How To Get Joint Custody in New Jersey
NJ Child Custody Lawyers
Joint parental custody is generally advocated by the NJ courts, regardless of the marital status of parents. The good of the child is the main focus in this case. Sole parental custody to one parent is not granted unless the protection of the child’s interests requires this to be the case.
The Williams Law Group’s main focus is on family law and custody in New Jersey. We are an experienced custody law firm. We assist our clients through custody proceedings and ensure that their expectations are met.
In legal terms, parental authority can be defined as the set of rights and obligations which the law gives parents for the good of the minor child. Parents should consider the ability of the child to be a partner in decisions concerning them, according to their age and maturity. Parental authority is the set of rights and obligations of parents over the person and property of their minor child to protect their safety, health and morality. It is the corollary of the right and duty of custody, supervision, and education.
Parents should respect the physical, mental and spirituality of children. If parents fail in their duty, the state intervenes in order to protect the child. Measures range from reminders to parents of their duties to the withdrawal of their parental authority, through other legal measures. If you are experiencing problems or are interested in learning more about joint custody in NJ, contact the Williams Law Group.
Joint custody means that the parents of a child make all decisions relating to them together. However, if one of the parents believes this principle complicates the lives of the children, or compromises the child’s care then they may file for sole custody. By this, we mean decisions affecting food, clothing, and shelter.
The question is whether the father and mother are entitled to joint parental custody. Note that depending on the circumstances of the divorce and when the request is made, the steps and procedures for the award of joint custody can vary.
Any residence change of a parent must be subject to prior and timely notice from the other parent. In case of disagreement, the family court judge rules as required in the best interests of the child. The judge allocates travel expenses and adjusts the amount of child support for the upbringing and education of the child.
It is important to note that joint parental custody must not be such as to create an interference of parents in the lives of each other. Each parent must be able to live independently, without any interference.
The goal of joint custody is to develop harmonious interactions between parents, which result in the best interests of the children. There should be a free flow of communication between the parents and the children.
In case of disagreement between the parents, there will be no “automatic” award of joint custody. Concerned authorities will intervene, at the request of one of the parties, to reestablish sole custody in order to safeguard the interests of the child. If you are attempting to establish sole or joint custody in NJ, contact our law firm today.