At Cores & Associates, L.L.C. we know how important your children are to you
Our Freehold, NJ child custody attorneys are sensitive to protecting your children’s rights throughout the entire court process. We know what judges expect and we have experience working with the mental health professionals that are often brought into custody disputes. We are considerate, discreet, and non-judgmental when it comes to the multitude of issues relating to children and custody disputes.
The attorneys at Cores & Associates, L.L.C. are considered experts by their peers and other professionals in complex custody disputes. Your case will be entrusted to one of our attorneys who will guide you through the legal process and any evaluations necessary to reach a result that is focused on the best interests of your children.
Contact us at 732-384-1497 to discuss your child custody concerns. When it’s about your children, experience matters.
We represent clients the following types of cases:
- Child Custody
- Parenting Time
- “Removal Case” or out of state/country relocation
- Name Change
- International Custody
- Kidnapping (Hague Convention cases)
Understanding New Jersey custody and visitation laws
When parents divorce or a couple separates, a settlement agreement will specify with whom the child will live and how often and under what circumstances the other parent will visit with the child. Most often, parents work out these arrangements between themselves, either voluntarily or with the assistance of their attorneys or a mediator. When they are unable to reach a decision the court will make a decision based on the best interests of the child.
Physical custody
Physical custody denotes the time spent with the parents. There are many different terms used, such as the parent of primary residence, primary residential parent, custodial parent, parent of alternate residence. The terms often reflect the amount of time spent with each parent.
If allegations of physical abuse, substance abuse, or other potentially harmful conduct, have been raised against a parent, any parenting time granted may be subject to supervision by a neutral third party (sometimes called supervised visitation). If this has happened to you, contact our office immediately at 732-384-1497 to schedule a consult with one of our child custody attorneys in Freehold, NJ.
Some parents have chosen a joint physical custody arrangement, in which the child spends an equal amount of time with both parents. Since joint custody requires a high degree of cooperation between the parents, courts are reluctant to order joint custody unless both parents are in agreement and can demonstrate the ability to make joint decisions and cooperate for the child’s sake. Another option is split custody, in which one parent has custody of one or more of the parties’ children and the other parent has custody of the other(s). However, courts usually prefer not to separate siblings when issuing custody orders.
Legal custody
In many situations, physical custody is awarded to one parent, who we call the parent of primary residence. However, most often the parent of primary residence shares “legal custody” of the child with the parent of alternate residence. “Legal custody” includes the right to make decisions about the child’s education, religion, health care, and other important concerns. .
Legal custody ensures that you have input into the important, life-changing decisions that impact your child.
Weighing the best interests of your child
New Jersey’s child custody and parenting time laws focus on the best interests of your child. If you and the other parent cannot agree to a child custody arrangement, the court will set one for you. In making its decision, the judge will weigh a variety of factors, including:
- Your child’s age and specific needs
- The strength of your relationship with your child
- Each parent’s ability and willingness to care for the child’s physical and emotional needs
- Your work schedule and obligations
- Whether you and your spouse can maintain a civil co-parenting relationship after the divorce
- Evidence of domestic violence or abuse
- Your child’s preferences, if age-appropriate
Every child custody case is different. If you believe that your child faces a legitimate safety risk with their other parent, contact our office immediately. We can help you understand your options and take necessary actions to protect your child.
At Cores & Associates, L.L.C., we work closely with our clients, assessing their children’s best interests and building a child custody plan that protects their physical and emotional well-being during a difficult transition. We understand how important your children are, and we will work hard to make sure their unique needs are put first. To learn more about our approach to child custody cases, contact our office today.
How do we divide up parenting time?
Parents face a series of logistical challenges when their relationship breaks down, but they must continue to co-parent. Who gets to celebrate holidays with the child? What happens if one of the parents wants to move out of state? How can a routine be maintained for the child? An experienced child custody attorney can guide you through these difficult decisions.
The focus should always be on the child’s best interest. We will take the time to obtain information about you, the other parent, and the child(ren) so that we can help craft a unique schedule that is focused on maximizing the child’s time with both parents. Our focus is always in on what is best for your family and your circumstances. There is no formula.
Most parents value their time with their children over everything else. When you are splitting up parenting time, it’s easy to get emotional. A child custody lawyer can facilitate these difficult conversations, help you negotiate with your spouse, and identify tools like arbitration and mediation that can help you resolve your child custody and parenting time issues out of court.
Modifying a New Jersey child custody agreement
Once a New Jersey court approves your child custody agreement, it is binding and you must follow its terms. If you violate the terms of a child custody order the court is likely to take severe and swift action.
Once a child custody order is entered it is very difficult to modify it. To obtain a modification, you must establish that there is a change in circumstances that requires a modification of the order in the best interest of the child. The focus of the court is on the child – not on the parent. Simply because a parent wants to move out of state for a job, does not mean that a court will allow it. A change in a parent’s work schedule is not a basis for a change in parenting time. However, if the schedule is not best for the child then the court may entertain a request for modification.
New Jersey courts do not take child custody modification lightly. Before you request a change in child custody, you should always consult with an experienced child custody attorney. At Cores & Associates, L.L.C., we can help you evaluate the strength of your claim, build your best possible case for modification, and negotiate with your ex.
Request a confidential consultation with a New Jersey child custody attorney
A Freehold, NJ child custody attorney at Cores & Associates, L.L.C. can help you build a parenting plan that protects your child’s welfare and maintains your strong relationship. We pride ourselves on our practical and compassionate approach towards child custody issues, but we are also skilled litigators that will aggressively fight for your parental rights. To request a confidential consultation, contact our office today.