HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-2739McKenna, DuPont, Higgins & Byrnes, Esqs.
229 Broad Street
P. O. Box 610
Red Bank, NJ 07701
(732) 741-6681
Attorneys for Plaintiff
STEVEN D. TRIGILI,
Plaintiff,
V.
AMY E. TRIGILI,
Defendant.
SUPERIOR COURT OF NEW JERSEY
CHANCERY DIVISION
FAMILY PART
MONMOUTH COUNTY
DOCKET NO. FM-13-1934-03B
Civil Action
JUDGMENT FOR DIVORCE
This matter being presented to the Court by McKenna, DuPont, Higgins &
Byrnes, Esqs., attorneys for plaintiff, Steven D. Trigili (Jennifer A. Burgess, Esq.,
appearing); and in the presence of Anna-Maria Pittelli, Esq., attorney for defendant, Amy
E. Trigili; and the Court, The Honorable E. Benn Micheletti, J.S.C., having heard and
considered the complaint and proofs on August 28, 2003, and it appearing that the
plaintiff and the defendant were lawfully married on September 6, 1991; and the plaintiff
having pleaded and proved a cause of action for divorce under N.J.S.A. 2A:34-2, in such
case made and provided, and the plaintiff has been a bona fide resident of this State for
more than one year next preceding the commencement of the action, and jurisdiction
having been acquired over the defendant pursuant to the Rules Governing the Courts, and
the Court having found as a fact that the parties knowingly, willingly and voluntarily
entered into the attached Property Settlement Agreement;
It is on this 28~ day of August, 2003
ORDERED and ADJUDGED, that pursuant to the statute in such case made and
provided, the marriage between the parties be and the same is hereby dissolved; and it is
further
ORDERED that the Property Settlement Agreement between the parties, marked
into evidence as J-l, be and the same is incorporated herein and made a part hereof with
the understanding that the Court took no testimony as to the merits thereof and, therefore,
makes no judgment with respect thereto.
HONORABLE E. BENN MICHELETTI, J.S.C.
SUPPORT AND PROPERTY SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
This is an agreement made this /~7~'rday of~(t,f., 2003, between Amy E. Trigili
(hereafter called WIFE) currently residing at 3240 Spring Road, Carlise, Pennsylvania, and
Steven D. Trigili (hereafter called HUSBAND) currently residing at 56 Standish Road, Little
Silver, New Jersey (also jointly referred to as the parties).
MARITAL BACKGROUND AND BASIS OF AGREEMENT
WHEREAS:
The parties were married on September 6,1991, in a religious ceremony in York;
Pennsylvania,
and;
2.
5, 1997;
11, 1995; and
3.
There are three children born of the marriage; Jared Anthony, date of birth - June
Lydia Madelin, date of birth - July 20, 1999; and Miriam Elise; date of birth - January
The parties have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (hereinafter
MOU) as mediated by Joan M. Kugelmann of New Paradigm Medication Services, which
outlines certain financial and non-financial agreements as more particularly set forth in the
attached MOU. The MOU is based on the financial data contained in the document and in other
disclosures made by each of them to the other during the mediation of disputed financial issues;
and
4. The parties have each had the benefit of separate legal counsel, the Wife having
been advised and represented by Anna Maria Pittella, Esq., with offices located at 180 White
Road, Little Silver, New Jersey; and the Husband having been advised by Edward J. McKenna,
Jr., Esq. of McKenna Dupont Higgins & Byrnes, P.C., with offices located at 229 Broad Street,
P.O. Box 610, Red Bank, New Jersey; and
5. The parties wish to make the aforesaid MOU and the modifications stated herein
part of their permanent Matrimonial Settlement Agreement with the same force and effect as a
Court Order and which agreement shall survive their divorce and be made a part of their
Judgment of Divorce. The attached MOU shall be collectively referred to herein as the
"Agreement"; and
6. The financial and non-financial agreements contained in the MOU and the
modifications stated herein, shall include the settlement of all their marital property fights and
obligations growing out of the marriage relationship; and
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that for and in consideration of the mutual promises
and covenants herein contained and set forth below in the Memorandum of Understanding, the
parties agree as follows:
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
1. EQUITABLE DISTRIBUTION: The parties agreement as to the equitable
distribution of the marital home is set forth in Paragraph IX of the MOU. The payout to the Wife
of her share of the equity of $50,000.00 is set forth below:
a) April 24, 2003 the Wife received a wire transfer for the refinance of their home in
the amount of $31,840.33.
2
b) On May 6, 2003 the Wife received $2,500.00 from the husband's share of the tax
refunds.
c) On June 6, 2003 the Wife received $500.00
d) On June 10, 2003 the Wife received $500.00
e) On July 25, 2003 the Wife received $5,000.00
The Husband agrees to make a second payment in the amount of $5,000.00 to the wife by
August 10, 2003. The balance of the amount due the Wife will be paid in $500.00 per month
installments until paid in full. The balance due as of August 1, 2003 is $9,659.67.
2.. INDEPENDENT COUNSEL: The parties acknowledge that the provisions of
this Agreement are, by them, deemed to be fair and adequate and satisfactory as to each of them.
They both acknowledge that they have had an opportunity for-INDEPENDENT representation
by counsel of their own selection and choice with respect to all aspects of this agreement. They
acknowledge that the other party has in no sense participated in the selection of their individual
counsel. The Wife having been represented by Anna Maria PitteIla, Esq., with offices located at
1006 Commons Way, New Jersey. The Husband having been represented by Edward J.
McKenna, Jr., Esq. of McKwenna Dupont Higgins & Byrnes, P.C., with offices located at 229
Broad Street, P.O. Box 610, Red Bank, New Jersey.
3. DOCUMENTS: Husband and Wife hereby agree to execute any and all other
papers or instruments in writing if and when such execution shall be necessary, in order to
effectuate the express conditions of this Agreement.
4. MODIFICATION OR WAIVER: This Agreement, containing the entire
understanding of the parties, shall be binding on the parties, their heirs, executors, administrators,
and assigns. It is the whole and only Agreement between Husband and Wife and shall not be
modified or varied by oral understandings.
5. SITUS: This agreement is entered into in the State of New Jersey and shall be
construed and interpreted under and in accordance with the laws of the State of New Jersey.
6. STRICT PERFORMANCE: Failure on the part of either party to insist upon the
strict performance of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall in no way constitute a waiver
of any subsequent default of the same or similar nature.
7. NO BAR TO DIVORCE; NO MERGER: Nothing in this Agreement shall be
construed as a relinquishment by either party of the right to prosecute or defend any suit for
divorce in any court of proper jurisdiction. It is further specifically understood and agreed that'
the provisions of the agreement relating to the equitable distribution of property of the parties are
accepted by the party as a final settlement for all purposes whatsoever. Should either of the
parties obtain a decree, judgment, or order of separation of divorce in any other state, country or
jurisdiction, each of the parties to this Agreement hereby consents and agrees that this
Agreement and all of its covenants shall not be affected in any way by any such separation or
divorce; and that nothing in any such decree, judgment, order of further modification or revision
thereof shall alter, amend or vary any term of this Agreement, whether or not either or both of
the parties should remarry, it being understood by and between the parties that this Agreement
shall survive and shall not be merged into any decree, judgment, or order of divorce or
separation.
8. INCORPORATION WITHIN JUDG1V[ENT: It is specifically agreed, however,
that a copy of this Agreement may be marked into evidence at the time ora final divorce hearing
and may be incorporated, by reference, into a divorce judgment. This incorporation, however,
4
shall not be regarded as a merger, it being the intent of the parties to permit this Agreement to
survive any such judgment.
9. COUNSEL FEES: The Husband shall be responsible for the payment of
counsel fees in connection with the ensuing divorce litigation.
