Medford Child Custody Lawyers: Protecting Your Children And Your Parental Rights

Nothing is more important than your children’s well-being and stability, particularly as you’re navigating major life shifts like divorce or separation. If you’re facing custody issues, the emotional journey can be tough. You’re not just looking for legal advice; you need a legal team that values the importance of your children’s best interests and your relationship with them.

You will find such a team at KG Law Group, LLC in Medford. Our child custody lawyers have a wealth of experience handling New Jersey family law cases throughout Burlington County and beyond. They infuse their approach with a genuine understanding of how critical these decisions are for your family.

Our focus is on standing up for what matters most: your children and your rights as a parent.

How Is Child Custody Determined In New Jersey?

New Jersey’s child custody laws are designed with the best interests of the children in mind. Many factors play a role in determining custody arrangements, including:

• The needs of the children and each parent’s ability to meet those needs
• The stability of each home environment
• Each parent’s willingness to cooperate and co-parent
• The children’s relationship with each parent

We can explain how these and other factors will influence your case.

Types Of Child Custody In New Jersey

When dealing with child custody matters in New Jersey, it is essential to understand the different types of custody arrangements the courts recognize. Custody is divided into the following categories:

• Sole custody: One parent has full physical custody and sole legal custody, making all major decisions without input from the other parent.
• Joint custody: This is a general term often used to describe shared responsibilities between both parents.
• Joint legal custody: Both parents share decision-making authority, even if the child primarily resides with one parent.
• Sole legal custody: One parent has exclusive authority to make major decisions about the child’s life.
• Physical custody: Refers specifically to where the child lives and which parent provides day-to-day care.
• Shared custody: The child splits time living with both parents, usually in a way that allows for equal or nearly equal parenting time.
• Shared legal custody: Both parents retain equal decision-making rights about the child’s upbringing, regardless of physical living arrangements.

A child custody lawyer can help you determine which option is best suited for your situation, especially if you are navigating the process in Medford or anywhere in New Jersey.

Who Can File For Custody?

In New Jersey, either parent can file for custody. It does not matter if the parents were never married; both have the right to seek child custody or parenting time.

In some cases, nonparents, such as grandparents or legal guardians, may also apply, especially if the child’s well-being is at risk. The court evaluates what is in the child’s best interests when determining who may be granted custody or visitation rights.

How To File For Legal And/Or Physical Custody Of Your Child

To begin the process, you must file a custody application with the New Jersey family court. This includes completing and submitting a “Complaint for Custody” and related forms, which can be found on the New Jersey Courts website.

Whether you are seeking sole custody or joint custody, it is important to clearly explain your proposed custody arrangement, how it benefits the child and why it aligns with their best interests.

Depending on the court’s requirements, you may also need to attend parenting classes or mediation. Working with a child custody lawyer can help ensure all paperwork is filed correctly and your rights are protected.

Many Paths To Resolution

Our team believes in the power of negotiation and mediation to resolve custody disputes amicably. However, crafting a parenting plan that works for everyone involved is no small feat. Our child custody attorneys are skilled problem-solvers who strive to reach positive resolutions that serve the best interests of your children. We can help you outline visitation schedules and parenting plans that reflect your family’s needs. Our goal is to help you and your former partner lay a foundation for successful co-parenting, which will allow your children to thrive post-divorce.

Not every case proceeds amicably. Rest assured that if your case needs to go to court, we’re prepared to advocate fiercely on your behalf.

Get Started On Working Towards A Custody Plan That Works For You

Whether you’re going through a divorce, separation or paternity case, the right legal team is the first step toward pursuing a solid custody arrangement. Learn more about why you can entrust us to support you on the road ahead. Call 609-212-4085 or reach out online to arrange a consultation.