Child Custody and Support in New Jersey
Lawyer protecting your rights and your children
Sensible custody arrangements and appropriate child support awards can empower you to help your children through the confusion. The practical staff at The Law Office of Toby Grabelle, LLC ensure that you understand your options and that your children's rights are safeguarded. We work with parents to establish custody and support arrangements after divorce, and we also help unmarried people who have children together.
Types of child custody
Legal custody
Legal custody refers to the right to make day-to-day decisions for your children, as well as to address such important issues as their health, education, religion and general welfare.
- Joint legal custody, Both parties, including the parent with whom the children do not reside full time, have decision-making input.
- Sole legal custody, The parent of primary residence or with sole custody makes all of the decisions without input from the other parent.
Physical custody
Most parents share joint physical custody pursuant to a parenting time agreement that is established during the divorce process, often through mediation. Typically, one parent is designated as the parent of primary residence.
Our experienced staff work hard to help you achieve a custody arrangement that is fair to you and healthy for your children.
Child support law
New Jersey child support guidelines are based primarily on the economic needs of the parent requiring support, the other parent's financial means and the best interests of the children. Our diligent staff make sure that your child support amount is calculated fairly.
Children's rights
All decisions regarding child custody should be made in the context of what is best for the children. Our Toby Grabelle will fight hard for your custody goals, but we never let your children suffer in the process. We hold to the principles set forth by the American Association of Matrimonial Lawyers in their Children's Bill of Rights.
Special parenting time
The parents must determine who has custody on all major holidays, a separate point of negotiation which overrides the normal parenting time schedule. There also must be extended time for each parent to go on vacation with the children. Our lawyers help you negotiate a reasonable plan for sharing holiday and vacation time.
Relocation
A parent who wishes to leave New Jersey on a permanent basis with the children must obtain a court order or the prior written consent of the other parent. This can be a highly sensitive issue, and our staff know how to help you work through it.
Turn to an experienced New Jersey lawyer for help with child custody and support
Your children's well-being is important to us. Contact The Law Office of Toby Grabelle, LLC online or call us at 732-741-9900 for a free consultation.