10. WAIVER OF CLAIMS: Except as expressly set forth in this Agreement, or as
may arise out of the making of this Agreement, each of the parties hereby releases the other of
and from any and all claims and demands for damages of any and every nature which either of
the parties ever had, now has, or may hereafter have against the other, arising out of or in
connection with any matter or thing whatsoever up to the date of this Agreement.
1 I. NON-COLLUSION: The parties agree that there have been no collusive
agreements made by either party of them orally or in writing, nor have any representation by one
party been made to the other regarding a divorce to be secured in this or any other jurisdiction,
and this Agreement has not been made for the purpose of encouraging any matrimonial action of
any kind between the parties and submitted for the court's approval.
12.. HEADING FOR REFERENCE ONLY: The heading preceding the text of the
several section of this Agreement are inserted for convenience and shall not affect the meaning,
construction, scope or effect of this Agreement.
13. PARTIAL INVALIDITY: If any of the provisions of this Agreement are held
to be invalid or unenforceable, all other provisions shall nevertheless continue in full force and
effect.
14. WARRANTEE OF DISCLOSURE: This Agreement has been reached between
the parties after extensive negotiations. The parties have mediated the terms of their agreement
with Joan M. Kugelmann, located at 130 Maple Avenue, Suite 3F Red Bank, New Jersey. There
5
has been a formal exchange of financial information as part of the mediation process and the
parties acknowledge that reference has been made within this Agreement to all assets that were
acquire during the marriage. Each party represents that they have fully disclosed all information
as to assets to the other.
The parties further acknowledge that by entering into this Agreement they are satisfied
with the disclosures that have been made and are further satisfied that this Agreement is a fair,
reasonable and equitable resolution of all the issues dividing the parties.
15. WAIVER OF CLAIMS AGAINST ESTATES: Except as herein otherwise
provided, each party may dispose of their property and each party waives and relinquishes any
and all rights either may now have or hereafter acquire under the present or future laws of any
jurisdiction to share in property or the estate of the other as a result of the marital relationship
including without limitation dower, curtesy, statutory allowance, widows allowance, homestead
rights, right to take intestacy, right to take against the will of the other, and the right to act as
administrator of the others estate, and each party will, at the request of the other, execute,
acknowledge and deliver any and all instruments that may be necessary or advisable to carry into
effect the mutual waiver and relinquishment of all interest, claim and right. It is the intention of
each of the parties to remove the other as beneficiary of all life insurance policies, IRAs and
retirement plans, etc., except as stated in the Memorandum of Understanding.
16. MODIFICATION OR WAIVER: This Agreement, containing the entire
tmderstanding of the parties, shall be binding on the parties, their heirs, executors, administrators,
and assigns. It is the whole and only Agreement between Husband and Wife and shall not be
modified or varied by oral understandings.
17. NON-INTERFERENCE: Neither party shall molest or annoy the other.
Neither party shall call upon or visit the other, except as set forth in this Agreement.
18. INCOME TAX RETURNS: The parties represent that they have paid all
income taxes, Federal and State, on all joint returns heretofore filed by them and that no interest
or penalties are due and owing with respect thereto; that no tax deficiency proceeding is pending
or threatened thereon; and that no audit thereof is pending. If there is a deficiency assessment in
connection with any of the aforesaid returns (heretofore or hereafter filed), the party receiving
the notice shall be notify the other immediately in writing. The parties shall be responsible for
any amount ultimately determined to be due as determined by mutual agreement. If the parties,
are not able to agree, they shall submit this dispute to mediation as set forth in the MOU.
19. RECONCILIATION: If the parties, after the effective date of this Agreement,
cohabit regularly, sporadically or temporarily, or if they reconcile, this Agreement, nevertheless,
shall continue in full force and effect until modified, altered or terminated by an agreement in
writing to such effect signed by each of the parties hereto. Neither party has represented to the
other, prior to the execution of this Agreement, that there is any prospect of reconciliation and no
promises or inducements have been offered by one party to the other in this regard.
20. FAILURE TO ABIDE BY TERMS OF AGREEMENT: Should either the
Husband or the Wife willfully fail to abide by the terms of this Agreement, the defaulting party
will indemnify the other for all reasonable expenses and costs including attorneys fees incurred
in successfully enforcing this agreement. This provision is intended to be enforced as a freely
bargained.for contractual agreement, and a counsel fee claim for reimbursement pursuant to this
provision is not intended to and shall not be subject to the Court's discretion under R. 4:42-9 (a).
7
21. BANKRUPTCY: In the event of the declaration of bankruptcy by either party
whether in connection with the defense of any suit instituted by creditor or in connection with the
payment of any monies to such creditor, it is the intention of the parties that any bankruptcy filed
should be effective as against the creditor but shall not be intended to act to the financial
detriment of the other spouse. The parties further agree that in the event a financial detriment to
the other spouse is encountered as a result of the bankruptcy laws, then in that event, any
provisions regarding equitable distribution and/or alimony shall be modified so as to compensate
the aggrieved party. The parties further agree that if a financial detriment is encountered as the
result of a bankruptcy it shall be considered a change of circumstances sufficient for a Lepis
application to modify equitable distribution, alimony or support.
22. EFFECTIVE DATE: THIS Agreement shall become effective upon the date
that the last party executes this Agreement. In the event any portion of this Agreement expressly
provides for a specific effective date, that portion of the Agreement shall govern as to the
effective date of the Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have hereunto set their hands and seals on
the day and year first set forth above.
S~N D. TRIGILI
8
STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA
SS
certify that on .~a;-~r.r,'/ /;2 ,2003, AMY E. TRIGILI personally came
I
before me and acknowledged under oath, to my satisfaction, that she is the person named in and
who personally signed the attached document and that she signed, sealed and delivered this
document as her act and deed.
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
SS
COUNTY OF MONMOUTH
I certify that on
Notarial ~eal
Carolyn E. Swel~er, Notary Public
MI~ Twp. Cumberland County
My Commlsslo~ Expires June 19, 2004
Membef, PennsytvaniaAssociationofNotaties
,2003, STEVEN D. TRIGILI personally
came before me and acknowledged under oath, to my satisfaction, that he is the person named in
and who personally signed the attached document and that he signed, sealed and delivered this
document as his act and deed.
Notary Public '
MEUNDA D, YURKOW
A Ngtapj Public of New Jersey
My Commission Expires July 18, 200~
Memorandum of Understanding
Understanding
We, Steven D. Trigili and Amy E. Trigili, through the process of mediation with
Joan M. Kugelmann of New Paradigm Mediation Services, have reached an
agreement regarding our dissolution of mamage. This Memorandum of
Understanding reflects these agreements. We understand that our agreements
contained m this Memorandum of Understanding are not binding until they are set
forth in a Matrimonial Settlement Agreement which is to be prepared by our
attorneys and signed by us.
Nevertheless, the agreements contained in this Memorandum of Understanding
represent a total package carefully balancing our mutual and self interests and the
best interests of our children, Miriam Elise, Jared Anthony, and Lydia Madeline.
They deal with the substance of our proposed Matrimonial Settlement Agreement.
We wish our respective attorneys to incorporate this substance into the formal
Matrimonial Settlement Agreement.
I. Premises
We have relied upon the following facts and assumptions when negotiating our
agreements (all time periods and calculations made as of January 2003 unless
otherwise noted):
A. We were married on September 6, 1991, a period of eleven years.
We have three children, Miriam Elise, age 8, born January 11, 1995, Jared
Anthony, age 5, born June 5, 1997, and Lydia Madeline, age 3, bom Jtfly 20,
1999. Steven is 32 years old, bom September 6, 1970, and Amy is 34 years
old, born January 10, 1969.
Steven is living at 178 Patterson Avenue, Shrewsbury, New Jersey. Amy is
living at 3240 Spring Road, Carlise, Pennsylvania. Steveffs Social Security
Number: 147-72-3209. Amy's Social Security Number: 174-64-5449.
