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Experienced Bergen County Child Custody Attorneys at Spodek Law Group
When going through a custody battle, it is important to have an experienced attorney by your side to help you navigate the court process. Our experienced child custody attorneys at Spodek Law Group know that these cases can be difficult, both legally and emotionally. We strive to help our clients find a sense of stability during these difficult times.
Custody cases are complex and emotionally charged
Custody cases can be very complicated, and the personal issues involved can lead to contentious interactions. Even if you think that youdivorceor if custody is low conflict, it is crucial to make sure you get the best custody arrangement for you and your children. Hiring an experienced attorney can help make this process less stressful and manageable.
We maintain a selective caseload that ensures we have the time to provide each client with our personalized attention. At Spodek Law Group, we understand how emotional, stressful, and overwhelming these types of cases can be, and we are here to support you through the entire process. When you call our office, you are speaking directly with an attorney.
How Spodek Law Group can help you with your child custody case
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Our attorneys at Spodek Law Group have years of experience practicing family law, and we have what it takes to handle your child custody case depending on the circumstances. We have experience in mediation, negotiation, and litigation and can help with any type of child custody case.
We have experience using alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, to help parents work together to develop a plan that works best for their family. When parents work together, children benefit. However, if disputes cannot be resolved amicably, we may exercise your rights through litigation.
At Spodek Law Group, we pride ourselves on putting our clients first. We listen carefully to your story, provide guidance and advice, and gather all relevant information to better present your custody case. We set expectations for the progress of our clients' cases and help them bring issues to a sustainable, long-term resolution.
Our Bergen County, NJ child custody attorneys are experienced in many different types of cases.
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We have experience handling a variety of case types, including:
Custody between single parents
Custody Between LGBTQ Parents
Custody Proceedings with Court Ordered Custody Evaluations
Custody Cases with Substance Abuse Issues
Custody cases can involve any aspect of a child's life that affects the best interests of the child, and we have what it takes to handle your case, no matter the issue at hand. We are also willing to solve new problems if necessary.
The best interests of the child standard guides all legal decisions in New Jersey
New Jersey law provides equal custody of children to both parents. The best interests of the child standard guides all legal decisions. In deciding custody, the court will consider the needs of the child and the ability of both parents to meet those needs.
Each child's needs and each parent's abilities are different. At Spodek Law Group, we can help you find a custody arrangement that meets the needs of your child and fosters a thriving family dynamic. The court may consider any evidence relevant to the individual needs of the child.
Factors considered by the court to be in the best interest of the child
The court considers factors related to the child or children, the parents, and the custodial environment when determining the best interests of the child. Factors related to the individual child or children include:
age and number of children
The needs of each child
The interaction of the child with his parents and siblings.
The quality and continuity of the child's education.
The preference of the child, if the child is old enough and has a reasonable preference
child safety
The court may consider any evidence relevant to the individual needs of the child. If a child has special educational, medical, or other differentiated needs, we can help you identify the evidence the court needs to ensure that the custody plan meets the child's needs.
In relation to the parents and the custodial environment, the court will consider:
Parental fitness
History of domestic violence, if any.
The safety of the child and the safety of both parents from physical abuse by the other
Parental willingness to accept custody and any history of reluctance to grant parental leave, unless the reluctance is due to justified abuse
Cooperation and communication of parents in matters affecting the child
Quantity and quality of time spent with the child before or after the separation
Professional responsibilities of both parents.
The geographical distance between the parents' houses
The stability of the home environment.
The court is not limited to these factors and may consider any evidence relevant to the issue of custody arrangements that is in the best interest of the child. New Jersey courts prioritize these factors over the wishes of the parents and grandparents, but we understand that the wishes of the parents are generally based on facts related to these factors. At Spodek Law Group, we help you tell your story with these factors in mind.
Understanding Custody in New Jersey
When we discuss child custody agreements with parents, there are some legal terms involved.
joint guard
Joint custody can consist of legal custody or physical custody. It includes where the child should live and how parents consult each other when making important decisions about the child's health, education, and general welfare.
