SUPERIOR COURT OF NEW JERSEY

APPELLATE DIVISION

DOCKET NO. A-5086-18

GALE L. PICCIONE, 

Plaintiff-Respondent, 

v. 

CHARLES S. PICCIONE, 

Defendant-Appellant.

_________________________

Submitted December 16, 2020 – Decided

Before Judges Ostrer and Vernoia. 

On appeal from the Superior Court of New Jersey, 

Chancery Division, Family Part, Warren County, 

Docket No. FM-21-0304-08. 

William E. Mandry, attorney for appellant. 

Florio Perrucci Steinhardt Cappelli Tipton & Taylor, 

LLC, attorneys for respondent (Donald E. Souders, Jr., 

of counsel and on the brief).

PER CURIAM

NOT FOR PUBLICATION WITHOUT THE

APPROVAL OF THE APPELLATE DIVISION

This opinion shall not "constitute precedent or be binding upon any court." Although it is posted on the 

internet, this opinion is binding only on the parties in the case and its use in other cases is limited. R. 1:36-3.

February 23, 2021
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A-5086-18

In this post-judgment matrimonial matter, defendant Charles S. Piccione 

appeals from a Family Part order denying his motion to terminate his permanent 

alimony obligation to his former spouse, plaintiff Gale L. Piccione. 1 Based on 

our review of the record, we are convinced the court correctly determined 

defendant failed to present sufficient competent evidence establishing a 

permanent substantial change in circumstances warranting a hearing on his 

application for termination of his alimony obligation. We therefore affirm.

Plaintiff and defendant married in 1976 and divorced in 2008. Their dual 

judgment of divorce incorporates a property settlement agreement requiring that 

defendant pay plaintiff permanent alimony of $2,500 per month. The agreement 

also provides for modification of alimony "upon [a] significant change in 

circumstances as same is then-defined by applicable law." At the time of the 

parties' divorce, defendant was employed as a lineman for Jersey Central Power 

& Light Company, and, under the property settlement agreement, it was 

"assumed that [defendant] earn[ed] or [was] presently capable of earning 

1

 The challenged order also granted plaintiff's cross-motion to compel defendant 

to pay alimony arrears and for an attorney's fee award. Defendant does not argue 

on appeal that the court erred by granting plaintiff's cross-motion, and we 

therefore do not address those portions of the court's order. See Sklodowsky v. 

Lushis, 417 N.J. Super. 648, 657 (App. Div. 2011) (finding "[a]n issue not 

briefed on appeal is deemed waived"); Jefferson Loan Co. v. Session, 397 N.J. 

Super. 520, 525 n.4 (App. Div. 2008) (same).
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approximately $125,000[] per year and [plaintiff was] capable of earning 

$34,000[] per year."

In May 2019, defendant moved to terminate his alimony obligation.2 He 

claimed his circumstances had substantially changed since the 2008 property 

settlement agreement established his monthly support obligation. In support of 

the motion, he submitted a May 1, 2019 certification and a certification of his 

counsel, both of which annexed multiple exhibits, including medical records and 

reports from defendant's medical care providers and psychologist, and 

correspondence from his employer's Workers' Compensation insurance carrier. 

In his certification, defendant stated that on November 6, 2018, he was 

electrocuted and sustained injuries while performing his job duties. Defendant 

averred that, as a result of his injuries, he had "excruciating pain in [his] left 

arm" and underwent "a surgical distal tendon repair to [his] left arm" on 

December 14, 2018. Defendant noted he was also scheduled for a May 17, 2019 

"carpal tunnel surgery on [his] left arm due to nerve damage from the 

electrocution." He further explained he had been going to weekly physical 

2

 Defendant also moved for an award of counsel fees. We do not address the 

court's denial of defendant's motion for counsel fees because it was founded on 

the assumption that defendant would prevail on his motion to terminate alimony, 

and we affirm the court's denial of defendant's motion to terminate alimony.
4

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therapy since the accident, had been "unable to work and ha[d] not worked since 

the . . . accident," and that his only source of income since the accident was a 

weekly $903 Workers' Compensation benefit.

Defendant asserted "[t]he time frame" for his return to work was 

"unclear," and that one of his doctors, Dr. Eugene Cullen, stated he is 

"permanently" disabled. Defendant claimed his inability to work and the 

concomitant reduction in his income "constitute[] a serious change in 

circumstances" justifying termination of his permanent alimony obligation.

Defendant also listed the names of physicians treating him for the physical 

injuries he claimed were caused by the accident. He further noted he was being

treated by a psychiatrist, Dr. Sanjeevani Jain, for anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder.

