Debra Pascale, Plaintiff-Appellant and Cross-Respondent v. James Pascale, Defendant-Respondent and Cross-Appellant

Summary

The Supreme Court of New Jersey affirmed the trial court's child‑support order and held that the Pascales' joint‑legal‑custody arrangement is a traditional custody arrangement, giving the primary caretaker authority over the disbursement of child support. The Court also held that both stock‑option grants awarded to Debra shortly after the divorce filing are marital assets subject to equitable distribution. The decision rests on the best‑interest‑of‑the‑child standard and the discretion afforded to trial courts under the Child Support Guidelines and N.J.S.A. 2A:34‑23.