Child Custody Lawyers in Parsippany, NJ

Child Custody Attorneys in Parsippany, NJ

Going through a child custody battle can be emotional and stressful. You’re deciding who will care for your child, how to divide their time, and how they can possibly get the very best- and this can take a toll on everyone involved.

Having the legal right support is essential when you’re in the middle of such a life-altering situation. A local Parsippany lawyer understands New Jersey’s custody laws and can guide you through these difficult decisions. At Petrelli Previtera, LLC, our compassionate child custody lawyers are here to walk you through every step of the process. Let us offer the legal support you need to protect your child’s best interests.

We’ll Guide You Through Parsippany’s Child Custody Laws

Contrary to popular belief, New Jersey doesn’t enforce a strict 50/50 custody law. In fact, the courts acknowledge that each family’s circumstances are unique and don’t require equal physical custody, allowing for flexible arrangements that suit each family’s needs. However, the state encourages joint custody arrangements that prioritize the best interests of your child.

The court uses the “best interest of the child” standard when making child custody decisions in Parsippany. This means the judge will consider what’s best for your child’s overall health and happiness. New Jersey law, specifically NJ Revised Statutes § 9:2-4 (2023), encourages both parents to stay involved in the child’s life, even after a separation or divorce.

While both parents have equal legal rights, the court will create a custody arrangement based on your family’s unique situation. If you and your co-parent can’t agree, the court will step in to make the final decision.

At Petrelli Previtera, LLC, we’ll help you understand Parsippany’s custody laws. Our attorneys will clearly explain each step, offering helpful advice and support to help you navigate this journey with confidence.

Let Us Guide You Through Parsippany’s Legal and Physical Custody Laws

Typically, we guide parents in Parsippany on how to manage two main types of child custody.

They include:

1. Legal Custody

This gives you the authority to make important decisions about your child’s life, like where they go to school, what medical care they receive, and their overall well-being.

• Joint Legal Custody: Both parents share the responsibility and must agree on major decisions for the child. This applies even if one parent doesn’t have physical custody.
• Sole Legal Custody: One parent has the authority to make all important decisions without needing to consult the other parent.

2. Physical Custody

This refers to where your child will live. It’s about deciding which parent the child will stay with, whether full-time or part-time.

• Shared Physical Custody: The child spends time living with both parents, typically for at least 104 overnights a year. One parent is usually the parent of the primary residence, spending slightly more time with the child and determining their school district. The other parent stays in the alternate residence and usually pays child support.
• Sole Physical Custody: The child primarily lives with one parent, known as the custodial parent, and visits the other parent for 103 or fewer overnights a year. The noncustodial parent typically pays child support. The court may order supervised visitation to ensure the child’s safety if there are safety concerns.

When deciding custody, New Jersey courts always focus on what’s best for the child. Some factors they look at include:

• The stability of each parent’s home.
• The child’s relationship with each parent.
• Any history of domestic violence or substance abuse.
• The child’s preferences, especially for children over 12.
• The financial and emotional stability of each parent.

We know navigating these legal requirements can feel overwhelming, but that’s where we come in. You can rest assured that we’ll help you present the strongest case for your child’s well-being.

What About A Custody Plan?

Navigating child custody can sometimes feel like you’re solving a puzzle with no clear picture. That’s why having a solid custody plan is so important. At Petrelli Previtera, LLC, our child custody attorneys are all about making this process easier for you.

First, we’ll help you decide whether you want shared or sole physical custody. Together, we’ll outline each parent’s roles to ensure everyone knows what to expect.

Next, we’ll create a detailed parenting time schedule that clearly shows how you’ll split time with the other parent. You can adjust this schedule to fit your child’s unique needs.

We’ll also help you set up a visual custody calendar to track important dates and times, so you never miss a beat. It’ll help you stay organized.

We’re Experienced in Various Child Custody Scenarios in Parsippany, NJ

Every family situation in Parsippany is unique, and so are custody cases. For instance, unmarried parents might need to figure out their rights, while divorced couples often deal with co-parenting issues.

Here are some common scenarios we help families navigate:

• Unmarried Parents – Things can get tricky if you’ve never been married to your child’s other parent. While New Jersey law provides protections, it’s important to establish legal custody and visitation rights early to avoid future disputes.
• Custody During Divorce – Divorce can make custody battles even more emotional. We help parents in Parsippany work through custody arrangements, prioritizing their children throughout the process.
• Out-of-State Moves – If one parent wants to relocate out of state, it can complicate custody. NJ law requires the moving parent to get permission from the court or the other parent before moving. We help you through the legal steps to either oppose or approve the relocation.
• Modifying Existing Custody Orders – Life changes, like a job change or health issue might require you to change custody orders. We can help you request changes to your custody order.

Our Parsippany attorneys can handle all types of custody cases with care and understanding. Whether you’re establishing custody for the first time or making changes to an existing order, we’re here to protect your rights and your child’s future.

How a Parsippany Child Custody Lawyer Can Help

Going through a divorce or needing to change custody can feel like a heavy weight on your shoulders. It doesn’t have to be, and we can help by:

• Advocating for your child’s best interests – We’ll always focus on creating a custody plan that works for your family and ensures your child’s well-being.
• Mediating with your co-parent – Sometimes, reaching an agreement outside of court is the best option. We can guide these discussions so they stay focused on what matters—your child.
• Court representation – If an agreement isn’t possible, we can represent you in court. We’ll ensure your voice is heard and fight for the best possible outcome
• Drafting custody agreements – A legally sound agreement is key to avoiding future disputes. We’ll draft clear, detailed custody agreements that both parties can follow.

There’s no better time to need compassionate legal support that’ll take the time to listen to your concerns. You won’t have fight for your child alone, we’ve got your back

Parsippany Child Custody Lawyers You Can Always Count On

When dealing with custody issues, you need a law firm that understands what you’re going through.

So, why choose us?

• Deep experience in New Jersey family law and Parsippany courts.
• Personalized, compassionate, and empathetic service that you deserve.
• We are an award-winning firm with accolades from organizations like 5000.
• Proven track record of success with testimonials from satisfied clients, .
• Same-day consultations and flexible scheduling options, including in-person, phone, and video meetings.

8 Campus Dr, Parsippany, NJ 07054

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(215) 515-9441

All Petrelli Previtera, LLC attorneys believe in advocating fiercely for your rights while always keeping your child’s well-being first. So, take the first step today by reaching out for a consultation. We’re ready to support and guide you as you navigate your child custody case with confidence.