The exhibits annexed to defendant's and his counsel's certifications 

include an April 10, 2019 handwritten note from Dr. Cullen stating that "[d]ue

to traumatic brain injury, [defendant] is permanently disabled and thus qualifies 

for a handicapped placard." Defendant also relied on a June 14, 2019 

handwritten note from Dr. Cullen stating "[defendant] is permanently disabled 

from complications of an electrocution injury on [November 6, 2018]. His 

current diagnoses resulting from this injury include traumatic brain injury, 
5

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hepatic encephalopathy, and post[-]traumatic stress disorder." No additional 

medical records or documentation were provided concerning Dr. Cullen's 

findings.

In support of his motion, defendant also relied on medical reports from 

orthopedist Dr. Frank J. Corrigan that summarized defendant's injuries and 

treatment, stated defendant suffered a left distal biceps tendon rupture in his left 

arm, and explained that surgery to treat the rupture was discussed with 

defendant. The records reflect defendant opted to proceed with the surgical 

repair of the tendon. In his records, Dr. Corrigan described the physical 

limitations that would be imposed following the surgery, defendant's anticipated 

course of physical therapy, and the timing of defendant's anticipated return to 

full duty at work:

[Defendant] will be unable to perform any gripping, 

lifting, pushing[,] or pulling with the operative upper 

extremity for 6-8 [weeks] following surgery.

[Defendant] will be prescribed therapy, which will 

begin 2 weeks after surgery. The [prescription] for 

therapy will be for 2-3 times per week for a minimum 

of 6 weeks. It may be necessary to renew this 

[prescription] if [defendant] has not achieved adequate 

function after only 6 weeks.

[Defendant] will be able to return to work with the 

above restrictions after seen for the first post-operative 

visit 7-10 days following surgery. Return to work full 
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duty would be estimated to be 3-4 months. [Maximum 

medical improvement] anticipated to be 6 months.

Dr. Corrigan performed the surgical repair of defendant's ruptured tendon 

on December 14, 2018. In a January 15, 2019 report, Dr. Corrigan stated he 

anticipated defendant's physical therapy would continue "for another 4-5 

months, which is when [defendant] may be able to be released [for] full duty." 

Three months later, Dr. Corrigan's April 9, 2019 report indicated defendant was 

advised to "[c]ontinue no lifting, pushing[,] or pulling with the left arm."

Also annexed to defendant's counsel's certification was a June 6, 2019 

letter from psychologist Dr. Charles J. Most, stating "that in [his] opinion, within 

a reasonable degree of psychological certainty," defendant "has been severely 

traumatized and is suffering from severe depression/anxiety and [post-traumatic 

stress disorder]." Dr. Most also explained defendant "is on disability and unable 

to work for the foreseeable future."

Plaintiff filed opposition to defendant's motion to terminate alimony, and 

she cross-moved to compel defendant to pay alimony arrears and for a counsel 

fee award. Plaintiff did not dispute that defendant had a workplace accident. 

She instead "question[ed] his subjective version of the event and its impact on 

his employability." Plaintiff challenged the accuracy of defendant's case 

information statement, claimed it was incomplete, and argued defendant failed 
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to fully disclose his assets and income. Plaintiff also claimed the medical reports 

and records upon which defendant relied did not constitute competent evidence 

establishing he suffered from a disability that permanently prevented him from 

continuing employment. Plaintiff asserted defendant did not present competent 

evidence establishing a substantial change in circumstances warranting a 

hearing on his request to terminate alimony. 

In his opposition to the cross-motion, defendant relied on the exhibits 

submitted in support of his motion to support his claim that he suffered from 

various physical injuries as a result of the accident, as well as other 

psychological issues. Defendant noted he had undergone the tendon rupture 

repair and carpal tunnel surgeries, and that Dr. Cullen required that he walk with 

a cane due to "problems with [his] balance." Defendant reported he suffers from 

tinnitus and that his left thumb and top of his hand are numb. Defendant also 

certified he was treating with his psychiatrist, Dr. Jain, for anger issues, anxiety, 

and depression, but his conditions had improved because of medication Dr. Jain

had prescribed.

Defendant declared he "no longer ha[d] income coming in from" his 

employer, he is "physically and mentally unable to work," and he has been 

informed by his doctors that his injuries are permanent. He also asserted the 
8

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Workers' Compensation carrier paid him $903 per week because he "was 

disabled." Defendant further cited and described the medical reports and records 

he submitted in support of his motion, claiming the information "confirm[ed his] 

disability and . . . inability to work."

