fined $85 for so doing. When the smoke cleared, the truth was that nothing had really changed other than an emphasis. The Fort Lee Police were looking very hard at those who were jaywalking, and IF they were also texting they were more likely to get a ticket. But is there a time in the future when texting while walking will be cause for a ticket in New Jersey. It could easily happen. Bills have been offered to accomplish that result in New Jersey, but have not yet been passed. Should there be such laws? There is certainly plenty of science to show us that the risks to health, posture, life, and limb are significant for those who are inclined to walk head down, eyes on screen.

The Ohio State University “Distracted Walking: Injuries Soar for Pedestrians on Phones”

According to a report compiled by n 2004, an estimated 559 pedestrians were treated in emergency rooms for injuries received while using a cell phone. That number dropped to 256 in 2005, but has risen every year since then. Meanwhile, the total number of pedestrians estimated to be treated in emergency rooms dropped from 97,000 in 2004 to 41,000 in 2010. If you have been involved in any type of accident where texting or the use of a cell phone caused or contributed to the accident, and you believe that you are due compensation, call the New Jersey personal injury attorneys at Aretsky and Aretsky, Attorneys at Law – 201-580-3411.

New Jersey may get a bad rap on some issues. But it appears that at least on divorce and bicycle accident related fatalities, we can take a bow. For all the fuss about Jersey Shore, our fine state has the lowest divorce rate in the nation. Now we see that bicycle deaths are super low at less than 2 per million population per year. In fact, in 2011, the last year that national statistics are available, New Jersey experienced only 17 such deaths. U.S. Department of Transportation statistics show that on average more than 800 bicyclists die and 70,000 are injured in motor vehicle-related crashes. The good news is that the trend is down with only 618 deaths and 52,000 injuries in 2010. There does not seem to be good data regarding how many of these accidents involve a motor vehicle. More than one-third of all bicycle fatalities involve riders 5 to 20 years old, and 41 percent of nonfatal injuries occur to children under the age of 15. According to NJ.com

The Tri-State Transportation Campaign notes… characteristics of dangerous roads for bicyclists. Known as arterial roads, they typically have two or more travel lanes in each direction, travel speeds of at least 40 mph, and little to no bicycle or pedestrian infrastructure such as bike lanes or crosswalks. The analysis calls attention to the design of roads throughout the state that put bicyclists in harm’s way. In December 2009, the state Department of Transportation passed a Complete Streets policy that requires new or rehabilitated roads to be built for all users, including walkers, cyclists, transit riders and drivers. Additionally, the department has launched a new complete streets website and conducted twelve workshops for municipal, county and agency leaders on this road design. To date, more than 40 municipalities, including Hoboken, Jersey City and West Windsor, and three counties, including Mercer, have adopted policies. “Since the middle of the last decade, people have been driving less and traveling by foot, bike, or transit more,” said Janna Chernetz, Tri-State Transportation Campaign’s New Jersey advocate. “Road design must keep up with these trends and better accommodate all users of the road.”

Why are deaths and injuries trending down. No one seems to truly know. However we do know that thousands of miles of bike paths and bike lanes have been added to the nation’s roads and highways. Today it is very unlikely that young riders will be out without a helmet. But high on the list has to be the continuing effort by civic minded organizations and agencies who provide education and promotion of bicycle safety. The trend could continue down, but only if we keep doing the things that seem to be working. It is common in many places to see a surge in interest after a death or major injury in the community. The barn door being locked after the horse gets loose. While it sure makes it easier to get the ball rolling in such circumstances, it is obviously not born out of wisdom. The time to act is now, before the next child is harmed. The massive potential side benefit of continuing to see the bicycle/auto accidents decline will be a greater willingness on the part of moms to let their kids have the freedom that they probably had as kids to ride to school or more than a few blocks to a friends house. The potential advantages include:

• Kids who are more at home with adventure
• Fewer overweight or obese kids
• A new outlet for kids other than video games and TV
• Fewer car trips to take Jr. to school or lessons or baseball practice
• Creating in children a lifelong appreciation for cycling
• More families on bikes as a pastime
• Fitness through cycling as a family passion

Statistics from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reveal that most bicycle deaths occur between June through September, and between the hours of 6-9 p.m.

• The risk of sustaining an injury in non-daylight conditions is four times greater than during daytime.
• Nearly half of bicycle-motor vehicle crashes occurred at night or during low-light conditions when motorists had trouble seeing cyclists.

