Child custody and child support are two of the most important issues addressed in a divorce or family law case. For parents navigating these matters, understanding how New Jersey courts make decisions is critical. Whitehouse Station divorce lawyers at Tune Law Group, LLC help guide families through these complex processes to ensure that children’s best interests are prioritized and parents’ rights are protected.
Child Custody in New Jersey
In New Jersey, child custody is referred to as parenting time and decision-making authority. Courts focus on what arrangement best serves the child’s physical, emotional, and educational needs. Custody is divided into two main categories:
- Legal Custody: This determines which parent makes major decisions about the child’s welfare, including education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. Legal custody can be joint or sole.
- Physical Custody: This determines where the child will live and how parenting time is divided between parents. Physical custody can also be joint or sole.
Factors Considered by Courts
New Jersey courts consider multiple factors when determining custody, including but not limited to:
- The child’s safety and well-being.
- The parents’ ability to cooperate and communicate.
- The child’s relationship with each parent.
- The child’s age, needs, and preferences (for older children).
- The stability of each parent’s home environment.
Courts generally favor arrangements that allow both parents to remain actively involved in the child’s life, unless there are safety concerns or other compelling reasons to limit contact.
Child Support in New Jersey
Child support is calculated to ensure that children receive financial support from both parents, reflecting each parent’s income and the child’s needs. New Jersey uses guidelines set forth in the Child Support Guidelines to determine the amount of support.
Key Considerations for Child Support
- Income of Both Parents: The court examines gross income from all sources, including salaries, bonuses, and self-employment earnings.
- Child’s Needs: Expenses such as education, healthcare, childcare, and extracurricular activities are considered.
- Parenting Time: The amount of time each parent spends with the child can affect the support calculation.
- Other Factors: Additional considerations may include the parents’ financial obligations, debts, and special needs of the child.
Courts can also order adjustments to child support over time if circumstances change, such as a parent losing a job, significant changes in income, or changes in the child’s needs.
How Tune Law Group, LLC Can Help
Navigating child custody and child support issues can be overwhelming and emotionally challenging. Experienced Whitehouse Station divorce lawyers at Tune Law Group, LLC provide personalized guidance, including:
- Assisting parents in negotiating custody and parenting time arrangements.
- Calculating accurate child support based on income and expenses.
- Representing clients in court to advocate for fair and appropriate arrangements.
- Helping modify custody or support orders when circumstances change.
Our Whitehouse Station Divorce Lawyers at Tune Law Group, LLC Are Ready to Help
Child custody and child support decisions in New Jersey focus on ensuring the child’s best interests and providing fair financial support. Working with our knowledgeable Whitehouse Station divorce lawyers at Tune Law Group, LLC can help parents navigate these decisions, protect their rights, and prioritize the well-being of their children. Call 908-434-1061 or contact us online for a free consultation. We are located in Whitehouse Station, NJ.