Negrotti v. Negrotti

In this matrimonial dispute the sole issue projected by defendant-husband’s petition for certification, which we granted, 97 N.J. 619 (1984), is the following: when a trial court determines it will not follow a stipulation entered into by the parties as to the value of certain property for equitable distribution purposes, should not the court afford the parties a hearing on the value of the subject property before it announces its determination? We hold that such a hearing is required; and because defendant was deprived of the opportu nity to present proof as to the value of the property in…