Custody describes where the child lives and spends time. Legal custody describes the authority to make important decisions about the child.
sole custody
In some cases, courts will award custody and legal custody to one parent, with the non-custodial parent entitled to parental leave. In New Jersey, a parent is not considered unfit unless the parent's behavior has a serious adverse effect on the child.
parents plans
We can help our clients develop their parenting plans. New Jersey law requires that both parties complete and sign a parenting plan or custody agreement before finalizing the divorce.
A parenting plan sets out the custody schedule, living arrangements, and the process parents must follow to make decisions about the child. If the parents disagree, the parenting plan guides the co-parenting process.
In New Jersey, a parenting plan details legal and physical custody.
A parenting plan should include:
child's primary residence
A regulated parental leave plan
Holiday or vacation plans for the parents or details of how holidays and vacations should be handled between the parents
Authority to make medical and health decisions.
The rights and duties of each parent towards the child
An amount of alimony
Procedures for changing the plan and resolving any disputes that may arise between the parents
Parenting plans can also relate to parental relocations, interactions with other people (such as babysitters or new dating partners), and religion-related arrangements. The Parenting Plan can be customized to meet the specific needs of your child.
A common point of contention among parents is vacation time. New Jersey courts have recognized that vacations are an important part of childhood and that they strengthen the bond between parents and children. The parenting plan should include detailed vacation parameters, for example B. whether travel is allowed, at what times, to what destinations, and for how long.
If the parental plan does not restrict vacation time, one parent can travel with their children during the allotted parental leave. However, the parents should not interfere with the other parent's parenting time. However, parents are always free to extend the other parent's time to allow their children to go on vacation.
At Spodek Law Group, we understand the importance of custody cases and how they can affect the lives of parents and children alike. That is why we offer compassionate legal support and representation to our clients in Bergen County, New Jersey. Our qualified and experienced attorneys are well versed in state family law and have years of experience handling complex child custody cases.
We believe that each case and each family is unique, which is why we approach each case with a personalized strategy. If you are being represented in your custody case, our attorneys will listen to you first. After listening to you, we will advise and guide you to achieve the best possible results for you and your children.
We are familiar with cooperative and collaborative methods, which have their advantages. We are also assertive negotiators and litigators when the case so requires. Our lawyers have experience in mediation, negotiation and litigation. We have what it takes to handle your custody case depending on the circumstances.
We set expectations for the progress of our clients' cases. In many situations, parents feel compelled to react quickly. We will always do our best to protect your children. However, if necessary, we will help you bring issues to a sustainable, long-term conclusion.
Our attorneys will work with you to gather any necessary documents or testimony to best present your custody case. We have experience using alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, to help parents work together to develop a plan that works best for their family.
We have experience with a variety of case types, including single parent custody cases, LGBTQ parent custody cases, court-ordered custody evaluations, and custody cases involving substance abuse issues. We also have what it takes to handle your case, whatever the matter.
At Spodek Law Group, our attorneys are available to represent clients throughout Bergen County. We regularly handle custody disputes in Teaneck, Englewood, Ridgewood, Tenafly, Franklin Lakes, Upper Saddle River, Allendale, Old Tappan, Ho-Ho-Kus, Saddle River, and other areas.
When it comes to a custody battle in Bergen County, NJ, it can be difficult to know what to do next. This is where we come in. At Spodek Law Group, we are ready to hear your story and help you move forward.
Custody cases can be complicated and emotionally difficult for both parents and children. However, with the proper legal support and representation, you can navigate the process and obtain the best possible outcome for you and your children.
At Spodek Law Group, we strive to provide our clients with the personalized attention and support they need during this difficult time. Our qualified and experienced attorneys are here to listen, provide the guidance and advice you need, and help you find the best possible child custody arrangement.
We are intimately familiar with New Jersey family law and have years of experience handling complex child custody cases. We understand the importance of child custody cases and the impact they can have on the lives of parents and children. For this reason, we are committed to providing our clients with compassionate legal support and representation.
If you have a child custody case and need an attorney, contact Spodek Law Group today for a free consultation. Our experienced Bergen County child custody attorneys are ready to listen to your story and help you move forward.