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Child Custody Lawyer in Matawan, New Jersey

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Child Custody Options & Guidelines

Red Bank Child Custody Lawyers

New Jersey Child Custody Options

Joint Legal Custody

This type of child custody arrangement is the most common since it allows both parents to actively participate in their child’s life. Typically, with joint legal custody, one parent serves as the primary residential custodian for the child, and the other parent serves as the alternate. In joint legal custody situations, both parents are responsible for making joint decisions for their children on major issues such as health, education, and general welfare. The primary custodial parent is responsible for day-to-day decisions and should consult with or notify the non-custodial parent when appropriate. The parent who has the child in his or her care at any given time is expected to make decisions that are in the child’s best interest.

Sole Legal and Physical Custody

In a sole legal and physical custody arrangement, one parent serves as the residential custodial parent. That parent makes all major decisions regarding the child (health, education, and welfare), as well as all day-to-day decisions without the need to consult with or notify the noncustodial parent. Sole custody is rarely awarded in New Jersey, except for extreme circumstances in which one parent is deemed to be absent or unfit or in cases where there is a history of child neglect, drug addiction, substantiated DYFS matters, etc.

Shared Legal and Physical Custody

Many New Jersey parents desire this shared child custody arrangement because it represents a more equal division of parenting time. In this custody arrangement, both parents share decision-making power and physical custody. A typical example would be alternating weeks, where one parent has one week with the child and the other parent has the next. Another example of a shared legal and physical custody arrangement could be a schedule where one parent has four days with the child including overnights, while the other parent has three days with the child including overnights.

Finding the Best Custody Option with a Child Custody Lawyer

Child custody issues can be emotionally difficult, and our child custody lawyers will work with you to identify your needs, help you understand your options, and reduce your anxiety throughout this process. We provide you with the education, tools, and guidance you need to make thoughtful decisions to protect the best interests of your family.

We encourage you to call us to request an initial consultation with a child custody lawyer from our family law firm. At your appointment, an experienced family law attorney will thoroughly review all of your options and advise you on the best strategy to successfully address even the most complex child custody issues. After deciding which option is best, you will be assisted in carefully crafting a sensible custody and parenting time plan. This visitation plan will be designed specifically for you and your family and will take into consideration various factors, such as:

Work schedules

Activities

Travel

Childcare needs

Extended family members

And more

No matter which child custody option is right for your family, our child custody attorneys will protect your rights and safeguard your child’s welfare. Contact us today at (732) 741-2600 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced child custody attorney.

Visitation or Parenting Time Plans

In New Jersey, courts refer to time parents spend with their children as “parenting time,” rather than “visitation.” This acknowledges the importance of each parent’s role, regardless of whether a child spends nearly equal time with each parent or lives with one parent most of the time. Whatever your child custody arrangement, there will be various options available for structuring parenting time. If you and your child’s other parents already have a decision about the basic form of child custody you will be following, child custody attorneys at the Law Offices of Sylvia S. Costantino, Esq., LLC. can help you craft a sensible New Jersey parenting plan designed to meet the needs of your family both now and well into the future. Find out about parenting time arrangements.

Examples of Parenting Time Arrangements in New Jersey

Under New Jersey law, co-parents can structure parenting time in any way manageable for them, provided that the plan serves their child’s best interests. Parenting time is linked to physical custody as opposed to legal custody

While several different physical custody arrangements might work well for your family, most parents begin with one of the following standard formats:

One primary residential parent and one alternate residential parent

Under this arrangement, a child spends the majority of the week residing with the parent who has primary physical custody. The other parent generally follows a fairly traditional visitation schedule, spending alternate weekends with the child. If practical, the “alternate” parent often also has a regular mid-week dinner or other special mid-week activity with the child.

Shared physical custody

Parents who wish to share physical custody can construct a schedule that allows them equal or nearly equal parenting time. This may consist of alternating weeks, or it may consist of shorter blocks of alternating time. While alternating weeks offers simplicity, shorter blocks of time tend to work better for younger children. Some families also prefer shorter blocks because this creates fewer long absences between the child and either parent.

