Marital Status Discrimination in Folsom, NJ Workplaces
Marital status discrimination remains a serious concern, despite strong protections in New Jersey. Regardless of whether you’re married, single, divorced, separated, engaged, or in a same-sex marriage, New Jersey law ensures that you have strong legal protections. If you believe you’ve been treated unfairly because of your marital status, Castronovo & McKinney, LLC is here to help.
Our attorneys specialize in marital status discrimination cases and have extensive experience advocating for clients in arbitration, administrative hearings, and state court proceedings. With a proven track record of success through both negotiation and litigation, we work relentlessly to protect your rights.
New Jersey Law Against Marital Status Discrimination
Under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD), employers cannot make decisions based on an employee’s marital status. This law provides essential protection against discrimination, including:
- Denial of hire
- Promotion denials
- Reassignments or demotions
- Termination based on marital status
Marital status discrimination also includes unfair treatment of employees with caregiving responsibilities or those with disabled spouses. Both mothers and fathers involved in child-rearing are protected, regardless of marital status.
The LAD guarantees that employees in Folsom, NJ, and throughout the state are safeguarded from workplace discrimination related to their marital status, ensuring a fairer and more equitable work environment.
Important Information About Marital Status Discrimination
It’s important to note that while the LAD prohibits marital status discrimination, it doesn’t prevent employers from instituting anti-nepotism policies. These policies may allow employers to reject or terminate employees due to familial relationships, including marriage, to a colleague.
Federal laws like the Equal Employment Opportunity laws don’t provide specific protections against marital status discrimination. However, employees with caregiving duties can find some protection under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the LAD. For instance, if an employee is terminated after taking FMLA-mandated leave, they may have grounds for legal action. While FMLA applies only to employers with 50 or more employees, the LAD covers all employers in New Jersey.
Under the LAD, employees are not required to file an administrative complaint before suing for marital status discrimination. To file a valid claim, employees must demonstrate:
- Membership in a protected class (e.g., married, single, engaged, separated, or divorced)
- That they met job performance expectations
- That they experienced adverse employment actions like termination, demotion, suspension, or denials of hiring/promotion
At Castronovo & McKinney, LLC, we are skilled at proving these claims and defending your employment rights. Whether through administrative procedures with the New Jersey Division of Civil Rights or litigation in state court, we pursue the best possible outcome for our clients through negotiation, arbitration, or litigation.
Damages in Marital Status Discrimination Claims
If we successfully resolve your claim, you may be entitled to several forms of compensation, including:
- Reinstatement
- Back pay
- Front pay
- Compensatory damages (e.g., emotional distress)
- Punitive damages
- Attorney’s fees and costs
Our experienced team will help you secure the compensation you deserve and protect your reputation in the process.
Contact Castronovo & McKinney for Legal Help in Folsom, NJ
If you believe your employer is discriminating against you because of your marital status, contact Castronovo & McKinney, LLC. Our skilled employment attorneys will vigorously represent your rights. We work on a contingency basis, so we only get paid if you receive compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward asserting your rights.