Your marital status—whether you’re single, married, divorced, separated, or widowed—should never impact how you’re treated in the workplace. Unfortunately, many workers experience subtle or blatant bias based on their relationship status. In Woodbridge Township, such discrimination is unlawful, and employees have the right to seek justice if they’ve been mistreated because of their marital status.
What Is Marital Status Discrimination?
Marital status discrimination occurs when an employer treats a worker unfavorably because of their current or past relationship status. This can affect hiring, promotions, pay, scheduling, benefits, or workplace culture. Discrimination can happen to both married and unmarried individuals, and it’s illegal under New Jersey state law.
Examples of Marital Status Discrimination
- Denying a promotion to a married woman based on the assumption she’s not committed to work
- Firing or refusing to hire someone because they are divorced
- Questioning single employees about why they’re not married or assuming they have fewer responsibilities
- Assigning fewer hours to employees who are recently separated or widowed
- Offering benefits selectively based on whether a person is married
Such practices can create a hostile or exclusionary work environment and may be grounds for legal action.
Legal Protections in New Jersey
New Jersey workers are protected by the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD), which makes it illegal to discriminate against employees based on marital status. This includes being single, married, separated, divorced, engaged, or widowed. The NJLAD applies to employers of all sizes, offering broad protection not found in many other states.
Your Rights as an Employee
If you’ve experienced marital status discrimination in Woodbridge Township, you have the right to:
- File a complaint with your HR department or company leadership
- Request documentation and policy review about equal employment practices
- Speak with an attorney to pursue compensation for emotional distress, lost wages, or wrongful termination
Employers are also prohibited from retaliating against employees who report or oppose discriminatory treatment.
Steps to Take If You Experience Discrimination
- Document incidents: Keep detailed notes on what was said or done, by whom, and when.
- Report it internally: Follow your company’s internal grievance procedure if one exists.
- Contact an employment lawyer: An attorney can help evaluate your case and pursue the best course of action.
Let Castronovo & McKinney Help
If you’ve been targeted at work due to your marital status, Castronovo & McKinney, Employment Law Attorneys are ready to fight for you. With extensive experience in New Jersey employment law, their legal team can help you navigate your rights, file a claim, and recover damages for the harm you’ve endured.
They’ve helped countless employees in Woodbridge Township and across New Jersey receive justice after facing unlawful discrimination—and they can help you too.
Contact Castronovo & McKinney, LLC Today
Marital status should never determine your value in the workplace. If you believe you’ve been discriminated against, reach out today for strong legal representation.
New Jersey Office
71 Maple Ave
Morristown, NJ 07960
Phone: 973.920.7888
Fax: 973.920.7924
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New York, NY 10170
Phone: 646.755.3781
Fax: 646.755.3781
