When the parents of a child separate, divorce, or when one parent dies, child custody issues often arise. There are two types of custody: legal and physical custody. A court has the authority to make any custodial arrangement determined to be best for the children. These arrangements can include joint legal and joint physical custody, joint legal custody with sole physical custody and a visitation agreement with the other parent, sole custody to one parent and visitation to the other parent, or a combination of any of those agreements.
Parents with legal custody make the major life decisions on behalf of the child, which are important aspects of their health, safety, and welfare. Other examples include education, religious practice, and extra-curricular activities or sports.
Parents who have physical custody are the ones present with the child at their residence. The parent who spends most of the time with the child has primary physical custody, making them the primary custodial parent.
Examples of such decisions include decisions about what kind of schooling, medical care, and religious instruction the child receives. Parents with physical custody rights are physically present with the child at the child’s residence. The parent who spends most of the time with the child or children has “primary physical custody” and is referred to as the “primary custodial parent.”
Divorce is a complicated issue not only for the parents but for the children as well. If you are a parent, divorce will not only be emotionally difficult and complicated for you but for your children as well. In New Jersey, the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts have adopted a set of guidelines, which are often used by lawyers and judges in legal agreements and court orders. This is the New Jersey Children’s Bill of Rights and was established to protect children’s well-being and emotional needs involved in a legal issue. Its guidelines address post-separation custody and visitation issues that parents and their attorneys should discuss. Even in the most bitter od separations, the children are never to blame and deserve to feel safe and secure, rather than to be used as pawns in an argument out of their understanding and control.
Some of the statutes to consider thoughtfully are listed below.
Now that you know the different kinds of custody and how the Children’s Bill of Rights should go hand in hand with any custody agreement, it is a perfect time to contact us at Bronzino Law Firm. Our top-notch legal team is ready to help you create a custody agreement tailored to your family’s unique needs. We look forward to helping you create a family plan that will work for everyone involved.
At Bronzino Law Firm, our team is experienced in representing clients across Point Pleasant, Brick, Wall, Sea Girt, Spring Lake, and the greater Ocean and Monmouth County Areas in divorce, custody, domestic violence, and other family law matter.
To schedule a confidential online consultation with an experienced attorney today, please fill out our online form or call us at (732) 812-3102 to learn more about your options.
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