Steven is a Senior Vice-President, employed by International Planning
Alliance in South Plainfield, New Jersey for eight years. He earns a base
salary of $118,625.00. He received commissions of $30,205 for 2001, and
anticipates commissions of approximately $10,000 for 2002. He has his BA
in Communications.
Amy has been taking care of the children since approximately 1995. She has
her BA in Economics, and has completed some graduate work. She plans to
enter a three-year program to receive her Master's of Divinity at the Lancaster
Theological Seminary, to enable her to become a Minister.
II. Parenting
A. We have shared in the parenting of Miriam, Jared, and Lydia and will
continue to do so. Therefore, we have decided that joint legal custody is
approphate for us and beneficial to our continued dual responsibilities to
Miriam, Jared, and Lydia.
B. Our daughter, Miriam Eiise:
1. Our 8 year-old daughter, Miriam, is profoundly disabled, diagnosed at the
age of 4 months with Aicardi syndrome with intractable seizures and
2
severe neurological deficits. She requires 24-hour nursing care, and lives
at Children's Specialized Hospital, a Long-Term Care Nursing Facility of
Children's Specialized Hospital in Toms River, New Jersey. Her expenses
at this time are completely covered by Steven's medical insurance and
Medicaid. We agree that Miriam shall stay in Children's Specialized
Hospital, that we will cooperate fully on an on-going basis regarding her
parenting needs and visiting with her. We will also cooperate fully with
regard to Miriam's Medicaid requirements, and in all ways possible to
provide for her care.
There is a medical malpractice lawsuit file in February, 2000, on behalf of
Miriam. We agree that the settlement will be used for Miriam's care, and
shall cooperate in holding and applying these funds for her.
C. Jared and Lydia Livin~ in Pennsylvania with Amy:
1. We agree that Amy will be living in Pennsylvania, and that Jared and
Lydia will live both with Amy in Pennsylvania, and Steven in New Jersey,
according to our agreed Parenting schedule herein.
D. Acknowledgments
We acknowledge that we want each other and our children, Mir/am, Jared,
and Lydia, to live our separate lives successfully, and believe that our
agreements will enable us to do so.
Our pr/mary concern is a parenting arrangement that will enhance the
psycholog/cal well being of Miriam, Jared, and Lydia, and believe that our
agreements will enable this to occur.
3. We acknowledge that we are both willing to put our personal differences
aside for the benefit of M/riam, Jared, and Lydia.
We acknowledge that as Miriam, Jared, and Lydia's parents we are
equally important to them. We will encourage and support Miriam, Jared,
and Lydia in maintaining a good relationship with the other,
5. We are both willing to make changes in the living and the parenting
arrangements as Miriam, Jared, and Lydia's developmental needs change.
3
E. Parentin~ Schedule
Normal Schedule: Because Miriam lives at Children's Special/zed
Hospital, our Parenting Schedule will only address Jared and Lydia. We
will use the following time-sharing schedule during the week and on the
weekends. This will be referred to as the "normal schedule."
Our general rule and intent is that Jared and Lydia will be with Steven
every other weekend. However, because of the distance between our
residences and the demands of our schedules, we agree to cooperate
and be flexible with each other about making changes to this normal
schedule,
2. Flexibility: We agree to coordinate calendars as necessary.
3. Chances in the "Normal Schedule":
When Jared and Lydia are not with the normally scheduled parent we
agree to give the other parent first option to have them. If the other
parent isn't available then it is the normally scheduled parent's
responsibility to arrange for child care.
ii.
Any changes in the children's schedule regarding pick-up and activities
are the responsibility of the parent-in-charge, and are to be negotiated
between the children and the parent-in-charge.
iii.
We agree to meet or communicate periodically at appropriate times to
d/scuss schedule changes (e.g,, May for summer, August for school
year).
iv. In the event of illness of the parent-in-charge, we agree that the other
parent will provide good faith assistance in caring for the children.
4. Transportation:
i. All transportation arrangements are subject to each parent's good faith
schedule availability.
5. Holidays and Special Occasions: Regarding Miriam: We will share
holidays and special occasions with Miriam on an ongoing, cooperative
4
basis, and we agree that this sharing need not be further detailed in our
parenting agreement, Regarding Jared and Lydia: Except for changes
by mutual agreement, we will share time with Jared and Lydia on the
holidays and special occasions according to the following schedule which
will override the normal schedule:
i. Easter: Jared and Lydia will spend Easter with Amy during odd years,
and with Steven during even years.
ii. Memorial Day: Jared and Lydia will spend Memorial Day with Amy
during even years, and with Steven during odd years.
iii. Labor Day: Jared and Lydia will spend Labor Day with Amy during
odd years, and with Steven during even years.
iv. Thanksgiving: Jared and Lydia will spend Thanksgiving with Amy
during even years, and with Steven dtmng odd years.
Christmas Eve and Christmas: Jared and Lydia will spend
Chrisnnas Eve and Christmas with Amy during odd years, and with
Steven during even years.
New Year's Eve and New Year's Day: Jared and Lydia will spend
New Year's Eve into New Year's Day with Amy during even years,
and with Steven during odd years.
vii. Summer Vacations: We intend that Jared and Lydia spend longer
periods of time with Steven during the summer vacation. We will
therefore work out our joint summer schedule with the children in
advance of each summer vacation.
6. Vacations with Jared and Lydia:
i. We agree that each of us may take Jared and Lydia on vacation bom
time to time.
ii. We agree to give the other parent a minimum of one month's notice, if
possible. The vacationing parent will get the appropriate permission
5
from school if the children are scheduled to be in school during that
week.
iii. When the vacation ends, the normal parenting schedule will resume.
7. Vacations or Work-Related Travel without Jared and Lydia:
We agree to give each other one month or more notice if possible about
our travel plans. We recognize that business trips can come up with
less than one month's notice, and we agree to cooperate with each
other.
ii.
We agree to give the parent not traveling the first option to care for
Jared and Lydia while the traveling parent is gone. If the traveling
parent is scheduled to have Jared and Lydia under the normal or
holiday schedule, then it is his or her responsibility to arrange for their
care if the parent not traveling is unable to care for them during that
time.
iii. When the traveling parent returns, the normal parenting schedule will
resume.
8. Review of Parenting Plan:
We will confer and review every year from the date of divorce our
parenting plan as to its adequacy, feasibility and appropriateness in
light of M/r/am, Jared and Lydia's ages and developmental needs.
9. Decisions and other factors that affect Miriam, Jared, and Lydia's
welfare:
We will refrain from making disparaging remarks about the other,
his/her partner and his/her chosen life directly to Miriam, Jared, and
Lydia or within their hearing.
ii.
We agree that all major decisions regarding Miriam, Jared, and Lydia
shall be made by both of us. Neither of us will act unilaterally, but
rather discuss it together first before letting M/rim, Jared, and Lydia
know what has been decided.
iii.
The parent-in-charge shall make decisions regarding the day-to-day
care and control of Miriam, Jared, and Lydia while they are residing
with him or her.
iv.
In a medical emergency the parent-in-charge may seek medical
treatment for Miriam, Jared, and Lydia and must inform the other
parent as soon as possible thereafter.
We agree to notify the other as soon as possible in the event of an
illness (fever, accident or illness requiring medical attention) of the
child(ren) that occurs while they are/n that parent's care. If Miriam,
Jared, and Lydia become sick before a scheduled transfer to the other
parent, we will talk about it and work out together the best thing to do.
vi. Each of us agrees to tell the other parent in advance of any necessary
changes in our parenting schedule.
vii. Each of us agrees to be reasonably flexible in trading off time sharing
with Miriam, Jared, and Lydia to accommodate the other parent's
needs.
viii.Each of us agrees to prepare Miriam, Jared, and Lydia in a positive
way for each upcoming transfer to and time with the other parent.
ix.
