The Durst Firm

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, the issue of homeschooling was frequently a topic of disagreement between parents. With many children engaged in remote learning, whether or not to homeschool a child has become a common issue.

Typically, parents are given a great deal of latitude when making educational decisions for their children. In the case of parents who are divorced or were never married but who share joint legal custody they must agree on key child-rearing decisions such as education, religious training, and non-emergency medical care.

In the context of education, a recent Appellate Court decision gave judges and parents guidance when one parent wants to homeschool a child and the other parents object. As explained in D.C. vs. V.C (https://www.njcourts.gov/attorneys/assets/opinions/appellate/unpublished/a2362-19.pdf?c=JxU ) the Court is to review the totality of the circumstances to make sure that the child being home schooled is being affrded a homeschooling program that provides “academic equivalence.” N.J.S.A. 18A:38-25; see also State v. Massa, 95 N.J. Super. 382, 390 (Law Div. 1967).

In this case, the Appellate Court would not simply rubber stamp the home schooling request as the trial court did not undertake the required analysis. This decision highlights the need to present the trial court with all of the relevant facts and circumstances so as to enable the necessary analysis. When hiring The Durst Firm, clients benefit from our twenty years of experience in making compelling arguments to judges throughout New Jersey.

Sadly, the COVID-19 pandemic is not over yet and here at The Durst Firm there is little we can do about that except continue to operate in a safe, client-focused manner as we have since the beginning. However, if this questions pertains to your marriage, we can certainly help.

Knowing when the marriage is truly “over” and its time for a divorce is an uniquely personal decision and one that everyone needs to make for themselves. Absent compelling circumstances, we do not offer an opinion as to whether a potential client should proceed with a divorce. Frankly, our response could be seen as self-serving. Our function is to discuss the facts and circumstances of your situation with you and offer advice and guidance based on twenty years of family law experience in New Jersey.

Throughout the pandemic we have evaluated and refined how we do business; all with an eye towards continuing to provide high quality legal services during this unprecedented times. Technology upgrades have been performed providing the ability to work with clients remotely and safely.

Conducting trials, hearings, and settlement conferences in a virtual world has presented new challenges. As seasoned court room advocates, we have met these challenges head on. Frankly, there are court functions that have been enhanced and made more efficient in response to the ongoing public health crisis. For our clients, more efficient means less cost.

By continuing to work together and take the necessary precautions we can, and will, see the end of the pandemic.

Working together, relying on all the skill and experience The Durst Firm has to offer, we can see you through the end of your marriage.

Today we would like to recognize the many sacrifices made by our veterans. To say we appreciate your service is a gross understatement. Your commitment to county over self is a example we should all strive to emulate. As a small token of our thanks, The Durst Firm offers discounted pricing for veterans and those in activity duty. Let us serve you.