If you’re applying for a marriage-based green card, a marriage certificate alone is not enough. While it establishes that your marriage is legally valid, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires additional documentation showing that your marriage is genuine and bona fide. What Is a Bona Fide Marriage? A bona fide marriage is one entered […]

In New Jersey, when someone is a survivor of domestic violence and files a Temporary Restraining Order, they may be entitled to assistance through the Victims of Crime Compensation Office (“VCCO”). Survivors of domestic violence are often left with a host of unexpected financial burdens, including attorney’s fees, medical bills, lost wages, relocation needs, increased […]

On January 8, 2026, Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation (P.L. 2025, c195), which requires the Commissioner of Education to develop statewide guidelines concerning student use of internet-enabled devices, and also requires each board of education to adopt a bell-to-bell policy prohibiting student use of internet-enabled devices during the school day. These measures are intended to […]

Construction and development projects in New Jersey frequently involve some level of interaction with the New Jersey Department of Transportation (“NJDOT”), whether through access permits, right-of-way approvals, utility work, or roadway impacts. While many project teams account for NJDOT review as part of the process, permitting delays often arise unexpectedly and can disrupt schedules, financing, […]

New Jersey businesses operating in regulated industries often assume that environmental enforcement arises only after major incidents or obvious compliance failures. In practice, many New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (“NJDEP”) enforcement matters begin with routine events that unexpectedly lead to a Notice of Violation (“NOV”). Receiving an NOV can be disruptive and concerning, particularly […]

New Jersey employers frequently underestimate the level of scrutiny the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (“NJDOL”) can apply to wage and hour compliance. Audits can be triggered by employee complaints, random selection, or as part of broader investigations into industries with high regulatory oversight. Understanding what to expect during an NJDOL audit […]

New Jersey businesses that hold or seek to acquire liquor licenses are subject to strict oversight from the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (“ABC”). Even minor missteps can result in warnings, fines, suspension, or in the most serious cases, loss of a license. For bars, restaurants, breweries, and other hospitality businesses, understanding common ABC violations […]

Deciding to end a marriage is one of the most difficult life decisions you can face. Beyond the emotional weight, the legal process can feel like a tangled web of paperwork and court rules. In New Jersey, we follow specific procedures to ensure a case is initiated correctly. If you are considering filing for divorce […]

Franchising is a popular way to expand a business, and for franchisors, it offers a pathway to grow quickly without bearing the full financial responsibility of each new location. However, franchising comes with legal complexities that must be carefully navigated. Whether you are new to franchising or looking to optimize your existing model, understanding the […]

Franchising offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to operate a business using an established brand and a proven business model. However, franchising also comes with its own set of legal complexities. From the franchise agreement to ongoing royalty payments, it’s essential for potential franchisees to fully understand their rights and obligations before committing to a franchise. Here, […]