“In those circumstances solely should an appellate court ‘appraise the record as if it were deciding the matter at inception and make its own findings and conclusions.’ ” State v. Elders, 192 N.J. 224, 244, 927 A. 2d 1250 (2007) (quoting State v. Johnson, 42 N.J. 146, 162, 199 A. 2d 809 (1964) ). However, questions of law are reviewed de novo. Gere v. Louis, 209 N.J. 486, 499, 38 A. 3d 591 (2012). The legal determinations of the Family Part and Appellate Division are not entitled to any special deference.

We also recognize New Jersey has a strong public policy favoring the settlement of litigation. Gere v. Louis, 209 N.J. 486, 500 (2012); Brundage v. Est. of Carambio, 195 N.J. 575, 601 (2008) (stating "settlement of litigation ranks high in our public policy"). "This policy rests on the recognition that 'parties to a dispute are in the best position to determine how to resolve a contested matter in a way which is least disadvantageous to everyone.'"

New Jersey has a strong public policy in favor of settling litigation. Gere v. Louis, 209 N.J. 486, 500 (2012); Brundage v. Est. of Carambio, 195 N.J. 575, 601 (2008) (finding settlement of litigation ranks high in our public policy). "This policy rests on the recognition that 'parties to a dispute are in the best position to determine how to resolve a contested matter in a way which is least disadvantageous to everyone.'"

The strong public policy favoring settlements "rests on the recognition that 'parties to a dispute are in the best position to determine how to resolve a contested matter in a way which is least disadvantageous to everyone.'" Gere v. Louis, 209 N.J. 486, 500 (2012) (quoting Impink ex rel. Baldi v. Reynes, 396 N.J.Super. 553, 563 (App. Div. 2007)).

New Jersey has a strong public policy in favor of the settlement of litigation. Gere v. Louis, 209 N.J. 486, 500 (2012); Brundage v. Est. of Carambio, 195 N.J. 575, 601 (2008) (stating "settlement of litigation ranks high in our public policy"). "This policy rests on the recognition that 'parties to a dispute are in the best position to determine how to resolve a contested matter in a way which is least disadvantageous to everyone.'" Gere, 209 N.J. at 500 (quoting Impink ex rel. Baldi v. Reynes, 396 N.J.Super. 553, 563 (App. Div. 2007)).

Hence we review questions of law anew. Gere v. Louis, 209 N.J. 486, 499 (2012). A Family Part judge's legal conclusions are entitled to no special deference.

We also acknowledge New Jersey's strong public policy favoring the settlement of litigation. Gere v. Louis, 209 N.J. 486, 500 (2012). "The settlement of litigation ranks high in our public policy."

Willingboro Mall, Ltd. v. 240/242 Franklin Ave. L.L.C., 215 N.J. 242, 253 (2013). See also Gere v. Louis, 209 N.J. 486, 500 (2012) (noting "New Jersey's strong public policy in favor of the settlement of litigation"). We also acknowledge a "'strong public policy favoring stability of arrangements' in matrimonial matters."

New Jersey has a "strong public policy in favor of the settlement of litigation." Gere v. Louis, 209 N.J. 486, 500 (2012) (citations omitted). "Therefore, our courts have actively encouraged litigants to settle their disputes," Puder v. Buechel, 183 N.J. 428, 438 (2005) (citation omitted), recognizing that they are most informed of their own interests, and are best positioned to resolve their disputes in a manner that is acceptable to them.

New Jersey has a "strong public policy in favor of the settlement of litigation." Gere v. Louis, 209 N.J. 486, 500 (2012). "Therefore, our courts have actively encouraged litigants to settle their disputes[,]" Puder v. Buechel, 183 N.J. 428, 438 (2005), recognizing that they are most informed of their own interests, and are best positioned to resolve their disputes in a manner that is acceptable to them.