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One of the most grueling and overwhelming parts of a divorce is often the custody battle. While deciding on a custody arrangement can be amicable and straightforward, it can also be unpredictable and full of malice, especially if your spouse is determined to hurt you. You don’t want to take any chances when it comes to your children. When dealing with a custody battle, you should reach out to a Newark child custody lawyer for help in building your case.
The legal team at The Montanari Law Group understands how high the stakes are for you when it comes to a custody battle. We can help you figure out the right course of action for your case. The help of a Newark child custody attorney cannot be overstated in cases like yours. You will want someone on your team who has experience handling child custody cases like yours, as well as someone with a vast knowledge of the state’s child custody laws. Our firm can support you.
One of the most important decisions you can make during your case is to hire a child custody lawyer. Above all, you want to make sure you have the right kind of legal support, as these cases can often be unpredictable and hard to control. Our team has over 20 years of experience handling family law cases like yours, including many custody cases. Our family lawyers in Newark bring a personalized and empathetic approach to your case by helping you build it.
Custody battles are often the result of a contentious divorce. According to recent data collected by World Population Review, New Jersey has a significantly low divorce rate at just 2.2 per 1,000 people. At the same time, the state does not have a substantial marriage rate either, at just 5.4 per 1,000 people in 2023, according to information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). If your divorce is contentious, you may want to prepare for an equally contentious custody battle.
A custody battle can have far-reaching repercussions not just on you and your family, but on your mental health as well. This entire situation may be a lot for you to handle. You may want to consider asking for help by reaching out to a local mental health support group like NAMI New Jersey or Programs for Parents. Being able to talk to people who can better understand your situation can be good for you. It can provide you with perspective and let you know you’re not alone.
When it comes to custody battles, there are two types of custody in New Jersey that you could be awarded. There’s physical custody, which refers to the actual location the child will be living, and there’s legal custody, which refers to which parent holds the decision-making power in how the child is raised. The court will likely push for joint legal custody to ensure both parents maintain equal parental responsibilities. Here are some factors that will influence custody:
Unfortunately, there are many mistakes you could make in a custody battle. That’s why it’s so important to hire a lawyer to keep you on the right track. Generally, the biggest mistake you could make is failing to prioritize your child’s welfare above your own. The court focuses on what’s right for the child. If they feel you are prioritizing your own needs, they may grant your partner a more favorable custody arrangement.
There is no standard on which parent wins most cases. Each case is unique and comes with its own set of circumstances that will factor into any legal decision made. Courts must determine custody based on the interests of the children. Matters that are considered include stability of the home, financial income, relationship with the child, and more. To understand how custody may be determined in your case, speak with an attorney.
There are many behaviors that can look bad in a child custody case. Primarily, prioritizing your own needs over your children’s and arriving unprepared to argue your case will look very bad to the family court. Any behavior that’s considered disrespectful, such as badmouthing the other parent or using your children as leverage, will almost certainly negatively affect the custody arrangement. Be respectful, focus on your children, and get a lawyer.
You should hire a child custody lawyer. While you are not legally required to hire a lawyer in a child custody case, it is highly recommended that you do so anyway. Having a lawyer by your side whenever you are dealing with legal strife can only be beneficial to you in the long run. Custody cases are often emotional and may not automatically result in your favor without serious work on your end. A good lawyer can help you succeed.
At The Montanari Law Group, we can help you make a strong case for custody in Newark, NJ. Contact us to speak to someone on our team about your case. We know how difficult legal matters involving children can be, and we will ensure your case is handled with the care it needs.