L.N.R. v. M.M.

Camden, New Jersey family law lawyers represented the parties in a domestic violence case.



In November 2023, defendant returned to the home of plaintiff, his estranged wife, with a police escort, allegedly to collect his remaining belongings. While defendant was there, a confrontation ensued. According to plaintiff, defendant verbally abused her with profane language in front of their child and other children who were present.



The following day, plaintiff obtained a TRO. In her application, she described the encounter from the previous day as a predicate act of domestic violence. She also detailed a history of verbal abuse, with no mention of any physical abuse. The parties, then both self-represented, appeared for a one-day hearing on the FRO. They were the sole witnesses to testify.



During the FRO trial, plaintiff injected an issue of physical abuse by stating in her testimony that defendant had choked her on a previous occasion.



The court did not ask plaintiff any follow up queries to establish the date of the alleged choking incident.



L.N.R. v. M.M., A-1611-23 (N.J. Super. App. Div. Nov 22, 2024)

Vacated and remanded.