Dedicated to serving the Counties of Camden, Burlington, Gloucester, and the Entire State of South Jersey
If you are going through a divorce that involves children, your parental rights are of primary concern. In fact, child custody is one of the most hotly contested divorce terms. Issues related to child support tend to go hand in hand with child custody disputes, and working with an experienced Marlton, NJ, child custody dispute lawyer from the start is always advised.
Child Custody Terms in New Jersey
Every child custody determination in New Jersey is based on the best interests of the children in the context of the unique circumstances involved. When there is no pressing reason to rule otherwise, children will continue to spend a considerable amount of time with each parent. One parent may, however, receive primary residential custody, which entails having the children more than half the time.
In addition to physical custody, there is also the matter of legal custody to consider. Legal custody addresses each parent’s decision-making authority regarding important parenting concerns like the following:
- The children’s education
- The children’s medical care
- The children’s participation in extracurricular activities and travel
- The children’s religious upbringing
Parents often make these decisions together, but one may have the right to break a tie when a mutually acceptable resolution can’t be reached. Parents can also divide these decisions according to category, or one parent can take on sole legal custody.
Child Support
Child support is the state’s tool for ensuring that both parents continue supporting their children financially post-divorce. While child support is based on a range of variables, the primary concerns are each parent’s income, the number of children addressed by the order, and the amount of time each parent spends with the children. Generally, however, the parent with the higher income has the child support obligation.
Modifications
The State of New Jersey recognizes that the facts and circumstances of both child custody and child support cases can change and evolve over time, and in response, modifications are often issued. If your situation has changed to a significant degree, a child custody or child support modification may be in order, and having skilled legal guidance on your side is always in your best interest.
It’s also important to note that even if you and your children’s other parent are in agreement regarding a modification, you should make the matter official with the court. Your child custody and child support terms are legally binding, and if – at some point in the future – your ex changes their mind on the matter, you could be found in contempt of court.
Turn to an Experienced Marlton, NJ, Child Custody Dispute Attorney for the Help You Need
The dedicated Marlton child custody dispute lawyers at Weinberg, Kaplan, & Smith, P. A. – serving all South Jersey, including Camden, Burlington, and Gloucester Counties – appreciate the critical importance of your child custody and child support terms and will spare no effort in our focused pursuit of a favorable case resolution. Learn more about what we can do to help you by contacting us onlineor calling us at 856-795-9400 today.