Each of us agrees to work out our problems with the other parent in
private, not to conduct adult business in Miriam, Jared, and Lydia's
presence, including at the time we transfer them between us..
x. Each of us agrees not to use Miriam, Jared, and Lydia as confidants,
messengers, bill collectors, or spies.
xi. Each of us agrees to overcome the temptation to enlist Miriam, Jared,
and Lydia on our side of any issue.
xii. Each of us agrees to listen caringly, but to encourage Miriam, Jared,
and Lydia to work out problems with the other parent directly.
xiii. We agree that each parent will have equal access to and notice of all
of Miriam, Jared, and Lydia's school notices whatever they may be,
and of all of their medical or recreational notices whatever they may
be, as welt as any other notice which concerns them. We agree that we
will both inform Miriam, Jared, and Lydia's schools, doctors,
recreational authorities and whatever other authorities concern them to
give notice to both of us.
Each parent will keep the other informed about conversations with
doctors, dentists, o~thodontists, teachers, etc., as they relate to
Miriam, Jared, and Lydia's welfare.
mv.Important social events and extra-curricular activities of special merit
will be significant to Miriam, Jared, and Lydia. We agree that both of
us may attend these events and activities.
xv. Prior to enrolling Miriam, Jared, and Lydia in extra-cumcular activities
we will decide together which extra-curricular activities they will
become involved with, and allow our children's input prior to making
out decision.
xvi.We agree to maintain school, homework, and extra-curricular activities
during the time Miriam, Jared, and Lydia is with each of us by
providing transportation and making other necessary arrangements.
xvii.Prior to enrolling Miriam, Jared, and Lydia in any schools we will
decide together which schools they will attend.
xviii.At all times, each of us will keep the other informed of our place of
residence and phone number, and shall promptly notify the other of any
changes.
mx. We will both encourage Miriam, Jared, and Lydia to communicate
with us while they are at the other's home at all times via letters,
telephone or e-mail.
xx. In the event either of us moves his/her residence to a distance greater
than a two hundred (200) mile radius of the other parent's residence,
then the provisions of the Parenting Section of this Marital Settlement
Agreement shall no longer apply and shall have to be renegotiated.
xxi. Should any change in circumstances occur affecting access to either
parent, we shall consider the terms of this Parenting Section of this
8
Matrimonial Settlement Agreement in light of the then existing
circumstances. These may include but are not limited to physical or
mental disability, work schedule changes, financial status changes. We
shall make every effort to facilitate continued access to both parents in
as close to the time proportions as the present arrangement, taking all
factors into consideration.
xxii. We will resolve issues surrounding a parent's new partner as follows:
a. Miriam, Jared, and Lydia will always know that we are their
parents, regardless of their attachment to a parent's new partner.
b. Miriam, Jared, and Lydia will refer to new partners by anytlfing that
the children are comfortable with.
Any new partner will participate in decisions regarding Miriam,
Jared, and Lydia as follows: Steven and Amy will have the final
say in decisions.
d. In the event of Amy's remamage, Miriam, Jared, and Lydia will
keep Steven's last name.
xxiii. The Parenting Section of this Marital Settlement Agreement is not
intended to be affected by the remarriage of either parent.
xxiv. In the event of the death of one parent, the other parent shall have
sole custody of Miriam, Jared, and Lydia.
IlL Alimony
A. Alimony Payments:
Steven agrees to pay to Amy, Rehabilitative Alimony for education
expenses, in the amount of Two Hundred ($200.00) Dollars per week,
for a period of four (4) years, beginning the date of divorce. Payment
shall be made twice per month, each payment in the amount of Four
Hundred Thirty-Three ($433.33) Dollars and Thirty-Three Cents.
Payment shall be payable to Amy, by check mailed to her residence, or
auto-deposited into her checking account.
ii.
This alimony payment is intended to be and shall be alimony and, as
such, taxable income to Amy and included in her gross income under
Section 71(b)(l)(b) and a deduction to Steven under Section 215 of the
Internal Revenue Code 1986, as amended. Steven and Amy agree to
treat the payment for federal income purposes consistently with this
designation.
B. Standard of Livine Durin~ the Marria~,e:
1. Amy and Steven agree that the standard of living for both of them will be
less after the divorce. They further agree that this is the best that they can
do given that their income levels are decreased from what it was during
the marriage, and they are now supporting two households.
Termination of Alimony: Subject to the above, Steven's alimony obligation
to Amy shall continue until the first happening of any of the following events,
at which time Steven's alimony obhgation shall automatically terminate:
1. If Amy voluntarily leaves school for a period of four (4) months except for
instances ofilhiess or disability of herself or one of the children;
2. Death of Amy;
3. Death of Steven;
However, nothing herein contained shall be deemed to reheve Steven's
estate of any obhgations incurred hereunder by Steven and vested with
Amy prior to Steven's death. Thus, any alimony that shall be due as of
the date of death shall continue to be payable for any time per/od after
said date of death. Should Amy predecease Steven, then and in that
event, Amy, for herself, her heirs, executors, administrators and
assigns, hereby agrees that all rights for alimony, except as provided in
this subparagraph, shall terminate.
4. Termination of Steven's alimony obligation by agreement or Court Order.
10
D. Insured and Uninsured Medical, Dental and Prescriotion Exoenses of
Steven and Amy:
As of the date of divorce Steven and Amy waive all future rights to require
the other to provide for or contribute to each other's medical, dental or
prescription expenses, and agree that they shall be solely responsible for
their own future insured or uninsured medical, dental and prescription
needs incurred after the date of divorce.
Cobra: Notwithstanding any of the above, Amy reserves any rights she
may have under Steven's health insurance policy or policies to maintain or
purchase such insurance on her own behalf, whether such right or option
consists of a COBRA election or otherwise, and Steven shall furnish
simultaneously with the execution of this Matrimonial Settlement
Agreement any and all information pertinent to the purchase of such health
insurance.
IV,Child Suooort, Medical Exoenses of Children, and Education of Children
A. Child Suooort:
Because Miriam lives at Children's Specialized Hospital and all of her
support is covered by Medicaid and Health Insurance, our Child Support
agreement only applies to Jared and Lydia.
Steve will pay to Amy Three Hundred Seventy-Five ($375.00) Dollars per
week in child support. Payment shall be made twice per month, each
payment in the amount of Eight Hundred Twelve ($812.50) Dollars and
Fifty Cents. Payment shall be payable to Amy, by check mailed to her
residence, or auto-deposited into her checking account.
In addition to the weekly child support amount, Steven will also pay to
Amy as additional child support, Twenty-Five (25%) Per Cent of his gross
commissions, on a quarterly basis. Steven shall make the quarterly
payment to Amy by the last day of the month following the end of each
quarter (e.g., April 30, July 31, October 31, and January 31). Payment
shall be payable to Amy, by check mailed to her residence, or
auto-deposited into her checking account. Each year by April 30th,
Steven shall send to Amy a copy of his Federal Income Tax Schedule C
11
for the previous year; such Schedule C to show the total amount of
commissions received by Steven for the previous year.
4. Steven and Amy's weekly child support amount is above that required by
the New Jersey Child Support guidelines as revised in 1997. They wish to
use this increased amount because they feel that it is appropriate for their
situation and their children.
B. Rene~otiation of Child Suooort: Steven and Amy agree to renegotiate the
child support amount every two years from the date of divorce. We further
agree to apply the New Jersey Child Support Gnidelmes, if apphcable, to
reach our agreement, or otherwise apply the then apphcable New Jersey State
statutes pertaining to child support.
1. Steven and Amy recognize that although the Child Support Guidelines do
not apply to a child attending college, the New Jersey State statutes
pertaining to child support do apply. Therefore, Miriam, Jared, or Lydia's.
attendance at college will be considered a triggering event to recalculate
the child support obligation, taking into consideration all of the
circumstances at that time.
