Putterman Legal
New Jersey Child Custody Attorney
At Putterman Legal, our Atlantic County child custody attorneys are compassionate, experienced, and solutions-focused advocates for parents. Clients benefit from working with an experienced attorney who understands New Jersey family law. Our firm has extensive experience handling complex family law cases, including divorce and child custody, ensuring that clients receive knowledgeable and effective representation. As leading New Jersey divorce lawyers, we are known for our expertise in navigating the unique challenges of family law in the state. Our team works collaboratively to achieve the best outcomes for our clients. Our firm handles the full range of custody cases. No matter the nature of the conflict, you need professional representation. If you have any questions or concerns about a child custody case, we are here to help. Contact us at our Atlantic County or Cape May County law offices today for a completely confidential consultation with a top New Jersey child custody attorney.
Understanding Child Custody in New Jersey (Legal and Physical)
Child custody in New Jersey includes two parts: legal custody and physical custody. Legal custody refers to a parent’s authority to make major decisions about the child’s life, such as education, healthcare, and religious upbringing, always prioritizing the child’s best interests and overall welfare. On the other hand, physical custody refers to where the child lives and the day-to-day care they receive, which directly impacts the child’s life and well-being.
When physical custody is determined, the parent with whom the child primarily resides is known as the custodial parent, while the other is referred to as the non custodial parent. The non custodial parent typically receives parenting time, which is the scheduled time they spend with the child, ensuring both parents remain actively involved.
Courts often award joint legal custody so both parents remain involved in key decisions. Though, sole legal custody is possible when deemed appropriate. Sole custody, whether legal or physical, may be awarded in situations where one parent is deemed unfit or it is in the child’s best interests. Even in sole custody cases, the non custodial parent may be granted a generous visitation schedule to maintain a strong relationship and ongoing involvement in the child’s life.
Parenting time and quality time are central to custody arrangements, as courts aim to maximize meaningful interactions between parents and children to support the child’s emotional well-being and development. Physical custody may be shared or granted primarily to one parent with visitation for the other.
Joint Custody and Co-Parenting in New Jersey
Navigating joint custody is a significant part of many family law cases in New Jersey. Courts often favor joint custody arrangements because they allow both parents to remain actively involved in their child’s life, fostering stability and emotional well-being. In New Jersey, joint custody can take several forms, including joint legal custody, joint physical custody, or a combination of both, depending on what best serves the child’s interests.
Joint legal custody means both parents share the responsibility for making major decisions about their child’s upbringing—covering areas like education, healthcare, and religious practices. This arrangement requires parents to communicate and collaborate, ensuring that important choices reflect the best interest of their child. Joint physical custody means the child spends substantial time living with each parent, though the schedule does not have to be perfectly equal. This approach helps children maintain strong, meaningful relationships with both parents, which is often crucial for their development.
When determining custody arrangements, New Jersey courts always prioritize the best interest of the child. Judges consider a range of factors, such as the child’s relationship with each parent, the ability of parents to cooperate, and the child’s physical and emotional needs. In some cases, the court may also take the child’s preferences into account, especially if the child is mature enough to express a reasoned opinion.
Ensuring Your Custody Plan Serves the Child’s Best Interest
Co-parenting is at the heart of successful joint custody. Effective co-parenting means putting aside personal differences and working together to support your child’s needs. This can involve open communication, flexibility, and a willingness to compromise. Many parents find that co-parenting classes or counseling can provide valuable tools for managing the challenges that come with shared parenting responsibilities.
If parents cannot agree on custody arrangements, the court may order a custody evaluation or seek input from child development experts to ensure the final arrangement truly serves the child’s best interests. These steps are designed to provide peace of mind and ensure that every decision supports the child’s well-being.
Trusted Advocacy in NJ Joint Custody Matters
At Putterman Legal, our team of experienced NJ family law attorneys understands the complexities of joint custody and co-parenting. We have represented clients throughout New Jersey—including Ocean County, Monmouth County, and Mercer County—in a wide range of family law matters, from custody disputes and child support to property division and alimony. Our attorneys are dedicated to helping families find common ground and develop custody arrangements that protect the child’s interests and provide stability during a difficult time.
Every family law case is unique, and our firm is committed to providing personalized representation tailored to your specific needs. Whether you are seeking joint custody, need help with a custody modification, or are facing a challenging custody dispute, our New Jersey family lawyers are here to guide you through the process and advocate for your rights.
If you are looking for a trusted NJ family law attorney to help you with joint custody, co-parenting, or any other family law matter, contact our firm today. We are committed to supporting families across New Jersey and helping you achieve the best possible outcome for your child and your future.
