Child custody disputes can be extremely complex and emotionally difficult for all parties involved. That’s why it’s important to have a skilled family law attorney on your side for the divorce proceedings and onward. We’d like to look at some of the basic issues related to child custody so you have a basic understanding of what to expect and what is involved.
If you would like more information about these issues, you should not hesitate to speak with our New Jersey matrimonial attorneys. Let’s start with the four types of custody: physical custody, legal custody, joint custody, and sole custody.
Physical Custody
Physical custody refers to a parent having his or her child live with said parent. Sometimes one parent will be given sole custody while another is granted visitation rights, other times parents may split time physical custody equally.
Legal Custody
Legal custody refers to a parent’s ability to make decisions about the way a child is raised. Sometimes one parent will have sole legal custody, other times it may be split. Our marriage and divorce attorneys in New Jersey can help with all such matters.
Joint Custody
Joint custody refers to parents splitting both legal and physical custody of a child. Parents most come to agreements about decisions related to child-rearing.
Sole Custody
Sole custody refers to a parent having both physical and legal custody of a child.
Child Visitation Rights
Child visitation rights refers to an area of divorce law related to time allotted for a non-custodian to spend time with his or her child. This occurs when one parent is given physical custody but the other parent is allowed to see his or her children. Sometimes the visits may be supervised, especially when substance abuse or physical abuse is involved.
Factors Determining Child Custody
There are a number of factors that determine custody of a child, including:
- The needs and well-being of a child
- The income/suitability of the parents
- The standard of living that each parent can provide
- Any history of domestic abuse or neglect
- Any history of substance abuse
How Our Child Custody Attorneys Can Help You
Since the legal system can be so knotty and complicated, working with a skilled New Jersey child custody attorneys will help give you peace of mind. They will handle all of the legal matters so that you are able to handle the emotional and personal matters related to these sorts of cases. We will approach all proceedings and meetings with great tact and decorum.
Contact Our Family Law Practice to Learn More
If you would like to learn more about the various legal matters related to child custody, contact our New Jersey family law attorneys today. Our legal team will handle your situation with the decorum and respect that you deserve. We understand that you may be facing a trying time, so we will make the process as easy for you as possible.