C. Calculatint and Pavin~ Prol~ortional Share:
Wherever in this Matrimonial Settlement Agreement Steven and Amy
have agreed to share expenses proportional to their income, they shall
determine the proportion by looking to a child support worksheet to be run
for that year, at page 1, line 6, "Percentage Share of Income" to determine
their respective ptoportional share of all expenses they have agreed to
share proportionally in this Agreement. If a current child support
worksheet reflecting proportional incomes is not available, then Steven
and Amy shall determine proportional share in the following manner:
Steven's proportional share: divide Steven's total gross income by the
sum of Steven and Amy's total gross income. Multiply the result by the
expense to be shared for Steven's proportionate share.
12
ii. Amy's proportional share: divide Amy's total gross income by the sum
of Steven and Amy's total gross income. Multiply the result by the
expense to be shared for Amy's proportionate share.
Whenever possible Steven and Amy shall pay their proportional share
directly to the provider; if that is not possible, then whoever pays a bill to
be proportionally shared will send a copy of the bill to the other indicating
the proportional share due. Payment of proportional share shall be
delivered by mail or in person to the parent who incurred the bill within
ten days after receipt of the bill.
D. Work-Related Child Care and/or Summer Camo:
1. Although we do not have work-related child care or summer camp costs at
this tune, we agree that if either one of us wishes to raise this issue in the
future, the other agrees to deal with the issue, agreement not to be
unreasonably withheld.
E. Children's Insured and Uninsured Medical, Dental and Prescriotion
Exoenses:
1. Children's Health Insurance:
So long as Steven is covered by health insurance through his employer,
Steven shall provide health insurance coverage for the unemancipated
children. If this situation should change, then Steven and Amy agree to
re-negotiate how to cover the children under health insurance.
ii.
We will choose medical professionals for the children together, and
with flexibility because of the distance between our residences. This
does not apply in a medical emergency.
2. Children's Unreimbursed or Uninsured Medical, Dental, Oofical and
Theraoeutic Exoenses Includin~ Extraordinary or Elective Medical,
Dental or Orthodontic, Hosoital, and Prescriotion Drm, Exoenses:
In accordance with the New Jersey Child Support Guidelines Amy
shall be responsible for the first $250 per child per year unreimbursed
or uninsured medical, dental, optical and therapeutic expenses,
including extraordinary or elective medical, dental or orthodontic,
13
hospital, and prescription drag expenses. Steven and Amy agree to
share such unreimbursed or uninsured expenses in excess of $250 per
child per year proportional to income.
F. Children's Emergency Medical Care: In a medical emergency the
parent-in-charge may seek medical treatment and must inform the other
parent as soon as possible thereafter.
G. Children's College Education:
We agree to share proportional to income, the college or trade school
expenses of Jared and Lydia according to what we are able to afford at the
time. Further, we agree to so share college expenses so long as Jared or
Lydia attends college or trade school within sixteen months, or longer by
mutual agreement between Steven and Amy, after graduating high school,
and attends college or trade school full-time, graduating within four years3
or longer by mutual agreement of Steven and Amy, exceptions being made
for illness and accidents, and other reasons within the mutual discretion of
Steven and Amy.
We agree, for purposes of this agreement, to define college or trade
school expenses as room and board, tuition, fees and books, SAT
exams, application fees, transportation to and fxom school and home,
and a computer, if necessary.
ii.
We further agree that this agreement in no way waives our parental
prerogatives regarding college or trade school selection and attendance.
We acknowledge that we both have the right to equal input into the
selection of which college or trade school our children will attend. We
will share with each other all information regarding which colleges or
trade schools Jared and Lydia are contemplating,
iii.
We agree that we are agreeing to share expenses of a college or trade
school which we can afford at the time. We further agree that if Jared
or Lydia wish to choose a different, more expensive college or trade
school, then that child will pay for the difference between what we can
afford and the college or trade school the child wants.
14
We further agree that Jared and Lydia are required to exhaust their
scholarships and tuition loans before we contribute to their college
expenses. We will give each other copies of apphcations for student
loans and scholarships and the replies to such applications prior to
reaching final agreement on our yearly share of college or trade school
expenses.
a. We agree that each of us shall provide timely financial information
as required for financial aid and scholarship applications.
H. Emancioation/Terminafion of Child Suuuort Oblieation
Steven and Amy's obligation to make child support payments, child care
expenses, insured or uninsured medical or dental expenses, or educational
expenses shall terminate as the children are emancipated. However,
Steven and Amy acknowledge that they have been informed by their
mediator and their attorneys that the child support set forth in their
Matrimonial Settlement Agreement is based on the child support
guidelines in effect on or about the date of their Matrimonial Settlement
Agreement, and that where there are two or more children, the
emancipation of a child will not result in a proportionate reduction of the
support order. Instead, the amount of child support shall be recalculated
based upon the guidelines in effect at the time of emancipation and upon
the remaining unemancipated child or children. Emancipation shall be
defined and deemed to occur at the earliest happening of the following
events:
i. Reaching eighteen (18) years of age; except,
ii.
if a child attends college or trade school, completion of four (4)
academic years of college education within a reasonable period of time,
or interruption of the college or trade school education for an
unjustifiable cause; or
iii. if a child undertakes vocational training, at the completion of such
training, but in no event to exceed four (4) years of such training; or
15
iv. marriage of a child, even though such marriage may be void or
voidable and despite any annulment thereof;
permanent residence away from the residence of the primmy custodial
parent. Residence at boarding school, camp or college shall not be
deemed to be a residence away from the residence of the primary
custodial parent and thus shall not be deemed an emancipation event;
or
vi. death of a child; or
vii. entry into the Armed Forces of the United States, whether voluntary or
involuntary; or
viii.engaging in full-time employment upon or after the attainment by a
child of eighteen (18) years of age, except that engagement by a child
in partial employment shall not be deemed emancipation and
engagement by a child in full-time employment during vacation and
summer periods shall not be deemed emancipation;
ix.
additionally, the obligation of Steven to make any payments on behalf
of the child(ren) shall terminate upon the death of Steven. However,
nothing herein shall be deemed to relieve Steven's estate of any
obhgation incurred hereunder by Steven's estate and vested with Amy
prior to Steven's death. Thus, any payments of child support or
child-related expenses, such as, by way of example and not of
limitation, child care expenses, insured or uninsured medical/dental
expenses, educational expenses that shall be due as of the date of death
shall continue to be payable, although there shall be no obligation to
make payments for any time period after the date of death.
V. Garnishment of Waues:
A. Steven agrees that if he becomes fourteen (14) days late in the payment of
child support and/or alimony, then Amy has the option of having future child
support and/or alimony payments made by way of wage garnishment through
Probation. Steven also agrees that he will pay all costs associated with
16
placement of the wage garnishment including but not limited to, Amy's legal
fees and court costs.
VI.Verification of Income:
A. Steven and Amy agree that they shall exchange copies of all W-2 and 1099
statements of income annually, on or before April 15th of each year, ending
when the children are emancipated and alimony ceases.
VII.Life Insurance
A. Steven has the following four life insurance policies with The Guardian Life
Insurance Company:
1. A whole life policy, with a face amount of $500,000.00, and a cash value
of $174.00 as of 11/5/02. Amy owns this policy.
2. A whole life policy, with a face amount of $225,000.00, and a zero cash
value as of 11/5/02. Amy owns this policy.
3. A term pohcy, with a face amount of $750,000.00. Michael J. Trigili,
Trustee, owns this policy.
A "life paid up at 96" policy, with a face amount of $25,277.00, and a
cash value of $1,318.00 as of 11/5/02. Michael J. Trigili, Trustee, owns
this policy.
B. Amy has the following two life insurance policies with The Guardian Life
Insurance Company:
1. A term policy with a face amount of $200,000.00. Amy owns this policy.
2. A "life paid up at 96" policy, with a face amount of $50,734.00, and a
cash value of $2,446.00 as of 11/5/02.
