.jpg)
In a divorce, the family must adjust from one household to two households. In addressing custody, parents must decide where the children will primarily live, how they will share information with each other regarding the children, how to share decision-making responsibilities and how decisions will be made about the children’s welfare.
The courts in New Jersey will primarily consider the best interests of the child when determining child custody, this will look different on a case-by-case basis, but the following factors will be considered:
Weighing all the factors, the judge will make a decision that aims to protect the child’s best interests. Contact us if you have any questions about this.
There is perhaps nothing more emotional in divorce than addressing the custody of your children. Child custody can be highly contested and expensively litigated. At Riordan Family Law, a skilled Denville child custody attorney can protect your right to maintain or share the custody of your children, or limit the rights of the other parent when necessary to protect the child.
Our Morris County lawyers have the experience to guide you in determining the arrangement that will best serve your children. We urge you to contact us at (973) 577-4118 for a consultation today.
In New Jersey, most parents have joint legal custody. In rare instances, sole legal custody is appropriate. Sole legal custody provides that one parent shall make all the decisions for the benefit of the children regarding health, religion, education and welfare.
Joint legal custody provides parents with an equal voice regarding decisions for the benefit of the children in areas such as:
Physical or residential custody is based upon how much time the children spend at each parent’s home and where the children will live. The courts review a number of factors when making a custody determination.
A few of these factors include:
With so much at stake, we at Riordan Family Law, foster open and amicable resolutions regarding custody to reduce the stress and trauma on the family. We understand that an amicable resolution is not always possible. In those instances, we are prepared to utilize our courtroom skills and extensive experience to protect your parental rights.
Parenting time addresses the amount of time each parent physically spends with the children. At Riordan Family Law, we assist our clients in creating a fair parenting time schedule that is as unique as the family and tailored to meet the family’s needs. A parenting time schedule addresses a regular schedule, holidays, breaks and summer vacation. It is a comprehensive guide for parents while providing the stability of routine that children need.
One of the most common types of post divorce applications is an enforcement motion. This application is filed when one of the parties fails to follow the divorce or non-dissolution Settlement Agreement or Order. An enforcement application generally requests that the Court hold the violating party in contempt for failure to comply with the Agreement or Order.
The most typical enforcement application filed is in circumstances where the payor refuses to comply with a court ordered child support obligation. The enforcement application seeks immediate payment of the arrears and other sanctions. Another example is found when a parenting time schedule is not followed. At the time of the divorce, both spouses are expected to abide by the terms laid out in a divorce Settlement Agreement or Order.
When one party violates the terms of a divorce regarding alimony, equitable distribution, child support, child custody, or parenting time, for example, the other party may wish to file an enforcement action. The experienced Denville child custody attorneys at Riordan Family Law are here to assist you in your enforcement application and to protect your interests. We have found that demanding strict adherence to an Order early in the face of non-compliance will deter the offending party, in many cases, from future violations.
Many aspects of a divorce Settlement Agreement or Order are subject to post-judgment modification. For example, at the time of the divorce, the parenting plans are created with the belief that the needs of the family will be met by the schedule. Of course after the divorce, the needs of the children and the family may change. When this occurs, a change or modification to the parenting time schedule may be needed.
In order for a modification to be considered, there must be a substantial change in circumstances. Ourlawyers have handled numerous modification disputes in Denville and Morris County and can assertively represent your interests in any motion to modify custody or the parenting time schedule. Similar applications are often sought regarding support as well.
Our attorneys are dedicated professionals who are prepared to protect the interests of your children in matters involving custody and parenting, child support and alimony. We regularly advocate to enforce support, including medical, camp and other contributions. We have defended our clients’ rights to make decisions concerning their children. We also regularly litigate issues surrounding alimony modification or termination, such as cohabitation and other changes in circumstances.
When a parent wishes to move with the children to another state or country, they must obtain the consent of the other parent. If consent is not granted, the parent must seek a court order permitting the move before they can relocate the children. When custody and parenting time provisions are established, the intent is to allow sufficient parenting time and to foster the relationship between the parents and the children. The removal of a child from the jurisdiction can give rise to serious consequences for the relocating parent, and such action should not be taken without legal advice from an experienced lawyer.
The attorneys at Riordan Family Law understand that the decision of a parent to move with the children to another state or country directly affects these relationships. If a parent attempts to relocate without permission via court order or the consent of the other parent, that parent may face sanctions, loss of their custody rights, or even criminal prosecution. On the other hand, we also recognize that in this increasingly global society, custodial parents often have valid reasons for a proposed relocation.
When deciding whether to permit a move, the courts must consider several factors under New Jersey law. Some of these include:
If you have the opportunity to move with your children out of New Jersey, or if you are challenging a proposed relocation by the other parent, you need legal advice. These are serious matters that may require discovery, experts, and ultimately a trial. At Riordan Family Law, we are experienced in all types of custody cases. We are prepared advise you of your rights, the potential for success, and discuss avenues to negotiate an agreement that considers and works for the family. If necessary, we can bring the matter to litigation and present your case in the light most favorable to your position. The attorneys at Riordan Family Law can guide you through the process, give crucial legal advice and help you through this challenging issue.
Further reading:
For more information, or to begin with a private consultation, contact our Denville office at (973) 577-4118 today!
