Child Custody in New Jersey

Courts in New Jersey can order many custodial arrangements for children, including sole custody, joint legal custody, and shared legal and physical custody. In considering the most the important arrangement for your child, it is important to recognize that New Jersey Child Custody includes both physical custody, which governs where your child will live, and legal custody, which governs which parent or parent have decision-making authority how your child will be raised and cared for.

Parenting Time with a Non-Custodial Parent

In New Jersey, courts refer to time parents spend with their children as “parenting time”, rather than visitation. It acknowledges the importance that each parent plays in the lives of their children.
When two parents of a minor child have separated, one of the most difficult parts of the separation is determining how often the child will spend time with each parent. Creating a child parenting schedule can be stressful, but parents who work together to find a positive solution can resolve the matter more easily.
There are a number of different ways parents can structure a parenting schedule. The parents may work cooperatively and collaboratively to create and agree on a parenting time schedule together. If the parents are unsuccessful in reaching an agreement, the court will make a determination based on the best interest of the child. Similar to child custody cases, the court will determine parenting time based on what is in the best interests of

the child. Courts will take into account:

• The age of the child
• The child’s relationship with the parents
• The health and emotional well-being of the child
• The parents capability of properly taking care of child

If you are interested in learning more about your options for child visitation in New Jersey, call Cindy Paul at + (973) 542-0200 or mail us at office@cindypaulesq.com