A Final Restraining Order Requires the Trial Judge to Make Certain Findings Pursuant to A Two-Prong Test

SUPERIOR COURT OF NEW JERSEY APPELLATE DIVISION DOCKET NO. A-3506-18 A.M., Plaintiff-Respondent, v. M.K., Defendant-Appellant. ________________________ Submitted February 24, 2021 – Decided June 28, 2021 Submitted by New Jersey Family Lawyer, Jeffrey Hark. Plaintiff obtained a temporary restraining order against defendant, on February 14, 2019. She alleges that he was harassing her frequently by contacting her…

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The Serious Implications of a Temporary Restraining Order, and the Steps to Take to Prevent a Final Restraining Order

SUPERIOR COURT OF NEW JERSEY APPELLATE DIVISION DOCKET A-2257-19 S.S., Plaintiff-Respondent, B.G., Defendant-Appellant. _______________________ Argued May 24, 2021 – Decided June 22, 2021 Submitted by New Jersey Family Lawyer, Jeffrey Hark. On November 19,2019, plaintiff obtained a temporary restraining order against the defendant. On December 12,2019, the hearing for the final restraining order took place. Prior…

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Case Brief: L.D. v. M.J.M., 2021 WL 2012249

Unpublished Opinion; Shall not constitute precedent or be binding upon any court Submitted by New Jersey Domestic Violence Lawyer, Jeffrey Hark. Parties: Plaintiff: L.D. Defendant: M.J.M. Proc. Hist.:         Trial Court denied plaintiff’s request for a final restraining order and vacated temporary restraining order against defendant.  Plaintiff argues on appeal that (1) trial judge erred in failing…

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Violations of Temporary Restraining Orders (TRO) and Final Restraining Orders (FRO) Are Criminal Acts and Heard by A Family Judge

State v. D.O.P. Appellate Docket No.: A-1881-18 Decided April 28, 2021 Submitted by New Jersey Family Lawyer, Jeffrey Hark. In a recent published opinion, the Appellate Division of New Jersey reviewed a trial court’s dismissal of a Final Restraining Order (FRO) contempt charge when defendant was seen outside of the victim’s home and ran when he…

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The Legality and Appropriateness of Entering A FRO, And of Awarding Counsel Fees and Punitive Damages

Submitted by New Jersey Domestic Violence Lawyer, Jeffrey Hark. After the conclusion of a six month trial, defendant appealed the entry of a June 20, 2019 final restraining order (FRO) pursuant to the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act (Act), N.J.S.A. 2C:25-17 to -35. Defendant also appealed the judge’s November 18, 2019 reconsideration decision awarding plaintiff G.D.…

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