C~ Distribution of Life Insurance Cash Values
1. Amy and Steven agree to equalize the cash values of the three life
insurance polices with Guardian Life Insurance Company that have cash
17
value. To do this Amy will cash out her "life paid up at 96" life insurance
pohcy no later than sixty (60) days of the date of divorce. They will
obtain the cash value of the remaining two life insurance policies cash
value as of the date that Amy cashes out her policy. Steven shall receive
one-half of the difference between the cash values of his two policies and
the cash value of Amy's pohcy, assuming that the value of Amy's policy
remains in excess of the value of Steven's two policies. If Amy incurs an
income tax upon the mount paid to Steven, Steven shall reimburse her for
the tax attributable to the amount paid to him.
D. Life Insurance to Secure Alimony:
So long as Steven has an obligation under this agreement to pay alimony
to Amy, Steven and Amy agree that Steven will maintain One Hundred
Thousand ($100,000.00) Dollars in life insurance upon his life naming
Amy as beneficiary.
Steven shall maintain all premiums for the above insurance and shall
annually provide Amy with proof that the insurance remains in force and
that the beneficiary designation remains as required. Additionally, by his
signature on this Agreement, Steven gives his authorized consent to Amy
to contact directly his insurance company for verification of the existence
of the required insurance and beneficiary designation, and authorizes his
insurance company to provide the information necessary to corroborate
the satisfaction of the provisions of this Agreement.
3. Steven's obligation to maintain this insurance shall terminate upon the
termination of his obhgation to provide alimony.
During the time that Steven is required to maintain such life insurance,
Steven agrees that there will be no hypothecation, borrowing or
encumbrances of any kind upon the policy or policies, or allow any act to
be done that detracts from the death benefits of said insurance or from the
face value thereof so long as this insurance is required to be maintained.
5. In the event that Steven fails to maintain the hfe insurance coverage
required by the Matrimonial Settlement Agreement, any amounts that Amy
18
and/or the children would have received had the required coverage been
maintained shall be paid out of Steven's estate.
E. Steven's Life Insurance For The Children:
If Steven's obligation to provide alimony ceases while Jared, and/or Lydia
remains unemancipated, Steven and Amy agree that when he removes
Amy as beneficiary of his life insurance policy or policies as set forth
above, he will simultaneously irrevocably name Jared and/or Lydia as
beneficiary with Amy as trustee for Jared and/or Lydia.
So long as Jared and Lydia are unemancipated, Steven agrees to maintain
Nine Hundred Thousand ($900,000.00) Dollars in life insurance upon his
life irrevocably naming Jared and Lydia as beneficiaries with Amy as
trustee for Jared and Lydia.
By entering into this Matrimonial Settlement Agreement and consenting
hereto, Steven, as Grantor, creates a trust for the benefit of Jared and
Lydia with the life insurance proceeds as described herein naming Amy as
Trustee. If Jared and/or Lydia becomes entitled to a share of the life
insurance proceeds placed in trust for them, such share shall be held by the
Trustee, in trust, for the following uses and purposes: To manage, invest
and reinvest the same, to collect the income and to apply the net income
and principal for such minor's care, support, maintenance, education and
general welfare, to such extent and at such time or times and in such
manner as the Trustee, in its sole and absolute discretion, deems
advisable, until all such minor children become emancipated, and
thereupon to transfer, convey and pay over the principal of the trust, as it
is then constituted, in equal shares among the children of the marriage.
Any such application may be made without bond, without intervention of
any guardian, without order of court, without regard to the duty of any
person to support such minor child(ten), and without regard to any other
fimds, which may be available for the purpose. Any net income not so
applied shall be accumulated and added to the principal of the trust at least
annually and thereafter shall be held, administered and disposed of as part
thereof.
4. Steven shall maintain all premiums for the above insurance and shall
annually, by January 31 of each year, provide Amy with proof that the
19
insurance remains in force and that the beneficiary designation remains as
required. Additionally, by his signature on this Matrimonial Settlement
Agreement, Steven gives his authorized consent to Amy to contact directly
his insurance company for verification of the existence of the required
insurance and beneficiary designation, and authorizes his insurance
company to provide the information necessary to corroborate the
satisfaction of the provisions of this Matrimonial Settlement Agreement.
5. Steven's obligation to maintain this insurance shall terminate upon the
termination of his obligation to provide child support.
During the time that Steven is required to maintain such life insurance,
Steven agrees that there will be no hypothecation, borrowing or
encumbrances of any kind upon the policy or policies, or allow any act to
be done that detracts from the death benefits of said policy or from the
face value thereof so long as this insurance is requ/red to be maintained.
In the event that Steven fails to maintain the life insurance coverage
required by the Matrimonial Settlement Agreement, any amounts that Amy
and/or the children would have received had the required coverage been
maintained shall be paid out of Steven's estate.
F. Amy's Life Insurance for the Children:
So long as Jared and Lydia are unemancipated, Steven agrees to maintain
Two Hundred Thousand ($200,000.00) Dollars in life insurance upon
Amy's life irrevocably naming Jared and Lydia as beneficiaries with
Steven as trustee for Jared and Lydia.
By entering into this Matrimonial Settlement Agreement and consenting
hereto, Steven, as Grantor, creates a trust for the benefit of Jared and
Lydia with the life insurance proceeds as described herein naming Steven
as Trustee. If Jared and/or Lydia becomes entitled to a share of the life
insurance proceeds placed in trust for them, such share shall be held by the
Trustee, in trust, for the following uses and purposes: To manage, invest
and reinvest the same, to collect the income and to apply the net income
and principal for such minor's care, support, maintenance, education and
general welfare, to such extent and at such time or times and in such
manner as the Trustee, in its sole and absolute discretion, deems
20
advisable, until all such minor children become emancipated, and
thereupon to transfer, convey and pay over the principal of the trust, as it
is then constituted, in equal shares among the children of the marriage.
Any such application may be made without bond, without intervention of
any guardian, without order of court, without regard to the duty of any
person to support such minor, and without regard to any other funds,
which may be available for the purpose. Any net income not so applied
shall be accumulated and added to the principal of the trust at least
annually and thereafter shall be held, administered and disposed of as part
thereof.
3. Steven's obligation to maintain this insurance shall terminate upon the
termination of his obligation to provide child support.
During the time that Steven is required to maintain such life insurance,
Amy agrees that there will be no hypothecation, borrowing or
encumbrances of any kind upon the policy or policies, or allow any act to
be done that detracts from the death benefits of said policy or from the
face value thereof so long as this insurance is required to be maintained.
G. Life Insurance on the Lives of the Children:
Steven has a life insurance pohcy each on Miriam and Jared's life. Steven
also agrees that he shall obtain a life insurance policy upon the life of
Lydia within sixty (60) days of the date of divorce. Amy and Steven
agree that Steven will maintain these three policies until each child reaches
twenty-one (21) years of age. During the time period of Steven's
obligation to maintain these policies, in the event of the death of any of
their children, the death benefit of the life insurance policy shall be used to
cover the death related expenses for the deceased child.
VIII.Taxes
A. 2002 Income Taxes: Steven and Amy agree to file joint income tax returns
for the tax year 2002, sharing equally any taxes owed or refunds received.
B. Exemptions: Steven and Amy agree that each year they shall share their
children as deductions for federal and state income tax purposes. While all
three children are unemancipated, Amy will claim two children in odd years,
21
Steven will claim one child in odd years, Steven will claim two children in
even years, and Amy will claim one child in even years. When two children
remain as dependents, Steven and Amy will each claim one child as a
deduction, and when only one child remains as a dependent, they shall
alternate taking the child as a deduction until he or she becomes emancipated.
They agree that if in any given year taking the child(ren) as a deduction yields
no tax benefit to one of them, then that parent will give the deduction(s) to the
other parent who would benefit. We agree to execute such documents as may
be necessary on an annual basis to effectuate the waiver(s) as expressed
herein.
