The Durst Firm

In consideration of the practical and financial difficulties facing many NJ residents, the filing deadline for NJ taxes has been pushed back from April 15th to July 15th.

The Durst Firm was founded to provide individual attention to our clients. Our focus has always been on family law. With over 20 years of experience, there is not much we haven’t seen or dealt with. Then the COVID-19 pandemic arrived! We are all facing the ever changing challenges presented by the virus. Now, more than ever the firm is committed to helping those who find themselves dealing with family law issues. Because our focus remains on our clients, both current and new, the policies detailed below are being implemented effective immediately.

Costs are always a concern when working with attorney. Each and every day we strive to offer top notch legal services at reasonable costs. Added measures now include:

1. Freezing our currently hourly rates and consultation fees for the remainder of 2020
2. Absorbing the processing fee when payments are made by credit card. (Many firms add back the costs)
3. Continuing our policy of not charging for routine postage and copies
4. When invoices are paid in full each month, a credit of $100 will be posted to the following months invoice.
5. We will continue to work with clients to implement mutually acceptable payment arrangements when necessary and when feasible.
6. We are exploring the possibility of offering financing options through a third party service.

Pandemic or not, we recognize the financial strains hiring an attorney place on our clients. We appreciate the trust placed in us when you decide to hire The Durst Firm.

Committing to get the divorce process started is a significant step. While it is never an easy decision, it is often an necessary one. We cannot conclude the process until we start the process. Having been proactive and getting the process started, many litigants are wondering if it was all for naught. Have the responses to the COVID-19 pandemic brought their case to a screeching halt? The answer is no.

There are certainly complications and inconveniences as a result of the need to take prudent precautions and as a result of government directives. However, your case can still move forward. At The Durst Firm we are developing new practices and procedures in response to new developments in order to move cases. Frankly, we constantly review our practices and search for new methods of enhancing our client-centered approach.

Take advantage of the “down time” to compile documents your attorney requested, work on completing the necessary forms, gather thoughts and prepare a list of questions for your next conversation with your attorney. All of these steps will help move your case forward. I taking the initiative to get these tasks done you will also help reduce your legal fees.

The attorneys involved can still communicate by phone or email. Video conferencing is being implemented to hold client meetings, facilitate settlement conferences, and even to conduct court proceedings. Making sure you are working with a lawyer capable of using these methodologies will help your case move forward. By working together, your case will move forward.

www.facebook.com/708402239/posts/10158555237427240/

Not an unexpected prediction. Should the need arise, The Durst Firm is here to help.

We are just beginning to experience the financial impact COVID-19 is having here in NJ. Many retail stores are temporarily closing as are salons, barbershops, and many other business. We wish them all a strong comeback when this passes. Many are wondering about the impact on their job and income. Whether you are paying or receiving alimony and or child support, the impact of these shutdowns and the economic slow down are cause for concern. In line with my advice on custody and parenting time, it is critical that both sides be reasonable and proactive.

Orders for alimony and child support remain in place and enforceable until changed by a subsequent court order. One can normally not engage in “self help” and simply stop paying. The recipient relies on receipt of the funds for important household expenses including expenses for the children. Under normal circumstances, if a consent order memorializing an agreement between the parties cannot be created, it can take 25 days or more to obtain a judicial determination after a motion has been filed. In the current environment, getting that order will undoubtedly take longer. As such, coming to an interim, mutually acceptable arrangement is advisable if the payments cannot continue in full or if at all. I would not suggest that anyone waive or relinquish funds they’re entitled to and I would hope that no one paying support will exploit this crisis for financial gain.

If you have concerns about the alimony or child support provisions of your case, The Durst Firm remains accessible to assist.