After hearing argument on the motions, the court entered an order denying 

defendant's motion to terminate his permanent alimony obligation and granting 

plaintiff's cross-motion to compel defendant to pay alimony arrears and for 

counsel fees. In a written statement of reasons accompanying the order, the 

court found defendant failed "to prove he is permanently disabled and unable to 

resume work at some level."

The court rejected defendant's reliance on the doctors' reports to establish 

he suffered from an injury that will permanently prevent him from resuming 

employment. The court found Dr. Corrigan's note stating defendant is

permanently disabled did not "elaborate on the basis of [his] finding, apart from 

listing [defendant's] diagnoses," and that the note was otherwise untethered to 

"documentation to support its finding."

The court also determined the letters from the Workers' Compensation 

carrier did not establish a permanent disability because they "classified 

[defendant's] condition as a 'temporary total disability,'" and that a letter from 
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defendant's insurance carrier noted defendant had not applied for "long-term 

disability benefits."

The court also found Dr. Corrigan's reports undermined defendant's claim 

that he suffered from an injury that rendered him permanently unable to resume 

work. The court noted the December 19, 2018 report stated defendant could not 

lift, push, pull, or grip with his left upper extremity only "for 6-8 weeks"

following the December 14, 2018 surgery, and the January 15, 2019 report stated

physical therapy was required for an additional "4-5 months, which is when 

[defendant] may be able to be released [to] full duty." The court explained 

defendant provided an April 9, 2019 progress report stating he should continue 

not to lift, push, or pull with his left arm, but that he had not provided more 

"recent progress notes to confirm whether he was able to make a full recovery 

as anticipated in the January 15, 2019 note."

The court also observed the June 6, 2019 letter from Dr. Most stated 

defendant was "severely traumatized and is suffering from severe 

depression/anxiety and [post-traumatic stress disorder]," but that Dr. Most's 

opinion was not supported by any documentation. Similarly, the court noted 

that, at oral argument on the motions, defendant produced a June 12, 2019 letter 

from psychiatrist Dr. Jain describing defendant's mental health issues, but 
10 A-5086-18

"[n]owhere in the letter does Dr. Jain opine that as a result of these ailments 

defendant is permanently disabled and cannot be gainfully employed."

3

The court found it was not "appropriate to terminate defendant's alimony 

obligation when he submit[ted] no reliable proofs suggesting his disability is 

permanent." The court also found defendant failed to sustain his "burden to 

show a substantial and permanent change of circumstances on account of his 

alleged disability." The court further observed that defendant failed to "explain 

the source and location of" $525,541 in income shown on his 2018 tax return 

"to suggest such funds are unavailable to meet his alimony obligation while he 

remains on [W]orkers' [C]ompensation." This appeal followed entry of the 

court's order.

"Whether an alimony obligation should be modified based upon a claim 

of changed circumstances rests within a Family Part judge's sound discretion." 

Larbig v. Larbig, 384 N.J. Super. 17, 21 (App. Div. 2006). A motion to 

terminate alimony must be considered based on the facts specific to each case, 

and we "must give due recognition to the wide discretion which our law rightly 

affords to the trial judges who deal with these matters." Ibid. (quoting 

Martindell v. Martindell, 21 N.J. 341, 355 (1956)); see also Cesare v. Cesare, 

3

 The parties did not include Dr. Jain's letter in the record on appeal.
11 A-5086-18

154 N.J. 394, 412-13 (1998) (explaining we accord particular deference to the 

Family Part due to its "expertise in family matters"). 

We will reverse a Family Part order only if there is "'a denial of justice'

because the family court's 'conclusions are . . . "clearly mistaken" or "wide of 

the mark."'" Parish v. Parish, 412 N.J. Super. 39, 48 (App. Div. 2010) (quoting 

N.J. Div. of Youth & Fam. Servs. v. E.P., 196 N.J. 88, 104 (2008)). "This court 

does not accord the same deference to a trial judge's legal determinations,"

which are "reviewed de novo." Ricci v. Ricci, 448 N.J. Super. 546, 565 (App. 

Div. 2017) (citing Reese v. Weis, 430 N.J. Super. 552, 568 (App. Div. 2013)).

An agreement and order to pay permanent alimony is "subject to review 

or modification by our courts based upon a showing of changed circumstances." 

Glass v. Glass, 366 N.J. Super. 357, 370 (App. Div. 2004) (quoting Miller v. 

Miller, 160 N.J. 408, 419 (1999)); see also N.J.S.A. 2A:34-23 (providing 

support orders "may be revised and altered by the court from time to time as 

circumstances may require"). "The party seeking modification has the burden 

of showing such 'changed circumstances' as would warrant relief from the 

support or maintenance provisions involved." Lepis v. Lepis, 83 N.J. 139, 157 

(1980) (citation omitted). A permanent involuntary decrease in a supporting 

spouse's income typically constitutes a "changed circumstance" permitting a 
12 A-5086-18

modification or termination of alimony. Innes v. Innes, 117 N.J. 

