Coming to terms with a divorce can be both emotionally and financially challenging. However, having children involved in the marital split-up can make matters even more complicated. Child custody remains one of the biggest sticking points during divorce proceedings in New Jersey.
For many parents who are going through divorce, imagining not being able to see their children anytime they want to can be challenging. However, just because a marital split-up is happening does not mean your and your child’s relationship is over. It is possible to come up with a custody agreement where you and your child can continue to develop a special relationship.
You and your soon-to-be ex can work on creating a parenting agreement through a process such as informal divorce negotiations or mediation — both alternatives to traditional divorce litigation. When coming up with a plan, it needs to take into consideration the child’s best interests. Otherwise, it will not be enforceable.
A common child custody solution is joint custody, where you and your spouse share legal custody and/or physical custody. Joint physical custody deals with the time you both spend with the child, whereas joint legal custody deals with being able to make important decisions on the child’s behalf. Sole joint and/or sole physical custody is also a possibility, with the noncustodial parent simply having visitation time with the child in order to maintain a relationship with him or her. An attorney in New Jersey can help you to pursue the solution that bests meets your and your child’s needs.