Sole physical custody

When one parent has sole physical custody, visitation may be more limited. If some circumstance exists that makes it in the child’s best interest for visitation to be severely limited or even supervised, the schedule must be tailored accordingly. Parents are rarely locked into such limitations permanently. Courts favor liberal visitation, except when contrary to the child’s best interests.
Law Offices of Sylvia S. Costantino Esq., LLC

Constructing a Parenting Time Plan

Important Terms to Include in Parenting Time Plans

Parenting plans are most effective when they are specific and detailed. Parents who get along well with one another sometimes want to keep plans general, in the belief that this will provide greater flexibility. While maintaining flexibility will serve parents well, enforcement of vague plans often proves to be difficult or impossible. Having a child custody lawyer navigate you through this process will deter problems regarding Parenting Time in the future.

The best plans are tailored to the needs of an individual family. Among important items to include are the following:

  • A designation of legal and physical custody,
  • A description of the time-sharing arrangement,
  • A description of any changes in time-sharing that will occur during school vacation periods,
  • Provisions addressing transportation,
  • Provisions addressing birthdays (both children’s and parents’), as well as special holidays such as Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and traditional or religious family holidays,
  • Provisions addressing travel out of the state or out of the country, and
  • A description of access to and sharing arrangements regarding school and medical records.
Mother's Rights Attorney in Red Bank, NJ
Law Offices of Sylvia S. Costantino Esq., LLC

What Circumstances can Cause a Child Custody Modification?

Experienced Child Custody Lawyers

Matawan Child Custody Lawyers Providing the Help You Need

Retaining a highly qualified child custody lawyer can help properly position you for parenting time or child custody modification. A seasoned child custody lawyer can also help you fight against an unwanted change. The welfare of your children is always our first priority. Our Matawan child custody lawyers work diligently and efficiently to protect your ever-changing needs—and the needs of your children.

If you believe a change to your existing child custody and parenting time provisions is necessary, our child custody lawyers will evaluate those issues with you, so you can choose the option that is best for you and your family. Take the first steps towards a more secure future with your kids. Call (732) 741-2600 today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced child custody lawyer at the Law Offices of Sylvia S. Costantinto, Esq., LLC.

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About Matawan, NJ

Nestled in the heart of Matawan NJ, at the coordinates of 40.4118° N, 74.2324° W, the Law Offices of Sylvia Costantino stands as an emblem of stability in a lively, thriving community. Matawan, with its rich history, is not just a town; it's a tapestry woven with many vibrant threads. Each emblematic landmark, including the Matawan Town Hall, the historic Burrowes Mansion, Lake Lefferts, and the popular Matawan Creek, contributes to the distinctive character of this bustling town, making it an ideal hub for our family law services created intentionally for communities just like ours.

Here, at the heart of Monmouth County, Sylvia Costantino’s Red Bank Family Law Attorneys bring tailored legal solutions to the roughly 8,810 proud residents of Matawan. We extend our family law services throughout the diverse neighborhoods of Marc Woods, Oak Shades, Freneau, Cliffwood, and Morganville. Our firm not only conforms to local regulations but also upholds the spirit of Matawan, exemplifying our commitment to maintain the unique civic personality of this vibrant town.

Now, how does climate factor into legal services, you might ask? We cater to clients who may undergo unexpected legal circumstances triggered by climate-based changes —witnessing, for instance, the improvisations family law might need due to weather or sudden calamities, demonstrating an unhindered commitment to serve our clients.

Also, at the Law Offices of Sylvia Costantino, we do more than just observe the law. As an eco-friendly establishment, we are resolute in our contribution to Matawan's green community. We take pride in our initiatives towards reducing the carbon footprint, integrating sustainable solutions right from our office management to our legal undertakings.

So, whether you're enjoying a tranquil afternoon at Matawan's serene Lake Lefferts, or sipping coffee amidst the hustle-bustle of Cliffwood neighborhood, remember, our Red Bank Family Law Attorneys are ready to provide you with bespoke legal solutions. Giving Matawan's citizens access to legal services, we remain steadfast in navigating the complex terrain of family law that's shaped specifically for you.

Sylvia Costantino’s is your community law office because we acknowledge, serve and uphold the unique spirit of Matawan, NJ. Connect with us, and experience the difference a local law office can make.

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