496, 504 (1990); see also Petersen v. Petersen, 85 N.J. 638, 643 (1981) (holding 

a change in an obligor's income typically warrants modification of alimony).

A movant must first make "[a] prima facie showing of changed 

circumstances . . . before a court will order discovery." Landau v. Landau, 461 

N.J. Super. 107, 108-09 (alterations in original) (App. Div. 2019) (quoting 

Lepis, 83 N.J. at 157). Only after a movant has made this prima facie showing 

and engaged in discovery will the court "decide whether to hold a hearing." R.K.

v. F.K., 437 N.J. Super. 58, 62 (App. Div. 2014) (quoting Lepis, 83 N.J. at 159).

"[P]rima facie . . . [evidence is] evidence that, if unrebutted, would 

sustain a judgment in the proponent's favor." Baures v. Lewis, 167 N.J. 91, 118 

(2001), overruled on other grounds, Bisbing v. Bisbing, 230 N.J. 309, 335 

(2017). To determine whether there is a prima facie showing of changed 

circumstances, the court must consider the terms of the order at issue and 

compare the facts as they existed when the order was entered with the facts at 

the time of the motion. See Faucett v. Vasquez, 411 N.J. Super. 108, 129 (App. 

Div. 2009). The court must determine "whether the change in circumstance is 

continuing and whether the agreement or decree has made explicit provision for 

the change." Lepis, 83 N.J. at 152. "Temporary circumstances are an 
13 A-5086-18

insufficient basis for modification" or termination of an alimony obligation. 

Innes, 117 N.J. at 504 (citing Bonanno v. Bonanno, 4 N.J. 268, 275 (1950)).

Defendant argues the court abused its discretion by finding the 

submissions supporting his motion did not establish a prima facie showing of 

the permanent change in circumstances necessary for termination of his 

permanent alimony obligation. He claims the "credible medical evidence" he 

submitted established "that he was permanently disabled" and therefore entitled 

to a plenary hearing on his request to terminate alimony. 

We find no abuse of discretion in the court's denial of defendant's motion. 

Defendant does not dispute it was his burden to present competent evidence of 

a permanent change in circumstances establishing a prima facie entitlement to 

termination of his alimony obligation. See, e.g., Palombi v. Palombi, 414 N.J. 

Super. 274, 291 (App. Div. 2010) (affirming denial of request for termination of 

alimony and for a plenary hearing in part because the supporting spouse did not 

provide "proof . . . to show that any change in circumstances was permanent"). 

He argues he satisfied that burden by presenting evidence his workplace injuries 

and psychological issues rendered him permanently unable to work. 

The court's careful scrutiny and well-reasoned analysis of the reports, 

notes, and letters proffered by defendant supports its conclusion that defendant 
14 A-5086-18

failed to present competent evidence establishing the claimed permanent change 

in circumstances—an alleged permanent inability to work. The party moving 

for termination of alimony has the burden of presenting competent evidence

establishing a prima facie case of changed circumstances. See R. 1:6–6; Lepis,

83 N.J. at 157-59. Defendant did not sustain that burden here.

The motion court correctly recognized Dr. Corrigan's reports describe the 

physical injuries defendant sustained in the workplace accident, but that Dr. 

Corrigan did not offer an opinion that the injuries were permanent or that they 

would permanently prevent defendant from returning to work. To the contrary, 

Dr. Corrigan's reports predict defendant's recovery from his injuries and 

surgeries and forecast defendant's return to full duty at work following physical 

therapy. The reports support a finding defendant's physical injuries temporarily 

prevented his return to work, but he was required to present competent proof of 

a permanent change in circumstances warranting termination of his alimony 

obligation. See Innes, 117 N.J. at 504; Lepis, 83 N.J. at 151; Palombi, 414 N.J. 

Super. at 291. We find no error in the court's reliance on the reports to support 

its conclusion defendant demonstrated only a temporary change in 

circumstances related to his ability to work. 
15 A-5086-18

The court also properly rejected defendant's reliance on two cursory notes 

from Dr. Cullen stating only that defendant suffers from various conditions and 

is "permanently disabled." The opinions constitute inadmissible net opinions 

because they consist of "bare conclusions, unsupported by factual evidence,"

Davis v. Brickman Landscaping, Ltd., 219 N.J. 395, 410 (2014) (quoting 

Buckelew v. Grossbard, 87 N.J. 512, 524 (1981)); they do not include the "why 

and wherefore" for the opinions expressed, ibid. (quoting Pomerantz Paper 

Corp. v. New Cmty. Corp., 207 N.J. 344, 372 (2011)); and they are untethered

to any "standard [upon] which" the doctor relies or makes reference, ibid.

