Under New Jersey’s Law Against Discrimination (LAD), employees in Atlantic City are protected from workplace discrimination based on marital status. This includes individuals who are single, married, divorced, separated, or in same-sex relationships. Employers are prohibited from using marital status as a factor in hiring, firing, promotions, or other job-related decisions.
What Qualifies as Marital Status Discrimination?
Discrimination based on marital status happens when employers make assumptions or decisions influenced by an employee’s personal relationships. Examples include:
- Denying a promotion due to a pending divorce
- Withdrawing a job offer over perceived caregiving responsibilities
- Penalizing someone for being unmarried, cohabiting, or in a same-sex civil union
- Favoring married employees over single or divorced workers
These actions violate New Jersey law. Our attorneys help clients pursue remedies such as reinstatement, back pay, and damages when employers cross the line.
Anti-nepotism policies are permitted under New Jersey law and may restrict close family members from working in the same department or supervisory chain. However, these policies cannot be selectively enforced or used as a pretext to discriminate based on marital status. If an employer applies such rules unevenly—targeting only certain employees due to their relationship status—it may violate the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD). Our attorneys examine whether these policies are genuinely neutral or being used to justify unlawful treatment.
Representing Workers in Atlantic City
Employees in Atlantic City who are treated unfairly because of their marital status or caregiving responsibilities may have legal grounds to act. Discrimination claims often involve complex issues—employer intent, policy interpretation, and proof of unequal enforcement. Our legal team manages every aspect of the case, including:
- Reviewing internal policies and practices
- Investigating discriminatory treatment
- Collecting evidence and witness statements
- Negotiating with employers
- Litigating when necessary to enforce your rights
We represent workers throughout Atlantic City facing workplace discrimination and work to secure remedies available under state law.
If your employer has treated you differently because of your marital status, you may have a valid legal claim. New Jersey law allows you to file a lawsuit without first going through an administrative agency. That means you can take direct legal action as soon as discrimination occurs.
Building a Marital Status Discrimination Case
To bring a successful claim, you must show:
- You are part of a protected class (e.g., single, married, divorced, or in a same-sex civil union)
- You were meeting your employer’s expectations
- You experienced a negative employment action—such as termination, demotion, or loss of advancement
- Your marital status influenced your employer’s decision
Our attorneys handle these cases by gathering documents, identifying key witnesses, and developing strategies aimed at proving discriminatory motives.
Legal Remedies Available Under New Jersey Law
If you prevail in a marital status discrimination case, you may be entitled to:
- Reinstatement to your prior job or a comparable role
- Back pay, with interest, for lost income and benefits
- Compensation for emotional distress
- Punitive damages when the employer’s conduct is especially severe
- Recovery of legal fees and costs
These remedies are intended to make you whole and deter future violations.
Representing Workers in Atlantic City
If your employer penalized you because of your relationship status, NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC can help. We represent workers in Atlantic City and throughout New Jersey in employment discrimination cases. Consultations are free, and we only get paid if we recover compensation for you.