Family and Matrimonial

How family law mediation can help parties break cycles of powerlessness, escalation and conflict

While Washington law defines community property as ‘property…acquired after marriage or after registration domestic partnership by either domestic partner or either husband or wife or both’ it does not address more nuanced issues like how to treat dogs, cats, exotic pets, embryos, etc. acquired during the marriage.

Two Lowenstein Sandler attorneys share their personal experiences navigating divorce while working in demanding law firm environments. They discuss the delicate balance between privacy and transparency, the importance of support systems, and strategies for maintaining professional performance during one of life's most challenging transitions.

California's proposed Billionaire Tax Act would impose a onetime 5% excise tax on individuals and trusts with assets exceeding $1 billion, creating unprecedented challenges for estate planners. The retroactive application and anti-abuse provisions raise critical questions about the treatment of grantor trusts, non-grantor trusts, and beneficiary interests that deviate significantly from established federal wealth transfer tax principles.

One way to prepare for those circumstances is to hold real estate in a personal trust. For homeowners who already have a trust or are considering one, how the property is titled can have a significant impact on who has the authority to deal with it later.

The Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update 2026-03, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Investment Companies with Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions, on September 9, 2026. While the update is aimed at investment company accounting, it could benefit estate planners and valuation professionals who regularly defend marketability discounts on closely held and restricted stock.

You discovered your former spouse/co-parent received a promotion or started a new job making significantly more income. Now you’re wondering, can they pay more in child support each month? The short answer: an increase in income alone doesn’t trigger a modification, but it can be a reason to take a closer look.

U.S. citizens and Green Card holders can reunite with their foreign spouses through a structured immigration process involving Form I-130, proving a genuine marriage, and navigating consular procedures. Understanding the differences between immediate relative and family-preference categories, financial sponsorship requirements, and conditional residence rules is essential for successful family reunification through marriage.

As the Silent and Baby Boomer generations transfer an estimated $84.4 trillion in wealth through 2045, estate planning attorneys anticipate a surge in probate disputes driven by complex family structures, cognitive decline, and DIY estate documents. This analysis examines the key factors fueling the Great Wealth Transfer litigation wave and explores proactive strategies families can employ to minimize future conflicts.