(quoting Pomerantz Paper Corp., 207 N.J. at 373). We consider a court's 

determination on the inadmissibility of evidence under an abuse of discretion 

standard. Estate of Hanges v. Metro. Prop. & Cas. Ins., 202 N.J. 369, 383-84

(2010). We find no abuse of discretion in the court's rejection of defendant's 

reliance on the inadmissible net opinions offered by Dr. Cullen.

Defendant also relies on Dr. Most's letter, but it suffers from the same 

infirmity as Dr. Cullen's notes. Dr. Most's letter opines that defendant will not 

be able to return to work "for the foreseeable future." It does not, however, 

include the why or wherefore for the opinion, it fails to identify the evidentiary 

basis for the opinion, and the opinion is not based on any articulated standard. 
16 A-5086-18

Davis, 219 N.J. at 410. Dr. Most's statement constitutes an inadmissible net 

opinion the court properly disregarded, and, even if the statement was competent 

evidence, it does not include a declaration that defendant is permanently unable 

to return to employment. 

The court also rejected defendant's reliance on Dr. Jain's letter that was 

presented at the oral argument but is not included in the record on appeal. The 

court found the letter described defendant's apparent mental health issues, but

that the letter did not state those issues prevented defendant from continuing his 

employment. Defendant does not challenge the court's findings concerning the 

letter's contents, and we agree with the motion court that the letter, as described,

does not support defendant's request for relief. Defendant's motion was founded 

on an alleged permanent inability to return to work, but the record does not 

include any evidence Dr. Jain opined defendant is unable to work. 

We also find no error in the court's determination that defendant's receipt 

of temporary total Workers' Compensation benefits does not require a 

conclusion that defendant is permanently disabled and will never be able to 

return to his employment. The record shows defendant received temporary 

benefits and that he has not applied for long-term disability benefits. The record 

is bereft of any finding by the Workers' Compensation court that defendant is 
17 A-5086-18

permanently unable to return to work and, as a matter of law, an individual need 

not suffer from a permanent inability to continue employment to qualify for the 

receipt of temporary disability benefits. Under the Workers' Compensation Act, 

N.J.S.A. 34:15-1 to -142, temporary disability benefits "provide an individual 

who suffers a work-related injury with a 'partial substitute for loss of current 

wages,'" Cunningham v. Atl. States Cast Iron Pipe Co., 386 N.J. Super. 423, 428 

(App. Div. 2006) (quoting Ort v. Taylor-Wharton Co., 47 N.J. 198, 208 (1966)), 

that "continues 'until the employee is able to resume work and continue 

permanently thereat' or until [the individual] 'is as far restored as the permanent 

character of the injuries will permit,' whichever happens first," id. at 427-28 

(quoting Monaco v. Albert Maund, Inc., 17 N.J. Super. 425, 431 (App. Div. 

1952)); see also N.J.S.A. 34:15-38 (providing that temporary disability benefits 

are paid from the "the day that the employee is first unable to continue at work 

by reason of the accident . . . up to the first working day that the employee is 

able to resume work and continue permanently thereat"). 

In sum, we are convinced the court properly scrutinized defendant's 

submissions and concluded defendant did not present competent evidence 

establishing a permanent change in circumstances—a permanent inability to 

continue working—establishing a prima facie entitlement to the termination of 
18 A-5086-18

his permanent alimony obligation sought in his motion.4 To be sure, the 

competent evidence demonstrated defendant suffered injuries from a workplace 

accident that caused a temporary inability to continue his regular employment, 

but to establish a prima facie entitlement to the requested termination of 

alimony, defendant was required to present competent evidence demonstrating 

a permanent inability to return to work. The court did not err by finding he 

failed to do so. The court’s determination does not, however, bar defendant 

from again seeking termination or a permanent reduction in alimony if, with the 

passage of time, he acquires new evidence that his disability has permanently 

reduced or eliminated his capacity to earn an income.

Affirmed.

4

 Defendant did not move for a temporary modification of his alimony 

obligation before the motion court, and he does not argue on appeal that the 

court erred by failing to consider or grant a temporary modification of the award. 

See Sklodowsky, 417 N.J. Super. at 657. We therefore limit our discussion to 

defendant's argument that the court erred by denying his motion for termination 

of his permanent alimony obligation.