Greebel v. Lensak resulted after a couple, who were in a long-term relationship, raised their daughter together, owned their home together, but never married, terminated the relationship. The plaintiff sought the legal advice of a lawyer because she felt her significant other was being untruthful. Eventually, she retained a different attorney and sought palimony from her significant other. After a settlement was reached, her significant other retained the services of the first attorney. And using that attorney, the significant other sought to vacate the settlement. The Chancery Division disqualified the attorney and dismissed the post-settlement motions. On appeal, the New Jersey Appellate Division affirmed. But the Chancery Division also sealed the motions filed by the disqualified counsel and barred their future use. As to those issues, the Appellate Division reversed.
