Marital Status Discrimination in Atlantic City: Your Employment Rights

Your relationship status should have no bearing on your ability to succeed at work. Yet, many employees in Atlantic City experience unfair treatment based on whether they are married, single, divorced, separated, or widowed. This type of discrimination is not only unjust—it is illegal under New Jersey law. If your employer has treated you differently because of your marital status, you may have a valid legal claim.

What Is Marital Status Discrimination?

Marital status discrimination occurs when an employer makes decisions about hiring, firing, promotions, or job assignments based on an employee’s relationship status. While it may not always be as visible as other forms of discrimination, it can have a significant impact on your professional life.

Examples include:

• Denying a promotion to an unmarried employee based on perceived lack of “stability”
• Terminating or not hiring someone because they are recently divorced
• Assigning less desirable shifts to single employees with the assumption they have fewer obligations
• Asking inappropriate questions about your spouse or family status during interviews
• Retaliating after someone complains about marital status discrimination

Your Legal Protections in New Jersey

New Jersey is one of the few states that explicitly protects employees from marital status discrimination under state law:

• New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD): Prohibits employers from making employment decisions based on an individual’s marital status—including single, married, divorced, separated, or widowed.

Unlike federal law, which does not directly address marital status in most cases, NJLAD offers robust protections that apply to nearly all employers in the state.

Recognizing Marital Status Discrimination

This type of discrimination is often subtle and can be disguised as business decisions or personal preferences. Red flags include:

• Unexplained changes in workload or responsibilities after your relationship status changes
• Negative treatment or harassment following a divorce or marriage announcement
• Employer assumptions about your availability, commitment, or personal life based on your status

If you’ve experienced these or similar situations, it may be time to consult with an employment law professional.

How Castronovo & McKinney, LLC Can Help

Castronovo & McKinney, LLC is a top-rated New Jersey employment law firm with a strong commitment to Protecting Your Rights. We’ve successfully represented employees in Atlantic City who have faced discrimination based on marital status, gender, age, and other protected categories. Our team offers strategic legal guidance and aggressive advocacy to ensure that your employer is held accountable.

We can help you understand your options, file a legal claim, and pursue the compensation and justice you deserve.

Stand Up Against Discrimination in Atlantic City

Your relationship status should never be a barrier to professional success. If you’ve been treated unfairly at work, you are not alone—and you don’t have to stay silent.

Atlantic City Castronovo & McKinney, Employment Law Attorneys are here to protect your rights and help you move forward with confidence.

Contact Information

New Jersey Office:
71 Maple Ave
Morristown, NJ 07960
Phone: 973.920.7888
Fax: 973.920.7924

New York Office:
420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 1830
New York, NY 10170
Phone: 646.755.3781
Fax: 646.755.3781