Florham Park, New Jersey Child Custody Attorneys
When awarding child custody, the court places primary importance on what it believes to be in the best interest of a child. Typically, the court will consider such issues as the safety of a child, the environment a home offers, the age of the children involved, the mental and physical health of both parents, and the preference of a child if he or she is of a certain age. Additionally, the court will take into consideration whether there is a history of abuse or whether a parent has a criminal record. At the law office of Levine & Levine, we prepare all necessary information and documentation in presenting and defending our client's petition for child custody or visitation rights. When necessary, we work closely with child psychologists and family counselors in providing the court with expert opinion regarding the fitness of our client and the importance of awarding him or her child custody.
If you've been served with divorce papers or would like to challenge an existing child custody award, contact child custody lawyers at the law office of Levine & Levine today to schedule an appointment.
Child Custody Arrangements and Divorce Mediation
Child custody can be the most contentious part of a divorce. Sometimes, angry parents use child custody as a way to exact revenge against an ex-spouse. This only leads to costly, lengthy court battles that often results in long-lasting bitterness and resentment among all parties involved. Divorce mediation allows you and your ex-spouse to identify mutually agreeable terms that respect everyone's interests. Rather than have a judge impose child custody terms with which no one is really happy, mediation puts you in control.
Shared Residential Custody
Shared residential custody allows children to live with both parents. Shared residential custody can be an effective arrangement for parents that do not live far from one another or have older children. Shared residential custody allows both parents to be actively involved with the children on a regular basis. However, it can also be used as a ploy to reduce child support — the more a child stays overnight with a parent, the less child support he or she will typically have to pay.
Parenting Time/Visitation
In the state of New Jersey, parents have a right to spend time with their children. Only when there is a clear indication that a child's physical or emotional safety is threatened can parenting time be refused or revoked. Parenting time schedules can be arranged according to what works best for everyone involved, taking into consideration the children's and the parent's schedules. Parenting time schedules may include who a child spends holidays and vacations with as well as weekly times. Parenting time schedules may also take into consideration the age and needs of a child.
Contact Child Support Attorneys at Levine & Levine Today
Child custody and visitation can be extremely contentious. You can bet your ex-spouse's lawyer will do everything in his or her power to convince the court to award custody to your ex. Don't be put on the defensive — contact child custody attorneys at the law office of Levine & Levine today to schedule an appointment and discuss your case.
