The state of New Jersey abides by the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) regarding issues pertaining to child custody. The act was created to establish a more integrated child custody structure that allows law enforcement officials to ensure the safety of children and compliance of their parents.

Before attempting to enforce child custody as stipulated by UCCJEA, however, parents must come to a consensus about who has more custodial rights regarding the children. The court system sometimes steps into the matter of parental rights when the two parties cannot agree. In such instances, it is important for parents to understand their legal liberties as well as seek out NJ family lawyers.

What Does Child Custody Establish?

Child custody encompasses both physical and legal custody. Legal custody revolves around the right of one parent to have more decision-making responsibilities than the other. In some instances, NJ family lawyers can help parents come to a consensus so that both parents have equal decision-making power despite being separated from one another.

Physical custody has to do with the living arrangements of the child. It is not uncommon for a child to stay at the residence of one parent more often than the other. Such arrangements, however, may need to be determined by a judge.

Factors that May Affect Child Custody

One major factor that impacts child custody is domestic violence. The accused may find himself in jeopardy of losing nearly all parental rights if a history of violence can be established. It is imperative, then, that the offending party retains a lawyer in such instances.

You should not attempt to face an issue such as child custody on your own. The partner and associate attorneys at Edens Law Group have worked in family law for years and know what it takes to be successful in court. Contact Edens Law Group today for a consultation!