Understanding The Different Types of Child Custody in New Jersey

Divorce involves a number of difficult decisions, not the least of which is deciding who will get custody of the children. There are different types of custody and visitation arrangements that coincide with a child custody order. Understanding how these decisions are made, as well as what your options are, can help you decide what works best for you and your family.

Types of Child Custody

Sole custody is an arrangement whereby one parent has custody of the children, with the other parent usually being given a set visitation schedule. In contrast, joint custody is an arrangement where the children split their time equally between parents. Custody can be either physical or legal. A parent with whom a child lives is said to have physical custody, while legal custody allows a parent to make important decisions about their child’s upbringing, related to things like medical care, religion, and education.

In New Jersey, the Family Law court places the best interests of the child at the forefront of consideration when making a child custody decision. Following this standard, the judge will look at the following factors:

• The ability of the parents to cooperate with one another
• The ability of each parent to care for the child financially
• The parents’ work schedules
• The physical and mental health of each parent
• Any history of substance abuse or domestic violence in the family
• The wishes of the child, if old enough to make an informed decision

If a parent’s situation ever dramatically changes, child custody arrangements can be modified. For example, a modification would be justified in a case in which the parent with custody loses their job or wishes to relocate with the child to another state. A family law attorney can assist with modifications.

Contact a Premier Family Law Attorney in New Jersey

When it comes to the happiness and wellbeing of your child, it is important to come up with a custody arrangement that is the least disruptive to their lives as possible. When you bring your case to Moskowitz Law Group, LLC, we can provide you with a personalized plan of action best suited to your unique situation and goals. Our experienced New Jersey family law attorneys are available to answer your questions and address any concerns you may have. To schedule an appointment, please contact us today.