South Jersey Divorce and Child Custody Lawyer
Few issues in life compare in importance to those determining child custody, including where your children will live and how key decisions on their upbringing will be made. While New Jersey child support is partially governed by statutory guidelines, it is also a common source of dispute.
On these issues, it can be essential to work with a strong family law attorney who will respect your goals and explain your legal rights. If you need counsel on child custody and child support issues, contact Scott J. Levine today.
Prioritizing Your Children's Best Interests and Your Legal Rights
In New Jersey divorce and child custody cases, the best interest of the child is paramount.
Our courts make child custody decisions based on a wide range of factors, including previous and current involvement by each parent in the children's lives. Allegations of fault or misconduct, such as substance addiction, may also be important factors. To protect your rights, our proactive approach involves drafting a very detailed custody and parenting time agreement — separate from any property settlement agreement, due to the extreme importance of this issue.
Understanding Residential and Legal Custody
The most common outcome is for one parent to receive residential custody, with the other granted specific parenting time, and for the parents to share joint legal custody — meaning both are to have input on major decisions about such major matters as education and healthcare. Sometimes joint residential custody — equal or near-equal time in each home — may also be possible.
Understanding Child Support Guidelines and Adjustments
Whether you anticipate receiving or paying child support, it is important to understand:
- Factors used in determining the amount, which include the gross weekly income of both parents
- When New Jersey law allows departure from basic guidelines — especially if your children have special needs or if you have a high annual income
- Procedures surrounding enforcement of child support, and what is involved in seeking a modification of the original order
South Jersey family lawyer, Scott J. Levine has successfully represented both mothers and fathers in child custody and child support disputes. We strive to minimize the emotional impact. However, when you feel strongly that your children's best interests or your own require you to fight, we will go the distance. Contact us today for proactive and aggressive representation.
