Marital Status Discrimination in Bergen County, NJ Workplaces
Marital status discrimination is prohibited under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD), but it still occurs in workplaces throughout Bergen County. Employers cannot make employment decisions based on whether you are married, single, divorced, separated, engaged, widowed, or in a same-sex marriage. If you have been treated unfairly because of your marital status, Castronovo & McKinney, LLC can help you protect your rights and pursue compensation.
Legal Representation for Marital Status Discrimination Claims
Castronovo & McKinney, LLC represents employees in marital status discrimination claims throughout New Jersey. Our attorneys handle cases before the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights, in arbitration, and in state court. We evaluate every case carefully and pursue the strategy best suited to your situation, whether through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or litigation.
New Jersey Law Protecting Employees from Marital Status Discrimination
The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD) prohibits employers from making employment decisions based on an employee’s marital status. Illegal employment actions may include:
- Refusing to hire a qualified applicant
- Denying promotions or advancement opportunities
- Demoting or reassigning an employee
- Terminating employment
- Taking other adverse actions because of marital status
LAD also protects employees with caregiving responsibilities and employees whose spouses have disabilities. These protections apply equally to mothers and fathers, regardless of their marital status.
Understanding Your Legal Rights
While New Jersey law provides broad protection against marital status discrimination, employers may still enforce lawful anti-nepotism policies in certain situations involving family members working together.
Although federal law does not specifically prohibit marital status discrimination, employees may have additional protections under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) when discrimination involves family caregiving or protected leave. Unlike the FMLA, which generally applies only to employers with 50 or more employees, the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination applies much more broadly to employers throughout the state.
To establish a marital status discrimination claim under LAD, an employee generally must demonstrate:
- They are a member of a protected class based on marital status (married, single, divorced, separated, engaged, or widowed)
- They were qualified for and performing their job satisfactorily
- They experienced an adverse employment action, such as termination, demotion, suspension, failure to hire, or denial of promotion
- Their marital status was a motivating factor in the employer’s decision
Our attorneys build strong cases by gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, reviewing employment records, and holding employers accountable through administrative proceedings or litigation when necessary.
Compensation Available in Marital Status Discrimination Cases
If your claim is successful, you may be entitled to recover compensation that includes:
- Reinstatement to your position
- Back pay
- Front pay
- Compensation for emotional distress
- Punitive damages when permitted by law
- Attorney’s fees and litigation costs
Castronovo & McKinney, LLC works to recover the maximum compensation available while protecting your career and professional reputation.
Contact a Bergen County, NJ Marital Status Discrimination Attorney
If you believe your employer discriminated against you because of your marital status, Castronovo & McKinney, LLC is ready to help. We represent employees throughout Bergen County and across New Jersey on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your legal options.
