What Types of Child Custody Arrangements are Available to Me in Morris County?
Once the painful decision to divorce has been reached, parents’ immediate concerns are naturally for their children and what will happen to them. While it is a stressful time for everyone involved, Edens Law Group, LLC recognizes and values how important it is for your children to be allowed to spend as much quality time as possible with both parents. We are devoted to providing quality legal services to meet your family’s needs.
The five types of custody arrangements available in Morris County include:
- Joint legal custody– parents maintain equal rights to make meaningful choices about the children’s schooling, healthcare, and other significant decisions about upbringing.
- Joint physical custody– Both parents spend a significant if not equal, amount of time with the children. This ensures that both parents maintain a strong bond with the children despite the divorce.
- Joint custody– Both parents maintain communal legal and physical custody rights.
- Sole legal custody– one parent is given the authority to make crucial decisions for the children
- Sole physical custody– Only one parent retains physical custody of the children, while the other parent spends time with them during their scheduled vacation time.
Every family is unique, and each family has its journey. Divorce does not change that. Our family law attorneys will work tirelessly to help your family achieve the most appropriate custody arrangement for your situation. Call 908-529-0353 for a no-obligation strategy session.
What Factors are Considered in Custody Arrangements?
In Morris County, the courts consider many factors in child custody orders. Generally, courts prefer custody arrangements in which the parents are willing to work together in the best interest of their children despite any hostility between the two divorcing parties.
The courts consider the children’s wishes in custody cases as often as possible. The judge will consider the children’s ages, maturity, and judgment when factoring these preferences into custody arrangements.
Can a Guardian Ad Litem be Hired to Represent my Child?
Some states allow a Guardian Ad Litem to be hired to represent the children’s rights in custody cases. New Jersey has the statutory authority to appoint such a guardian. Edens Law Group, LLC will advocate for the rights of the entire family and the best possible outcome for all. We understand the emotional upheaval these types of family discord can bring. We will work hard to bring harmony back to the table. The best interests of your children are at the forefront of everyone’s minds. We get the results you seek.
How Do We Create A Fair Parenting Plan in Morris County?
There are seven essential components to a successful parenting plan. Until a formal plan is adopted and agreed upon through the court, parents should strive to create a provisional plan so that their children are cared for, and their needs are appropriately met. The seven parts are:
- General Custody arrangement
- Who will make the day-to-day emergency decisions regarding the children’s welfare
- Time-sharing
- Additional visitation
- Information sharing—How will communication regarding school events and other important information be shared between the two parties to limit conflict as much as possible
- Transportation- Particularly, who is responsible for transporting children between visits from each parent and to and from various extracurricular activities.
- There may be other aspects about child support, relocation, and jurisdiction of the agreement depending upon how long it is in place and whether or not it is formalized.
Do Courts in Morris County Consider Domestic Violence in Child Custody Cases?
New Jersey does not condone domestic violence. There are state laws that explicitly permit the consideration of domestic violence by the court when determining child custody arrangements. This may mean that the court has a presumption against custody for abusers, that special procedural deliberations are imposed in cases involving domestic violence, or, as in New Jersey, that domestic violence is a statutory factor in custody determinations.
What Options Are Available if We Just Can’t Agree?
New Jersey wants what is best for your child and will always try to put the child’s best interests first. It is believed that time with both parents is more beneficial to a child’s well-being whenever possible. Therefore, parents are encouraged to work out their differences through meditation.
Mediation allows parents a platform to calmly negotiate and reach a parenting plan that works for all parties through a neutral third party. It’s far less adversarial, less emotional, less stressful, less costly, and less time-consuming than going to court.
No matter your domestic situation, if you are facing a divorce, have been abandoned by your spouse, or need help arranging custody, contact Edens Law Group, LLC. We will protect your rights and get results.
When Should I Contact a Family Law Attorney?
Every family is unique, and even in divorce cases, they want all their needs addressed with calmness and clarity. Ultimately, the best interests of your children are served when solutions can be found as quickly as possible. The family law team at Edens Law Group, LLC is dedicated to ensuring that you stay informed of what is happening with your case at all stages. Our firm understands the emotional upheaval these decisions bring to the family, and we work with sensitivity, compassion, and empathy to provide you with powerful legal advocacy. We aim to help you create a parenting plan accommodating everyone’s needs. We get the results you deserve. Call Edens Law Group, LLC at 908-529-03533 for a no-obligation strategy session.