If you or one of your family members is involved in a bicycle accident that results in injuries or worse, you may find it to be very advantageous to discuss your case with a New Jersey Bicycle Accident Attorney prior to having any conversation with any insurance company employee, especially a claims agent. Their job will be to reduce or eliminate any payment by their employer. Call now to speak with Eric Aretsky. There is no charge or obligation to speak with him about your case. 201-580-3411

If you are about to go through a divorce, consider the issues raised in the article below. Divorce arbitration and mediation are alternatives to litigating your matter in Court. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/deborah-moskovitch/the-truth-about-divorce-y_b_4629267.html The partners at Aretsky & Aretsky, Esqs., are Court approved mediators.

Eric J. Aretsky Aretsky & Aretsky 3 University Plaza Drive, Suite 207 Hackensack, NJ 07601 Phone: (201) 996-0234 Fax: 201-445-5867

You probably learned this in Drivers’ Training, and maybe you’ve seen it on a bumper sticker, but this word to the wise can never be repeated too frequesntly: whenever you are driving anywhere next to or behind a semi trailer truck, if you can’t see the driver in his mirror, he probably can’t see you. Most accidents between a semi truck and another vehicle are not nearly as dramatic as the one below. About once every six – ten years, you are going to be involved in some kind of car accident, truck accident. When that happens to you or a friend, please call our personal injury attorneys for help. We offer you a huge difference from others. Our senior attorneys will speak to you directly about your case. We are small enough to care. Call Now at 201-580-3411 Please don’t try to go it alone with the insurance company claims adjuster. They have only one goal. To limit or deny your claim. They don’t care at all about your rightful repayment. They are paid to keep costs low. You need a skilled and experienced negotiator who knows just how far the insurance company will go on a case like yours. Call us and discuss your situation. There is no cost or obligation for that initial call, and all personal injury cases are taken on contingency. That means – You don’t pay us anything until you are paid.

Photo Cridit Flickr.com

Even the rich and famous are not immune to the difficulties of divorce. Read on the learn what the celebrities are saying of their parents divorces. The full article can be found in the Huffington Post. Click here to read more.

Celebrity Divorce: Stars Open Up About The Impact Of Their Parents’ Splits

Divorce is never easy when there are children involved, and kids of divorce often have choice words for their parents about the split. Celebrity children are no different. From teen icons to Golden Globe winners, see what these celebs have said about their parents’ divorces below.

Selena Gomez “I blamed my mom a lot [for the divorce] because I wanted a family so bad,” Gomez said. “I wanted to have my mom and dad together. I remember just being angry with my mom. I still feel really bad about that.” Nicole Richie “When my dad divorced my mom it was kind of like him leaving me also,” Richie said. Justin Timberlake “My parents divorced when I was three. I’m humbly and honestly finding out that I have a lot of issues with that,” Timberlake said. Jennifer Aniston “It was pretty crappy, I came home from a birthday party and he was moved out. It was pretty abrupt,” Aniston said. “Sure, your dad leaves and disappears for a while, that’s pretty brutal. But that’s sort of the beauty of it. Like I said, I would never exchange any of it… Me making people laugh, finding the humor in things, trying to lighten up the mood between disgruntled parents, getting attention… It sort of was a survival technique.” Harry Styles “When I was seven my mum and dad divorced and that was quite a weird time. I remember crying about it. I didn’t really get what was going on properly. I was just sad that my parents wouldn’t be together any more,” Styles said. Isla Fisher “You can’t underestimate how traumatic divorce is for the children. When your parents divorce, it makes you grow up fast. I’d urge parents to strongly consider working things out. I’d work things out and I’d definitely stay put. Especially if there were babies involved,” Fisher said. Corinne Bailey Rae “My parents divorced when I was a teenager. As the eldest of three sisters, I was my mom’s confidante. You grow up fast working out how something went wrong,” Rae said. Jamie Lee Curtis “There was no Demi-and-Bruce amicable divorce or joint family vacations for us. No love was left between them,” Curtis said. Justin Bieber “My parents splitting up is definitely not one of the highlights of my life,” Biebersaid. “It’s sad, the kid experiences feeling like one of his parents left.” Johnny Depp “I recall hearing my parents argue and thinking: ‘Come on, this is torture. Just split!’ They stuck it out until I was 15, but I’d seen it coming for years. When they finally did divorce, I thought: ‘OK, this is the right thing’,” Depp said.

