Shared custody arrangements have both pros and cons. Sharing custody of your child can bring many benefits, but it can also present many challenges as well.
New Jersey recognizes two types of custody: physical (which gives you the right to live with your child) and legal (which gives you the right to make important decisions about your child). Both physical and legal custody can be shared or awarded solely to one parent.
Sharing legal custody can present some challenges, especially if you and the other parent have different beliefs about how your child should be raised. Many parents can cooperate on making joint decisions about their child’s education, medical care, and upbringing. Typically, legal custody is granted to both parents unless it is not in the child’s best interests.
Sharing physical custody often takes much more work. When a child lives with both of his or her parents, it can be a logistical nightmare just figuring out how and when to transfer the child from one house to the other. It can be incredibly difficult to coordinate transfers around work schedules, school schedules, and activity schedules, and this can cause significant conflict for parents sharing custody.
But sharing physical custody can also bring many obvious benefits. The child will get to grow up under the direct care and supervision of both parents rather than just one. The parents also get to share the responsibilities of raising the child, meaning each parent is less stressed and has more time to enjoy parenting.
The challenges of sharing custody, both legal and physical, often stem from the inability of the parents to agree. You should consider your ability to cooperate with your child’s other parent when deciding what kind of custody arrangement you want. These pros and cons of shared custody might not apply to every family. That said; you should consult with an experienced New Jersey child custody attorney if you have questions about shared custody. Custody is a complex issue and one that can require frequent court intervention. If you have questions or concerns about shared custody, you should work with an attorney to figure out what type of custody arrangement will be best for your child. A skilled attorney can assist you with getting a custody order that is in your child’s best interests.
If you are looking for compassionate legal defense in New Jersey, the Williams Law Group, LLC can help you. Our skilled child custody attorneys can help you navigate your case and will defend your rights every step of the way. Located in Union, New Jersey, Williams Law Group, LLC provides compassionate and dedicated legal services to Union, Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, Monmouth, and Middlesex counties, and the surrounding areas. Our knowledgeable attorneys handle divorce and family law, child custody, and child abuse/neglect cases. Call our office at (908) 810-1083, email us at info@awilliamslawgroup.com, or contact us through our confidential online form to schedule a consultation and ultimately get you connected with an experienced New Jersey divorce and child custody attorney.
