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Child custody is one of the most important issues in any divorce involving children. However, it can also be very complicated. This is partially due to the different possible arrangements available in child custody cases in Morris County. Therefore, it is advisable to hire an experienced child custody lawyer to assist you with your child custody needs. In this article, we explain the different child custody arrangements in Morris County.
Child Custody Basics
The guiding principle in child custody cases is to do what is in the child’s best interests. There are several factors that courts consider when determining what type of child custody arrangement in Morris County is in a child’s best interests. For example, if a parent has a history of domestic violence, substance abuse, or some other type of abusive behavior, then that parent may be prohibited from having any custody rights. In addition, if one parent is unresponsive or absent, then the other parent may be granted sole custody.
Physical Custody
Physical custody refers to an arrangement in which a child physically lives with one or both parents. Parents typically share physical custody of their children, meaning that the child lives with each parent at his or her respective home for part of the time. In Morris County, some custody arrangements are split equally, but others may vary based on a variety of factors.
Sole Custody
Sole custody is an arrangement in which only one parent makes all decisions for his or her minor child. Although New Jersey courts encourage ongoing contact between both parents and their children, there are some circumstances under which sole custody is necessary. For example, sole custody may be granted in cases involving abuse, substance use, or criminality.
Joint Custody
Finally, joint custody is an arrangement in which both parents have the legal right to make decisions on behalf of their minor children. In this type of situation, both parents must agree on issues regarding medical treatment, education, and other important decisions. Joint custody is common in 50-50 physical custody situations.
The Bottom Line
If you are going through a divorce or some other family law issue, there is nothing more important than maintaining a close relationship with your child. Therefore, in cases involving child custody, you should do everything possible to ensure that your relationship with your child continues. The best way to do so is to hire an experienced child custody lawyer to assist you with your situation.
Contact a Child Custody Lawyer
If you need assistance with child custody in Morris County, the experienced attorneys of Bozanian McGregor LLC are here to help. At Bozanian McGregor LLC, our attorneys are highly experienced in all facets of family law. When you come to us for assistance with your child custody matter, we will do everything possible to achieve a result that is in the best interests of your children. Please contact us to schedule a consultation with an experienced child custody attorney.