An Overview of the Best Interests of the Child Standard in New Jersey
New Jersey is in the best interests of the child state for custody and visitation. Any decision that a court makes regarding custody or visitation will be done in consideration for what is best for the child’s health, safety, well-being, and social development, with a strong focus on protecting the child’s welfare throughout the process. Courts do not automatically favor one parent over the other. Mothers and fathers have fully equal rights to seek custody and visitation. Courts will examine a wide range of factors to determine which arrangement best supports the child’s best interests. Claims and recommendations made to the court must be supported by evidence and documentation to ensure informed and fair decisions. Additionally, families may be connected with resources to help support the child’s well-being and development during custody proceedings. Some of the most important best interests factors include:
- The child’s relationship with each parent;
- Each parent’s ability to provide a safe and nurturing environment;
- Each parent’s ability to cooperate in good faith with the other;
- The child’s educational and medical needs;
- Any history of domestic violence or substance abuse; and
- The child’s own preferences (if old enough and mature enough).
Why Parents Rely On New Jersey Child Custody Attorney Bonnie Putterman
For parents, navigating a divorce or a separation can be especially hard. Even for those parents who are on relatively good terms, dealing with the nuances of child custody can still be very challenging. You do not have to go it alone. Bonnie Putterman is a New Jersey family lawyer who puts people first. Our client testimonials tell the story of what we can do in complex cases, including custody disputes. Along with other things, our Atlantic County child custody attorney is ready to:
- Listen to your story and answer questions about your case;
- Help you gather and prepare all supporting documentation;
- Represent you in any custody/visitation settlement talks; and
- Develop a personalized strategy for your child custody case.
We help clients resolve custody disputes through negotiation, mediation, or litigation, depending on what best serves your family’s needs. Mediation is available as an alternative to court proceedings for resolving custody and visitation issues, often reducing emotional stress and costs. Our attorneys work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients, advocating for your interests every step of the way.
Child Custody in New Jersey: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Legal Custody: This refers to the right of a parent to make important decisions about a child’s upbringing, including education, healthcare, and religious training. Legal custody can be:
– Joint Legal Custody: Both parents share the decision-making responsibilities.
– Sole Legal Custody: One parent has the exclusive right to make decisions regarding the child’s important matters.
2. Physical Custody: This determines where the child will live and who will be responsible for their daily care. Physical custody can also be:
– Joint Physical Custody: The child spends significant time living with both parents, allowing for shared parenting roles.
– Sole Physical Custody: The child primarily resides with one parent, while the other parent may have visitation rights.
3. Shared Custody: This term encompasses both joint legal and physical custody, implying that both parents are actively involved in the child’s life and share responsibilities.
4. Visitation Rights: When one parent has sole physical custody, the other parent typically has the right to visit the child, often defined by a visitation schedule agreed upon by both parents or mandated by the court.
5. Primary Custodian: In cases where joint custody is not feasible, the court may designate one parent as the primary custodian, responsible for the child’s day-to-day care, while the other parent has visitation rights.
In determining custody arrangements, the court’s primary focus is the “best interest of the child,” considering factors like the child’s needs, relationships with parents, and the ability of each parent to provide a stable environment. Custody arrangements are determined based on the needs and agreements of the parties involved, and parents are encouraged to reach mutual agreements on custody arrangements; however, if they cannot come to an agreement, the court will make the final decision based on the child’s best interests.
Your child’s needs always come first under the law. If you and the other parent can’t reach an agreement, the court starts with the legal “best interests of the child” standard. If the parties cannot reach an agreement, the court will make a determination. The judge weighs factors like each parent’s ability to cooperate, the child’s relationship with each parent, stability, safety, and the child’s age and maturity.
Yes, New Jersey courts allow modifications if you can demonstrate a change in circumstance. You can file a motion to change an existing custody order, and the court will revisit the best‑interest factors. The court approves modifications if they benefit the child. Notably, it is far easier to get a child custody modification if both parents can agree on it.
Custody decisions are often part of a broader divorce settlement, which may also address asset division and the equitable distribution of property and debts between the parties. Issues such as marriage, asset division, and equitable distribution are closely interconnected with child custody in family law cases, and each party’s rights and responsibilities are considered during these proceedings.
Contact Our Atlantic County Child Custody Lawyers Today
At Putterman Legal, our Atlantic County, Cape May County, and Cumberland County child custody attorneys have the professional experience that you can rely on when it matters most. If you have any specific questions about child custody, we are here as a family law resource. Contact us now for a completely confidential initial consultation at (609) 625-8383. From our Atlantic County office, our firm handles custody matters throughout New Jersey.
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Laura S.
I have used Bonnie for years in several legal areas divorce, child support, and real estate transactions and will continue to use it if necessary. She is highly professional and knowledgeable… Read More