Helping Families Resolve Family Issues Affecting Their Children
Child custody and child support discussions typically arise in divorce. However, there are other contexts where legal custody and support must be established, including paternity, unmarried parents, civil unions and adoption proceedings. Issues involving children may also require revision if one parent needs to relocate, accomplished via a formal modification request to the court.
Protecting The Rights Of Parents And Children
In each context, the court will concern itself with a child’s well-being. However, the specific standard varies.
- In adoptions, a prospective parent must demonstrate that he or she can provide a safe home environment.
- In custody determinations, the legal standard is in the best interest of the child.
- In child support calculations, courts consider the statutory guidelines as well as any other relevant factors such as each parent’s income, health insurance coverage costs for a child, day care costs and other financial burdens.
I have been helping parents in need of family law advocacy for over 25 years. During that time, I have incorporated the most recent legal developments into my advocacy. For example, the way a court interprets the best interest of the child standard has evolved.
Keeping Pace With Changing Family Demographics
Today, courts understand that a child can benefit from the influence of both parents as well as other loving family members. For that reason, courts typically apply a presumption of joint legal custody between parents, even if only one parent has residential custody. Courts also acknowledge the positive influence of other family members such as grandparents, aunts or even adult siblings.
Contact An Experienced Family Law Attorney
As a law firm that focuses exclusively on family law, I stay on top of the most recent legal developments in this area. My experience allows me to suggest creative solutions to your questions. Contact me online to schedule a consultation at my Mount Laurel office or call 856-804-1752.