Hackensack Child Custody Lawyers

Child Custody

Going through a divorce is stressful enough, but when issues of child custody are involved, the potential for problems increases substantially.

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If parents can communicate just enough to be laser-focused on the children’s best interests, they should also be able to come to an agreement regarding custody and visitation on their own. However, it takes both parents to willingly engage in agreeing on these issues. Unfortunately, this does not always happen; conflicts over child custody can lead to court battles.

Our Hackensack child custody lawyers will help you negotiate a child custody agreement where your child is the ultimate “winner.” If agreement with the other parent is impossible, we will advocate for your custody rights in court. Contact our child custody lawyers at [MFR] Men’s & Fathers’ Rights Divorce Lawyers at (201) 880-9770 for a confidential case evaluation.

Contact a Hackensack child custody lawyer to get answers that pertain directly to your situation. Call (201) 880-9770.

New Jersey Child Custody Law

Child custody cases can be complex and emotionally charged, often requiring the expertise of skilled attorneys to navigate the legal landscape effectively. In New Jersey, statute N.J.S.A. 9:2-4 is designed to prioritize the child’s best interests while ensuring a fair and equitable arrangement for both parents.

Although both parents have the legal right to be involved in the children’s lives, the courts have not interpreted the statute language to mean automatic or presumptive 50/50 or automatic or presumptive joint custody arrangements. Rather, the courts will consider various factors when making custody arrangement decisions.

Factors Judges Consider in Making Child Custody Decisions

When determining child custody arrangements, New Jersey courts consider various factors to determine what is in the child’s best interests. These factors include:

• The parents’ ability to agree, communicate, and cooperate on issues related to the child.
• The parents’ willingness to accept custody and any history of unwillingness to allow parenting time.
• The interaction and relationship of the child with its parents and siblings.
• The child’s preferences, provided they are of sufficient age and maturity to form an intelligent decision.
• The child’s safety and the safety of either parent from physical abuse by the other parent.
• Any history of domestic violence or substance abuse by either parent.
• The geographical proximity of the parents’ homes.
• The parents’ employment responsibilities and the ability to care for the child.
• The stability of the home environment offered by each parent.
• The quality and continuity of the child’s education.
• The extent and quality of the time spent with the child before or after the separation.
• The parents’ employment responsibilities.
• The age and number of the children.

This list is not all-inclusive. Judges may consider additional things, depending on the situation. Our Hackensack child custody attorneys will provide sound legal guidance to help you avoid issues that could harm your interests in custody decisions.

Types of Child Custody Arrangements

Child custody arrangements can take various forms, depending on the family’s specific circumstances. Here are the different types of legal custody arrangements in New Jersey.

Legal Custody

Legal custody refers to the right and responsibility to make major decisions regarding a child’s upbringing, including education, healthcare, religion, and general welfare. Parents with legal custody have the authority to make these important decisions on behalf of their child. In some cases, legal custody may be awarded solely to one parent (sole legal custody) or shared jointly between both parents (joint legal custody), requiring them to collaborate and reach mutual agreements on significant decisions affecting the child’s life.

Physical or Residential Custody

Physical or residential custody determines where the child will live and the day-to-day care they will receive. This type of custody arrangement addresses the child’s primary residence and the allocation of parenting time between the parents. Physical custody can also be awarded solely to one parent (sole physical custody) or shared jointly between both parents (joint physical custody). In joint physical custody cases, the child may spend significant time with each parent, often on a predetermined schedule that ensures regular and consistent contact with both parents.

No Custody Rights

A parent may be deemed unfit or unable to provide the child with a safe and stable environment. In such cases, the court may determine that it is not in the child’s best interest for that parent to have custody rights. This may occur in situations involving issues such as abuse, neglect, substance abuse, or significant mental health concerns. When a parent is deemed unfit, they may be denied custody rights. The custody may be awarded solely to the other parent or a third-party guardian who can better provide the child with a stable and nurturing environment.

Why Choose MFR Divorce Lawyers?

At MFR Divorce Lawyers, we understand that selecting the right attorney to represent you in a child custody matter is crucial. Here are some compelling reasons to choose our firm:

1. Experience and Expertise

Our child custody lawyers boast extensive experience handling child custody cases in Hackensack and throughout New Jersey. We’ve successfully represented numerous clients, navigating them through complex legal processes with precision and skill.

2. Proven Track Record

We have a history of achieving favorable outcomes for our clients in child custody matters. Our track record speaks to our ability to secure arrangements prioritizing the child’s best interests while protecting our client’s parental rights.

3. Tailored Strategies

We understand that every family is unique, and cookie-cutter approaches simply won’t suffice. That’s why we take the time to listen to your concerns, understand your priorities, and craft personalized legal strategies designed to meet your specific needs and goals.

4. Accessible and Responsive

Communication is key during such emotionally charged times. We prioritize accessibility and responsiveness, ensuring that you’re never left in the dark about the status of your case. Our lawyers are available to address your questions and concerns promptly.

How We Can Help

Facing child custody issues can be overwhelming, but our Hackensack child custody lawyers are here to provide the guidance and support you need every step of the way. Here’s how we can help:

• Strategic Representation: We will develop a personalized legal strategy tailored to your situation. Whether you seek joint custody, sole custody, or modifications to an existing custody arrangement, we will advocate fiercely to achieve the best possible outcome for you and your children.
• Negotiation and Mediation: Whenever possible, we strive to resolve child custody disputes amicably through negotiation or mediation. Our lawyers are skilled negotiators who can help you and the other parent reach a mutually beneficial agreement outside of court, saving you time, money, and stress.
• Steadfast Litigation: In cases where negotiation is impossible or it is in the child’s best interests, our experienced litigators are prepared to represent you in court. We will present compelling arguments and evidence to support your case and fight for a custody arrangement that protects your parental rights and your child’s well-being.
• Post-Judgment Support: Our commitment to you doesn’t end once a custody order is issued. If circumstances change or issues arise after the court’s decision, we will provide guidance on modifying custody orders, enforcing court orders, and addressing any other post-judgment matters that may arise.

Contact a Father’s Rights Child Custody Attorney for Help

Custody and parenting time arrangements are often the most contested and difficult family law matters. When your child’s future is affected, and your relationship with your child is potentially at stake, it is critical to get skilled legal help with custody and visitation issues. Reach out for a confidential case evaluation with our experienced MFR divorce lawyers in New Jersey.

Call (201) 880-9770 to find out how our child custody lawyers can help you.

ATTORNEY BIO

Carrie S. Schultz, Esq.

Thank you for visiting our site. We realize that if you are reading this, you or someone you know is having marital or family difficulties. We truly understand how unsettling that can be for all involved. I personally want to invite you to explore the website which contains a lot of informational and educational items which I hope is of benefit to you. I also welcome you to contact us to schedule a case evaluation to discuss your matter in greater detail. Our firm philosophy is to always remain committed to providing our clients with the best service, care, guidance, communication, and legal advice possible for your particular situation. We take seriously you entrusting us with your legal matter. Happy researching!