Child Custody Arrangements
When considering your New Jersey child custody options, it is important to recognize that NJ child custody arrangements generally consist of two parts: (1) where your child will reside/spend time, and (2) decision making as to how your child will be raised. Each part addresses a different concern, and the New Jersey child custody laws offer different options depending on the specifics of your situation. Distinguishing between these New Jersey child custody options and educating yourself about the advantages and disadvantages of each is essential if you are looking to establish an arrangement you can live with well into the future. This article is designed to give you an overview of the child custody options in New Jersey.
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Joint Legal Custody: This type of NJ child custody arrangement is the most widely used, as it allows both parents to actively participate in their child's life. Typically, one parent serves as the primary residential custodian for the child and the other parent serves as the alternate. While both parents are responsible for making joint decisions for the child on major issues such as health, education, and general welfare, the primary custodial parent tends to make day-to-day decisions with consultation or notification to the non-custodial parent when appropriate. The parent who has the child in his or her care at any given time is expected to make decisions in the child’s best interest.
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Sole Legal and Physical Custody: In this type of NJ child custody arrangement, one parent serves as the residential custodial parent. That parent makes all of the major decisions regarding the child (health, education, and welfare), as well as all day-to-day decisions. One important difference: the residential parent does [not] need to first obtain consent or give notice to the non-custodial parent before making decisions on behalf of the child. Sole custody is usually seen in cases where one parent is deemed to be absent or unfit or in cases where there is a history of child neglect, drug addiction, substantiated DYFS matters, etc.
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Joint Physical Custody or Shared Custody: Many parents desire this shared child custody arrangement because it represents a more equal division of parenting time. A typical example would be alternating weeks, where one parent has one week with the child and the other parent has the next. An alternative could be a schedule where one parent has four days with the child including overnights, and the other parent has three days with the child including overnights.
Finding the Best Option
NJ child custody issues can be emotionally trying, and the New Jersey child custody lawyers at Weinberger Law Group work diligently to reduce your anxiety throughout this process. Our divorce and family law attorneys provide you with the education, tools, and guidance necessary for you to make thoughtful decisions to protect the best interests of your family.
How It Works
When you contact Weinberger Law Group, you will meet with one of our seasoned NJ child custody attorneys who will thoroughly review all of your options, and provide trustworthy advice. After a decision is made regarding the most appropriate New Jersey child custody option, you will be assisted in carefully crafting a sensible visitation and parenting time plan. This visitation plan is designed specifically for you and your family, taking into consideration various factors that impact your life, such as:
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Work schedules
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Activities
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Travel
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Child care needs
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Extended family members
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And more
Whichever New Jersey child custody option you believe is right for your family, our NJ child custody attorneys will assist in protecting your rights and your child’s welfare. Contact a New Jersey child custody attorney at Weinberger Law Group today for a FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION.
Our partner, Bari Zell Weinberger, is certified by the Supreme Court of NJ as a Matrimonial Law Attorney. This Certification is achieved by only 2% of the attorneys in New Jersey.
