If you have a legal concern that affects your family, the stakes are incredibly high, and it’s not unusual to have considerable anxiety about the outcome. Protecting your rights is key, and working closely with the experienced Atlantic County family law attorneys at Weinberg, Kaplan, & Smith P.A. can make a serious difference in how your case is resolved.
Divorce Terms: A Key Component of Family Law
Family law addresses matters that families face, and a critical component of this is divorce and the terms of divorce.
The Terms of Divorce
Divorce is a common family law issue, and this includes the specific terms of divorce, like child custody, which is critical in cases involving minor children. Child custody arrangements in New Jersey include both physical and legal custody.
Physical and Legal Custody
Physical custody determines parenting time while legal custody assigns the authority to make primary parenting decisions. New Jersey courts prefer shared physical and legal custody whenever possible, but the children’s best interests always prevail. Factors like the depth of each parent’s relationship with the children and each parent’s commitment to effective co-parenting are of primary concern.
Additional Divorce Terms
In addition to child custody, divorcing couples must resolve the equitable division of marital property. There are also the matters of child support and alimony, which is also called spousal support, to hammer out.
Mediation
In New Jersey, couples who can’t negotiate mutually acceptable divorce terms between themselves are generally required to attend mediation. This involves you and your soon-to-be ex coming together with a professional mediator in an effort to find middle ground. You should each have the counsel of your respective divorce attorneys during the mediation process. Never agree to anything without having your lawyer review it.
Most people prefer to retain decision-making authority regarding their financial and parental rights. Because mediation is often the last stop before divorce court, many participants find it especially motivating.
Matters Addressed by DCPP
Matters addressed by the Department of Children and Families (DCPP) include allegations of child abuse and child neglect. Their mission is fostering the safety of healthy and connected families. Related legal matters are challenging – seek skilled legal guidance.
Domestic Abuse
New Jersey identifies domestic abuse as a pattern of abuse that can be physical, sexual, emotional, or verbal, and it can take any of the following forms:
- Threats
- Intimidation
- Financial control
- Isolation
Domestic abuse tends to escalate with the passage of time. This makes ensuring your safety, seeking the help and support you need, and knowing your legal rights paramount. Consulting with a compassionate family law lawyer can help you take the right steps forward for you and your children under the unique circumstances that apply.
Reach Out to an Atlantic County Family Law Lawyer for the Help You’re Looking For
The Atlantic County family law attorneys at Weinberg, Kaplan, & Smith P.A. are committed to helping each of our valued clients navigate their complex family law case with their rights intact and their best interests supported. We’re here for you too, so please don’t delay contacting us online or giving us a call at 856-795-9400 today.