In a published decision, the Appellate Division reversed a trial court ruling, finding that its legal determinations on a divorce settlement agreement were incorrect and that state law is preempted by controlling federal law on the disposition of federal savings bonds.

In November 2019, Michael Jones passed away intestate and a probate dispute followed. His former wife, Jeanine Jones had a creditor’s claim resulting from a 2017 divorce settlement agreement (DSA). The couple divorced in January of 2018, with the final judgment incorporating the DSA which provided that Michael would pay Jeanine $200,000 on a payment schedule, according to the opinion.