Divorce can be a very difficult time and extremely emotional. When there are children involved it is magnified. Custody issues are one of the most difficult parts of divorce. Divorce is a scary time for children, leaving them sad, insecure confused and angry. A good lawyer can help you move through the custody process quickly and in the best interest of your children. If you are going through tough times with your spouse in Bergen County and want a divorce, it is important that you file for dissolution of marriage properly in order to protect your assets. If there are children involved it is also necessary to setup the proper child support plan as is required by the State of NJ. Failure to pay child support can result in your going to jail. Make sure that your rights and finances are properly protected by talking to a family attorney in Bergen County to set up your no charge initial consultation so an attorney can talk about your situation. Aretsky & Aretsky Attorneys at Law 3 University Plaza Dr. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-580-3411 aretskylawfirm@optimum.net https://www.aretsky-law.com/

California Woman Ticketed For Wearing Connected Eyewear

According to some reports, highway patrols are using semi trucks to hunt down and ticket those using their cell phones while driving. And the laws on distracted driving are likely to become more and more specific. So, in the case below, a California woman claims to have been ticketed for merely wearing Google Glass. The officer appears to have been acting under a rule that the driver can’t have any type of visual screen, like a television, within his viewing area. We certainly don’t want drivers watching their favorite TV program or YouTube videos while driving, but it is unlikely that anyone thought Google Glass was going to fit into this same category.

A California resident received a ticket for wearing Google Glass while driving Fox News reported Wednesday. “A cop just stopped me and gave me a ticket for wearing Google Glass while driving!” Cecilia Abadie said in a post on her Google Plus account. “The exact line says: Driving with Monitor visible to Driver (Google Glass). Is #GoogleGlass ilegal while driving or is this cop wrong??? Any legal advice is appreciated!! This happened in California. Do you know any other #GlassExplorers that got a similar ticket anywhere in the US?” Like Us on Facebook Abadie, who Fox News describes as a self-described geek and Google Glass pioneer, was wearing the new connected eyewear when she was pulled over in what is a first for the new connected eyewear device. According to Fox News, the rule found in section 27602 of the California regulations says “a person shall not drive a motor vehicle if a television receiver, a video monitor, or a television or video screen … is visible to the driver while driving the motor vehicle.”

Will this mean that new laws will need to be written pertaining to Google Glass or other such eye wear that may be coming. What about iWatch or other smart watches that are currently coming out from various companies. All of these possible intrusions into the driver’s ability to keep his attention focused on the task begs the question of whether talking to your child in the back seat or putting sugar in your coffee will need to be specifically called out in some future bill. If you have been caught on radar or failed to slow down enough at that stop sign in the Hackensack or Ridgewood area, you should consider calling an attorney to see about saving money and time on that traffic ticket. You will be surprised at how little it costs to have an attorney represent you in traffic matters. Even if you were only going 10 mph over the limit or some other small infraction, the cost of that ticket will surprise you. Give us a quick call and we’ll let you know, without any charge or obligation, whether it might be worth our handling your case, and how much that cost would be.

ARETSKY & ARETSKY
Attorneys at Law Hackensack – Just off Route 4

3 University Plaza Drive Suite 207 Hackensack, N.J. 07601

Phone: 201-580-3411

Fax: 201-445-5867

Free Initial Consultation available at these convenient locations by appointment only: Ridgewood Office 257 E. Ridgewood Ave. Suite 303 Ridgewood, NJ 07450

Phone: (201) 996-0234

In this short video, Bergen County attorney (in divorce, family, criminal, employment law) Eric J. Aretsky explains why it is a good idea to have an attorney represent you in your municipal court case. Eric Aretksy touches on what you can expect from the municipal court process, including the plea bargain process, what to expect in an initial consultation with your attorney, attorney retention, entering your not guilty plea, entering a discovery,and when you might move to a trial, if necessary. He describes the consequences you could be facing for a municipal traffic or criminal violation, including increased insurance premiums, or jail time in the case of criminal charges. If you have been arrested on a criminal charge including DUI, possession with intent to sell, white collar crimes, burglary, assault, or any of a range of other crimes, and you are going before the municipal court, you will want to have an attorney to represent you. Contact us for no cost, no obligation consultation:

Aretsky & Aretsky Attorneys at Law 3 University Plaza Dr. Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-580-3411 aretskylawfirm@optimum.net https://www.aretsky-law.com/

Domestic violence is serious. Every year, thousands of women, children, and men are abused by family members and significant others. Equally troubling is the number of false domestic violence claims that are made to gain the upper hand in divorce disputes.

When most people think about spousal abuse, they think of physical violence. However, the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act reflects a number of emotional, psychological, and physical actions as domestic violence. See the below article for ehow.com for a definition of domestic violence.

Temporary Restraining Orders (TRO) are almost always granted when domestic violence allegations are made. A hearing for a Final Restraining Order must be held within ten days. It is important to have experienced legal representation at this hearing. If a Final Restraining Order is granted, it is permanent. The consequences can include granting exclusive possession of residence, granting temporary custody of children, punitive damages, medical coverage for the victim, and limiting visitation with children.

At Aretsky & Aretsky, we are committed to working with people throughout New Jersey dealing with domestic violence. We are committed to ensuring that victims of domestic violence are protected. We also defend the rights of people who are falsely accused of spousal abuse. In addition to our experience handling family law matters, we have significant experience handling criminal defense matters. Our broad experience in these areas of law put us in a position to effectively deal with domestic violence claims.

