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Types Of Child Custody In New Jersey

Experienced New Jersey Child Custody Attorneys Protect Your Best Interests

With years of experience in family law, the New Jersey child custody attorneys at Lomurro Law know that divorce is seldom “easy.” We also know there’s no such thing as a “simple” child custody case. With all of this in mind, we provide you with a caring, supportive environment and effective representation in all family law matters, including divorce, child support and child custody.

Key Issues And Decisions In Child Custody Cases

One of the most difficult aspects of any divorce is how it will affect the children. This is true when the children are too young to understand what is going on and when they are old enough to know exactly what’s happening. As a result, many parents find a way to put their differences aside in order to do what they think is best for their kids. But when they can’t do so by themselves, attorneys and courts intervene. Here’s what’s typically at stake:

  • Legal custody – Which parent is authorized to make decisions about the child’s (or children’s) schooling, physical well-being, faith and so forth
  • Physical custody (parent of primary residence, PPR) – Which parent the child should live with most of the time
  • Shared custody – Whether each parent gets roughly the same amount of time with the child/children

What Criteria Do New Jersey Courts Use To Make Child Custody Decisions?

In New Jersey, judges consider several factors in child custody cases. The first and most important consideration is what’s best for the child or children. The following factors are also assessed before a child custody order is issued:

  • Proposed custody and parenting time – As set forth in paperwork submitted to the court before the hearing
  • Any verified pattern of domestic violence – Either between the parents or between the parent(s) and child/children
  • The parents’ relationship – Specifically, their willingness and ability to maintain an open, honest and civil dialogue with regard to the children
  • Any verified pattern of negative parental behavior – Such as substance abuse, alcoholism or gambling that could influence or be harmful to the child/children
  • Family dynamics – The number of children, the relationship between the child/children and parents, and the relationship between siblings (if applicable)
  • What the child wants – The child’s opinion about which parent he or she wants to live with, if he or she is at least 12 years old
  • Parental employment – What each parent does for a living, each parent’s work schedule and so forth
  • Schooling – How the child/children are doing in school and if or how a custody arrangement would affect the child/children’s education
  • Geography – Where each parent lives and the proximity of their homes
  • Best overall outcome – Which parent can provide an environment that will be least disruptive for and harmful to the child

Call Our Freehold Office To Discuss Your Concerns With One Of Our Experienced Child Custody Lawyers

If you are facing divorce and cannot agree on child custody matters, it is crucial that you speak with a knowledgeable attorney. At Lomurro Law, our New Jersey child custody lawyers have a unique understanding of both child custody law and human nature that is essential to resolving these cases. Our family lawyers are experienced trial lawyers, and have great skill litigating difficult, unique and complicated custody cases. Contact our Freehold office online or call us at 732-482-9285 to set up a meeting today.