Child custody matters can be legally complex and emotionally charged. When the well-being of your children is at stake, having an experienced attorney by your side can make all the difference.
At Rozin | Golinder Law, our Middlesex County child custody attorneys help parents navigate custody disputes, parenting time arrangements, and post-judgment modifications. We strive to protect your parental rights while prioritizing the best interests of your child.
Call or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation. We serve clients throughout Central New Jersey.
Child custody can feel overwhelming, particularly when every decision has the potential to shape your child’s future. Before moving forward with any legal action, it’s crucial to understand the basic terms, the factors courts look at, and how different custody arrangements might work for you.
New Jersey courts rely on the “best interests of the child” standard, taking into account:
These factors help courts ensure that custody arrangements not only preserve the child’s safety but also foster a healthy, supportive upbringing.
Because every family’s dynamics are unique, no single custody plan fits all.
Regardless of the model, the overarching goal is to create consistency and stability in the child’s life. By discussing your family’s circumstances in depth, we can help identify which arrangement aligns best with your child’s needs and each parent’s capacity to provide a nurturing environment.
In New Jersey, “parenting time” (often referred to as visitation) is the schedule that outlines when children spend time with the non-custodial parent—or in certain joint arrangements, how time is shared between parents. Courts generally encourage plans that allow both parents to maintain strong, meaningful bonds with their children.
When setting these schedules, Judges consider factors such as:
The ultimate goal is to preserve stability in the child’s day-to-day routine while respecting each parent’s rights. Parents who can reach an agreement on their own, or through mediation, often find that mutual cooperation leads to smoother transitions and less stress for everyone involved.
Even the most well-designed parenting plan may need to be updated over time. Job changes, a child’s evolving schedule, or shifts in living arrangements can necessitate revisions. If you experience significant changes in circumstances—such as relocation or concerns about a child’s safety or development—you can petition the court to modify the existing plan.
Our firm can help you file the necessary paperwork, present evidence, and advocate for a revised schedule that continues to serve your child’s best interests.
In New Jersey, child support is calculated using the New Jersey Child Support Guidelines, which consider factors like both parents’ incomes, the number of children, and healthcare and childcare expenses. While custody status influences this calculation, the Guidelines aim to ensure the child’s financial needs are met regardless of which parent has physical custody.
Child support obligations are designed to maintain the child’s standard of living. Even if parents share physical custody, one parent may pay support depending on the income disparity. Parents must keep each other and the court informed of any significant changes in income or employment that could alter support obligations.
To modify an existing custody order, the requesting parent must demonstrate a substantial change in circumstances. This might include a new job that significantly alters the parent’s availability, a change in the child’s healthcare needs, or other material shifts in the living situation.
Common reasons for custody modifications include:
Under New Jersey law, if a custodial parent wishes to relocate out of state or a significant distance within the state, they often need either the other parent’s consent or the court’s approval. Courts will assess how the move may affect the child’s relationship with the other parent, as well as factors like educational opportunities and the child’s overall welfare.
If the non-moving parent does not agree to the relocation, the custodial parent must file a motion with the court. In reviewing the request, the court will weigh the benefits of the move against the potential negative impact on the child’s relationship with the remaining parent. Our attorneys can help you prepare the necessary documentation and present a compelling case to the court.
Whether you need to establish a parenting plan, modify an existing order, or navigate a complex out-of-state relocation, Rozin | Golinder Law can help. Our experienced child custody attorneys in Middlesex County will advocate for your parental rights and your child’s well-being every step of the way.
Call or fill out our online contact form to schedule a private consultation.
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