IX.E~luitable Distribution
A. Marital Home:
1. Steven and Amy acknowledge that they own as tenants by the entirety real
property at 56 Standish Road, Little Silver, New Jersey. This real estate
was used during the marriage as the marital home.
i. We have a first mortgage with First Savings Bank, with a balance of
$341,781.97 as of 1/1/02.
ii. We have a home equity line with Bank One, with a balance of
$44,852.38 as of 10/31/02.
iii.
Fair Market Value: Amy and Steven listed the marital home for sale
with a broker for approximately one month in early 2003. They
received two offers for the real estate, in the amounts of $477,000.00
and $489,000.00. They were advised by the real estate broker not to
accept an offer lower than $500,000.00. They have not otherwise
obtained a written appraisal of the marital home's fair market value,
They are confident that they can rely upon the listing broker's statement
of value of their marital home's fair market value as being accurate, and
freely choose to do so, and freely and knowingly choose not to have
any other appraisals performed and submitted to them in writing.
Therefore, they agree that the fair market value of their marital home
for equitable distribution purposes is Five Htmdred Thousand
($500,000.00) Dollars.
22
2. Distribution of Marital Home:
Amy and Steven agree that Steven shall purchase Amy's one-half
interest in the marital home, and Steven shall pay Amy Fifty Thousand
($50,000.00) Dollars of the net equity of the marital home as they
define it below. Steven and Amy shall transfer tifle to the marital home
to Steven by Bargain and Sale Deed, along with an Affidavit of Title,
t~ee and clear of all liens and judgments except for the mortgage in
Steveffs name with Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Inc., no later than
the date of divorce. Steveffs attorney shall be responsible for
preparation of the Bargain and Sale Deed and recording of title.
ii.
Net Eouitv of Marital Home: Steven and Amy agree to calculate the
net equity of their mahtal home in the following manner: the balances
of their first mortgage with First Savings Bank, their home equity line
with Bank One, and the unsecured line of credit with Somerset Valley
Bank, having an aggregate balance of $401,002.00 as of the value
dates listed in this Memorandum of Understanding, shall be subtracted
from their agreed fair market value of $500,000.00. They further agree
that Amy's share of the net equity is Fifty Thousand ($50,000.00)
Dollars.
iii.
Steven and Amy also agree that no later than the date of divorce,
Steven shall refinance into his name only their first mortgage with First
Savings Bank, their home equity line of credit with Bank One, and the
unsecured line of credit with Somerset Valley Bank. Steven was
approved for a first mortgage in his name with Wells Fargo Home
Mortgage, Inc., in the approx/mate amount of $445,000.00, with an
anticipated closing date in March, 2003. Steven shall give to Amy
whtten proof that their first mortgage with First Savings Bank and their
home equity line of credit with Bank One have been paid in full no
later than the date of divorce.
iv.
Payment of Amy's Net Etluitv: Amy and Steven agree that Steven
shall pay to Amy Fifty Thousand ($50,000.00) Dollars as her share of
the net equity of the marital home in the following manner:
a. Steven shall pay to Amy Forty Thousand ($40,000.00) Dollars
within five (5) days after he closes his mortgage with Wells Fargo
23
Home Mortgage, Inc. Amy agrees that when she receives payment
of the $40,000.00, she shall pay off the balance of the Disney
Timeshare mortgage, as further contained herein, below.
Steven shall rollover to Amy t5om his 401(k) with the Trustees of
the International Planning Alliance 401k Plan of The Guardian Life
Insurance Company of America, the amount of Five Thousand
($5,000.00) Dollars. This $5,000.00 amount is comprised of
$3,800.00 of the marital home net equity which Steven owes to
Amy, plus an additional agreed upon income tax amount of
$1,200.00 to cover the income taxes that Amy will incur when she
withdraws these funds from her qualified plan. The agreed upon
income tax factor is 31.58%. The rollover shall be into a qualified
plan for Amy, and the details of the rollover are stated under the
"Distribution of Retirement Accounts" section herein, below.
Steven agrees to pay to Amy the remaining balance of Six
Thousand Two Hundred ($6,200.00) Dollars, under the following
terms: Five Hundred ($500.00) Dollars per month for Twelve (12)
months, with the remaining payment in the thirteenth month in the
amount of Two Hundred ($200.00) Dollars, all at no interest.
Steven shall make the monthly payment no later than the thirtieth
(30th) day of each month, beginning in the month in which Amy
transfers title of the marital home to Steven, by check payable to
Amy, and separate from Steven's monthly alimony payment to Amy.
Effective the date that Amy transfers title of the marital home to Steven
and prior to the refinance into his name, Steven agrees to continue to
pay and to be solely responsible for the mortgage, home equity line of
credit, taxes, and any other expense related to the marital home, and
agrees to indemnify Amy for any loss she might sustain as a result of
his default upon said mortgage or home equity line of credit, or his
non-payment of any indebtedness incurred in connection with the
marital home. In addition to the expenses Steven is to pay with regard
to the marital home, he shall also be responsible for maintaining home
owner's insurance comparable to the coverage held during the
marriage.
24
vi. Steven and Amy represent to each other that neither of them have
incurred any other liens, loans, and/or mortgages against the marital
home which have not been disclosed herein to the other.
B. Distribution of Disney Timeshare:
Amy and Steven own an undivided 0.4323% interest in Unit 29C of the
Disney Vacation Club at Disney's BoardWalk Villas, a leasehold
condominium. They have a mortgage upon this property with a balance of
approximately $5,300.00 as of 11/20/02. They both have been advised by
the mediator that they have the right to have this property valued, and they
choose to waive this right.
Steven and Amy agree that Amy shall keep the Disney Timeshare, and
Steven waives all right, title and interest that he may have in this asset.
Amy agrees that when she receives payment of the $40,000.00 from
Steven as part payment of her share of the mahtal home net equity as
detailed above, she shall pay offthe balance of the Disney Timeshare
mortgage from her share of the marital home net proceeds. Amy shall
provide Steven with proof that the Disney Timeshare mortgage has
been paid in full no later than sixty (60) days after the payment has
been made as provided for herein. After Amy pays offthe Disney
Timeshare mortgage, Steven agrees that he will cooperate with her in
deeding into Amy his title to the Disney Timeshare.
C. Distribution of Shrewsbury Financial Partners. LLC:
Steven and a partner formed Shrewsbury Financial Partners, LLC in
approximately 8/02. Amy and Steven agree that this partnership is not
doing any business right now, and that it has no assets and no value.
i. Steven and Amy agree that Amy waives all rights, title or interest that
she may have in Shrewsbury Financial Partners, LLC.
D. Distribution of Retirement Accounts:
1. Steven has a 401(k) with the Trustees of the International Planning
Alliance 40 lk Plan of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America,
25
with a balance of $22,370.91 as of 9/3002. On 11/15/02 Steven borrowed
$10,000.00 f~om this plan.
Steven and Amy agree that they divided evenly between them the
proceeds of the $10,000.00 loan against Steven's 401(k) plan, and are
applying those funds to their mutual satisfaction. They agree that Amy
shall pay to Steven one-half of this $10,000.00 loan by foregoing her
equitable distribution share of the balance of this 401(k) plan, and that
Steven assumes full responsibility for repayment of the $10,000.00
loan without further recourse to Amy. HOWEVER, even though Amy
is foregoing her equitable disthbution share of the balance of this
401(k) plan, Steven shall rollover to a qualified plan for Amy, as part
of his buyout of Amy's share of the net equity of the marital home as
detailed herein above, the mount of Five Thousand ($5,000.00)
Dollars.
ii.
It is Amy and Steven's intent for Steven to rollover to a qualiOed
account for Amy this $5,000.00 amount without incurring penalty or
tax. If a Qualified Domestic Relations Order ("QDRO") is required to
roll Amy's $5,000.00 into another qualified plan for her, then the
QDRO shall be prepared by William Troyan, Inc., or whomever Steven
and Amy mutually decide, and the cost of preparation shall be shared
equally by both Amy and Steven. Amy's attorney shall be responsible
for arranging for the preparation of the QDRO.
iii.
