Child Custody
Turnersville, NJ Attorneys for Child Custody Establishment, Modification and Enforcement
As a parent, dealing with child custody is one of the most emotionally-challenging aspects of going through a separation or divorce. While New Jersey law requires all child custody decisions to serve the best interests of the child, and while both parents will typically want what is best for their children, it is not uncommon for parents to have drastically different perspectives on this issue.
The attorneys in our Turnersville office represent parents in all child custody-related matters in Gloucester County and the surrounding areas. We represent spouses and domestic partners in divorces and separations, and we represent divorced and separated parents in child custody modification and enforcement proceedings. Whether you are going through a divorce or separation or you need help enforcing your right to spend time with your children, we can help. We encourage you to schedule a time to speak with a Turnersville child custody attorney about your situation in confidence.
Establishing Child Custody During a Divorce or Separation
Whether you and your spouse are willing to work together to establish a mutually-agreeable parenting plan or you need to resolve your custody dispute through mediation or litigation, the controlling legal standard in all cases is the preservation of the “best interests” of the children involved. When determining what is in a child’s best interests, the New Jersey courts consider the following factors:
- The parents' ability to agree, communicate and cooperate in child-related matters
- The parents' willingness to accept custody and any history of unwillingness to allow visitation not based on substantiated abuse
- The child’s interactions and relationship with each of his or her parents and siblings
- Any history of domestic violence
- The safety of child and safety either parent from physical abuse by other parent
- The child’s preferences if he or she is of sufficient age and capacity to reason to form an intelligent decision
- The child’s needs
- The stability of the home environment offered by each parent
- The quality and continuity of child's education
- Each parent’s fitness to provide custody
- The geographic proximity of parents' homes after the separation or divorce
- The extent and quality of time each parent spent with the child prior to the divorce or separation
- The parents' employment responsibilities
- The number and ages of the children involved
Modifying or Enforcing Child Custody After a Separation or Divorce
In order to provide stability for children and to ensure that parents give due consideration to the establishment of child custody during their divorce or separation, modification of a child custody order is only permitted under limited circumstances. If you need to seek a modification of custody due to a change in job responsibilities, a need to relocate or any other significant change in circumstances, it is imperative that you seek modification of your child custody order before you deviate from your current parental rights and responsibilities. Violating a child custody order can have serious consequences, and your former spouse or partner may have every right to take legal action to enforce your child custody obligations.
Speak With a Turnersville Child Custody Attorney in Confidence
If you are preparing to go through a divorce or separation or need to speak with an attorney about modifying or enforcing your child custody rights, we encourage you to contact us for an initial consultation. To speak with an attorney at our Turnersville office in confidence, please call 856-232-7000 or request an appointment online today.
