Many divorces turn contentious when the subject of who minor children will live with comes up. Too often, the children are used like a weapon by the parents instead of taking their feelings into consideration. The only time courts make decisions about who gets the children is when a mutual agreement cannot be reached, or if there is cause to keep children away from one of their parents.
Types of Child Custody
If you or your soon-to-be ex-spouse cannot agree on custody for your minor children, then the court may decide for you. It is a good idea to retain an attorney who specializes in child custody law in Linwood, NJ to assist you in case of a custody battle. There are two main types of custody in the state of NJ:
* Joint Custody
* Sole Custody
However, the courts can make other arrangements if they feel it is in the best interests of the children.
Determining Custody
To make sure children’s best interests are met, the court usually determines who gets sole or joint custody be evaluating:
* Interactions between children, their parents, and siblings
* Asking the child if they are 12 or older
* Parental fitness
* Home stability
* Work responsibilities of the parents
The courts take child custody law very seriously, so you need to have an experienced attorney who can help you gain custody, or a generous visitation schedule. If you get joint or primary physical custody, a child support attorney can help you to get the monetary support your child needs from your ex-spouse.
Sometimes grandparents may retain an attorney knowledgeable about child custody law so they can see their grandchildren after a divorce. In New Jersey, grandparents have legal visitation rights, and attorneys such as Michael T. Wolf, Esq. in Linwood, NJ can assist them to have a continuous relationship with their grandchildren despite the parent’s’ custody arrangements.
