By Kisha M. Hebbon | Published November 11, 2023 | Posted in Child Custody | Tagged Tags: court-ordered parenting plan, parenting coordinator program, parenting time |
New Jersey has formally adopted a practice that has been used in family court for some years: the appointment of parenting coordinators to help divorced or separating couples adhere to their parenting responsibilities and resolve disputes. The rule establishing the program took effect September 1, 2023, and the courts’ administrative office has issued a directive Read More
Read MoreIn child custody cases, New Jersey family court judges have a duty to focus on what is in the best interests of the children. To inform their custody decisions, judges consider multiple factors, including the preferences of children who are of sufficient age and capacity. Depending on the circumstances, those preferences can be highly persuasive Read More
Read MoreThe ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continues to present difficulties for parents sharing custody and visitation rights. Parenting arrangements can become particularly contentious when parents have differing opinions on the risks of COVID or how best to protect a child from exposure. One parent may believe that the other is creating a greater risk of exposing a Read More
Read MoreIn this day and age, more and more families are blended. People with children from other relationships enter marriage or a second marriage, creating stepparent-stepchild relationships. While a stepparent may play a significant role in the new family unit, he or she has virtually no parental rights in the event the marriage is dissolved or Read More
Read MoreChild custody is often a contentious issue for parents, whether they are divorcing or separating or have never been married. When it is impossible for parents to agree on terms of custody and visitation, the issues must be resolved in court. In New Jersey there are two paths to have the court decide custody matters. Read More
Read MoreIn New Jersey, an unmarried father has no automatic right to custody, visitation or child support until he can establish paternity. Often, both parents agree on the identity of the father, and the father voluntarily accepts his rights and privileges as a parent. There are different ways to do this, some simpler than others. The Read More
Read MoreNew Jersey law requires that if you are a custodial parent and want to move out of state with the children, you must obtain the non-custodial parent’s consent or you must get court approval, which requires proving that there is a compelling reason for the relocation and that the move will be in the children’s Read More
Read MoreAs a grandparent, spending time with grandchildren can be an enriching life experience for all involved. However, when there is a rift in the family due to divorce, separation or death, you might be prevented from seeing your grandchildren. In New Jersey, you can take legal action to request reasonable visitation. Here is what you Read More
Read MoreDuring a crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic, family becomes more important than ever, especially for children whose schedules have been disrupted by long-term school closures and the cancellation of other activities. Parents who are divorced or live apart for other reasons know the importance of maintaining healthy communication through difficult situations. Though this situation Read More
Read MoreGoing through a divorce is stressful enough, but the coronavirus pandemic spreading throughout the United States presents additional complications for spouses who have decided to split. In addition to changes that might need to be made regarding custody and visitation arrangements while travel is restricted, negotiations over property division need to address any new economic Read More
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