If you are a victim of domestic violence or have been accused of spousal abuse, please contact Aretsky & Aretsky in Ridgewood, New Jersey. Our attorneys can be reached by phone at (201) 996-0234

Domestic Violence Laws in New Jersey

By Paul Caruso, eHow Contributor Paul Caruso is a freelance journalist with many years experience writing on a diverse set of subject matter. Caruso has written on technology, health, environment and international politics. His work has appeared in several publications, including Worlpress.org and NewsTarget.com

New Jersey residents would do well to remember a few points of law in instances where tempers between friends and family may flare. The Garden State takes cases of domestic violence very seriously.In 1991, the New Jersey State Legislature passed the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act (PVA), which designated domestic violence as a serious “crime against society” and which implemented some very serious civil and criminal sanctions against those who perpetrate it.According to the PVA, which is now law under the New Jersey Permanent Statutes, the legislature found that domestic violence is pervasive to the point where thousands of individuals in the state are “regularly beaten, tortured and in some cases killed by their spouses or cohabitants.”

Definition

• As defined by the New Jersey State Legislature, domestic violence can entail main acts perpetrated by both adults and emancipated minors under domestic or familial circumstances.These acts include: murder, kidnapping, assault, terroristic threats, harassment, stalking, sexual assault, criminal sexual contact, criminal mischief, criminal trespassing, burglary, false imprisonment and lewdness.This definition and criminal penalties for any of these acts as defined under this banner of “domestic violence” apply to emancipated minors. Unemancipated minors–defined as those still under the care of parents or a guardian– cannot be charged with any of these acts under laws governing domestic violence.

Temporary Restraining Orders

• In 1991, released in tandem with the new domestic violence laws, the New Jersey Supreme Court and the New Jersey Attorney General issued the “Domestic Violence Procedures Manual.”
  According to the recommendations laid out in the manual, individuals who have suffered domestic violence should first obtain a restraining order against the abuser.
  A temporary restraining order can be gained through two courts: Superior Court, Chancery Division, Family Part, or through their local municipal court.
  If a victim of domestic violence needs to obtain a restraining order against an abuser outside of court hours of operation, on weekends or during court holidays, he must contact local law enforcement who will aide him in obtaining the order through a judge.

Final Restraining Orders

• If a “final,” or permanent, restraining order is sought by a victim of domestic violence, she will need to appear at a court hearing before a judge of the Superior Court, Chancery Division, Family Part, to explain her case and to request the order.
  This hearing will take place usually within 10 days of the issuance of the temporary restraining order and both parties must be present, though in most cases the victim of the abuse may present her case to the judge without the alleged abuser being present.

Penalties

• As the definition of domestic violence in New Jersey is broad, a vast array of civil and criminal penalties may apply to parties convicted of charges under this banner.
  Under the state’s domestic violence laws, judges may attach additional measures to the sentences of convicted abusers.
  Such measures may include: mandated alcohol or drug treatment, and restitution of legal fees incurred by the plaintiff during prosecution.

Read more: http://www.ehow.com/list_6305186_new-jersey-domestic-violence-laws.html#ixzz2iZy5IFSW

Photo Credit flickr.com

Court proceedings and your criminal record are public record. Do you feel the need to prevent potential employers, family, friends or the public from viewing court records that include your criminal records? Being arrested and charged with a criminal offense leaves a permanent record that can show up on employment and housing background checks. This record exists regardless if there was a conviction associated with the arrest. An expungement is not a pardon. However, under most circumstances it does allow a person to legally say that they have never been arrested or convicted of the expunged offense. If you were arrested in New Jersey, you may be eligible for expungement of your NJ arrest record if certain conditions are met. You can have records expunged for arrests that you were found innocent of as well as arrests that you were convicted of municipal ordinances and certain misdemeanors and felonies. However, not all records can be expunged and New Jersey only allows criminal records to be expunged once. An expungement can take four months or more to move through the court. In addition, there is a waiting period before any expungement petition related to a conviction can be filed:

• Six months for an offense involving a conditional discharge program
• Two years for a violation of a municipal ordinance
• Five years after a misdemeanor conviction that is eligible for expungement
• Ten years after a felony conviction that is eligible for expungement

It is possible for a lay person to seal their records. However, an attorney can be contacted about sealing court records. Find a lawyer that practices in the area of law that represents your case in court. Sealing or expunging a record is a complicated process with many rules so it is best to consult with a lawyer who is familiar with and understands the procedure. At Aretsky & Aretsky, in Bergen County, New Jersey, we have significant experience helping people get arrest records and some criminal convictions expunged. 3 University Plaza Drive, Suite 207, Hackensack, N.J. 0760, Phone: 201-580-3411