Until such time as the Trustees of the International Plarm/ng Alliance
40 lk Plan of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America
accepts and implements the QDRO, or otherwise rolls Amy's
$5,000.00 into her qualified plan, Steven shall continne to maintain
Amy as beneficiary of the account. In the event that Steven fails to
maintain Amy as beneficiary as required, any amounts that Amy would
have received had the required beneficiaJy designation been maintained
shall be paid to Amy by Steven's estate, heirs, assigns, or benefited
third parties.
2. Steven has a SEP IRA with Aim Funds, with a value of $4,248.02 as of
9/30/02.
26
Steven and Amy agree that Steven will keep this SEP IRA with Aim
Funds, and Amy waives any claim, interest or title she might have in
this SEP IRA.
3. Amy has an IRA with Aim Funds, with a value of $3,035.02 as of 9/30/02.
Amy and Steven agree that Amy will keep this IRA with Aim Funds,
and Steven waives any claim, interest or title he might have in this
IRA.
E. Distribution of Investment Accounts:
1. Steven and Amy have a joint account with The Guardian Cash
Management Fund, with a value of $736.76 as of 11/15/02.
Amy and Steven agree that they closed this account in December,
2002, and that Amy applied the funds to their current joint expenses, to
their mutual satisfaction.
2. Amy and Steven have a joint account with Franklin, Templeton
Investments, with a value of$511.70 as of 9/30/02.
Steven and Amy agree to sell the shares held by the account, close the
account, and apply the funds to their joint current expenses to their
mutual satisfaction, no later than the date of divorce.
3. Amy and Steven have a joint account with MFS Investment Management,
with a share balance of $825.06 as of 9/30/02.
Steven and Amy agree to sell the shares held by the account, close the
account, and apply the funds to their joint current expenses to their
mutual satisfaction, no later than the date of divorce.
F. Distribution of CheckinR Accounts:
1, Steven and Amy have two joint checking accounts with Commerce Bank,
one with a balance of $3,612.95 as of 11/18/02, and the other with a
balance of 0.59 as of 11/18/02.
27
Amy and Steven agree that Steven will either close these accounts or
remove Amy's name from the accounts no later than the date of
divorce, and they agree that the funds in these accounts have been used
to their mutual satisfaction.
2. Amy and Steven each have their own separate checking and savings
accounts.
Steven and Amy agree that Amy shall keep their respective separate
checking and savings accounts, and each waives all rights, title or
claims of interest they might have in the other's accounts.
G. Disoosition of Automobiles:
Steven leases a Volvo V70 and a Volvo S80. Amy uses the Volvo V70,
and they anticipate that this lease will end in approximately October,
2003. Steven and Amy agree that Amy shall continue to use the Volvo
V70 that is leased to Steven, and that Steven will continue to make the
lease payments on this vehicle until the lease ends.
H. Disoosition of Children's Bank Accounts:
We agree that there are seven Series EE Bonds in Miriam's name with a
total face value of $950.00, four Series EE Bonds in Jared's name with a
total face value of $750.00, and one Series EE Bond in Lydia's name with
a face value orS100.00. Steven also is the custodian for a UTMA/NJ
account in Jared's name with a value of $994.22 as of 9/30/02.
Amy and Steven agree that Steven shall deposit the Series EE Bonds
for Miriam, Jared and Lydia into UTMA accounts for the children,
with Steven as the custodian. They fimher agree to share equally all
decisions on how they will apply these UTMA account funds for the
benefit of their children.
I. Distribution of Household Prooertv:
Steven and Amy's personal property will be divided between them as they
cooperatively decide. Each can then do whatever they wish with their
property.
28
J. Other Assets:
1. Steven and Amy agree that there are no other assets other than those listed
in this Matrimonial Settlement Agreement.
X. Non-Mortgage Debt
A. Steven has an unsecured line of credit with Somerset Valley Bank, with a
balance of $14,368.93 as of 11/13/02.
Steven and Amy agree that Steven is paying the balance of this unsecured
line of credit in full by refinancing it into his mortgage with Wells Fargo
Home Mortgage, Inc., as detailed in the "Distribution of Marital Home"
section herein, above. They further agree that Amy is reimbursing Steven
for one-half of this debt by reducing her share of the marital home equity,
and as detailed in the "Distribution of Marital Home" section heiein,
above.
B. Steven has a student loan with American Education Services, with a balance
of $13,790.17 as of 9/15/02.
1. Amy and Steven agree that Steven shall be responsible for the repayment
of this student loan, and Steven shall indemnify and hold Amy harmless
from this debt.
C. Amy has a student loan with America Education Services, with a balance of
$29,172.54 as of 11/5/02.
1. Steven and Amy agree that Amy shall be responsible for the repayment of
this student loan, and Amy shall indemnify and hold Steven harmless from
this debt.
D. Amy has a credit card with Bank One with a balance of $3,111.99 as of
10/15/02. Amy shall assume full responsibility for the repayment of this debt,
and shall indemnify and hold Steven harmless from this debt.
29
Steven has a Chase MasterCard account with a balance of $8,376.38 as of
10/14/02. Steven shall assume full responsibility for the repayment of this
debt, and shall indemnify and hold Amy harmless fi.om this debt,
Steven and Amy have an American Express credit card with a balance of
$2,480.88 as of 11/8/02. Steven shall remove Amy's name fi.om this credit
card no later than the date of divorce, and he shall assume full responsibility
for the repayment of this debt, and shall indemnify and hold Amy harmless
fi'om this debt,
Steven has a credit card with Direct Merchants Bank Titanium, with a
balance of $10,187.79 as of 11/6/02. Steven shall assume full responsibility
for the repayment of this debt, and shall indemnify and hold Amy harmless
fi.om this debt.
Steven and Amy have a Texaco credit card with a credit balance of $27.35 as
of 10/17/02. Steven shall remove Amy's name fi.om this account no later than
the date of divorce, and shall assume responsibility for payment of this credit
card.
Steven and Amy have a Macy's credit card with a balance of $68.30 as of
11/13/02, Steven shall remove Amy's name from this account no later than ·
the date of divorce, and shall assume responsibility for payment of this credit
card.
Steven and Amy agree that there are no other debts other than those listed in
this Matrimonial Settlement Agreement. We agree that any debts either of us
currently has or incurs in the future will be the sole obligation of the person
incurring the debt, except as we have specifically agreed in this Matrimonial
Settlement Agreement Each of us shall and does hold the other flee, harmless
and indemnified for any and all such obligations, now and in the future.
XI.Counsel Fees and Mediation Fees
l. Mediation Fee: The balance of mediation fees after 1/30/03 shall be
paid by Steven.
2. Legal Fees: Steven agrees to pay for both his and Amy's legal fees.
30
Xll. Mediation/Arbitration
1. If we are unable to agree on the application or interpretation of any pa~t of
our agreements, or if we are unable to negotiate any of the issues we agree
to negotiate in the future such as child support and college related issues,
or if there is a significant change in the status of either of us, we agree,
before cormnencing litigation, to make a diligent effort to resolve our
differences. If we cannot settle of these issues ourselves, we agree to
enter into mediation. We agree to share the costs of mediation equally.
We designate Joan M. Kugelmann as mediator, or another mediator we
agree upon. If we are unable to agree upon a mediator then we will each
choose a mediator and they will choose the mediator.
31
Xlll. Aooendix
A. Steven and Amy acknowledge that the following documents have been
exchanged between them and used in the mediation:
1. The last three year's tax returns
2. Wage stubs
3. All loan, credit card and bank statements showing the balance
4. Evidence of health and life insurance policies
5. Pension and Retirement Account Statements
6. Marital home documentation
7. Case Informati~ Statements
CONSISTING OF 32 PAGES TO BE INCORPORATED INTO OUR SUPPORT AND
PROPERTY SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT.
Ar6y 5~. Trigili
32