Manalapan Child Custody and Support

Many divorcing couples must confront and consider child custody issues related to where their children will live, who will make decisions for them, and how much support they may need. At Goldstein Law Group, our experienced Manalapan child custody attorneys can advise you on these critical matters.

The best interests of a child are of paramount concern to the courts in New Jersey. Factors that a New Jersey court may consider when determining child custody arrangements include the relationship between the child and his or her parents and siblings, each parent’s willingness to work together, each parent’s willingness to take custody, the fitness of each parent, the geographical closeness of the parents’ homes, the age and number of children, the child’s preference if he or she is sufficiently mature and intelligent, and the stability of the home environment.

In some cases, it is possible for the parents to discuss the child’s best interests and arrive at a custody arrangement. They will have to consider both physical and legal custody. “Physical custody” means how much time each parent will spend with the child, and whose residence will be the child’s primary residence. “Legal custody” means the authority to make important decisions for a child, such as decisions related to the child’s education, medical care, and religious upbringing. A child custody lawyer can assist Manalapan residents in formulating a child custody arrangement that works for the best interest of their children.

When discussing and negotiating custody with your soon-to-be ex-spouse, you should be aware that the custody arrangement may affect the amount of child support that must be paid. Child support is financial support paid by one parent to the other in order to meet a child’s basic needs, such as shelter, clothing, food and healthcare. Typically, the parent with more parenting time receives the child support payments, but the support does not belong to the parent. It belongs to the child. If parents have equal overnight time with the child, this will be taken into account in calculating child support.

After a divorce is finalized, one or both spouses may experience significant changes that may call for a modification of child support. Either parent can ask the court for a modification to the child support order. The standard for modifying the order is whether a parent has experienced changed circumstances. The changes must be substantial and continuing. For example, if you are in a car accident and become disabled and are unable to work, you may not be able to pay child support at the same rate you previously could, and a request for modification might be appropriate. Once these changes are proven, the parties must provide their current financial information and the support obligation recalculated.

Issues of child custody and support can make a divorce contentious. The Manalapan child custody lawyers at Goldstein Law Group maintain a sophisticated practice helping parents advocate for their children’s best interests. Every child is unique, and in some cases, even the best interests of children from the same home are different. Our family law attorneys can help you negotiate with your children’s other parent or take a case to court. Contact us for a consultation at 732-967-6777 or via our online form.