Category: Parenting Time

Brick and Sea Girt Attorneys Offer Virtual Consultations to Serve Clients

We leverage technology to meet the needs of our clients, by providing dynamic, client-focused representation in Family Law matters

As the world comes to terms with the spread of the coronavirus, countless New Jersey citizens asked to practice “social-distancing” and “shelter in place” are in dire need of legal services, and are finding it challenging to find experienced and flexible legal counsel able to meet their unique needs amid the growing pandemic. Attorneys prepared for what is in many ways a new legal landscape know that in this digital age, it’s possible to provide legal services in a safe and convenient way without compromising on quality.

At The Bronzino Law Firm, LLC, located in Brick, New Jersey, we believe legal services should be accessible at everyone’s fingertips and clients should be able to get the services of an attorney even without an initial physical meeting. We leverage technology to meet the needs of our clients, by providing dynamic, client-focused representation in Family Law matters (i.e., Alimony and Spousal Support, Child Support, Child Custody, Domestic Violence, Criminal Charges, and Municipal Court summons, Real-Estate ventures, and Wills, Trusts & Estates). We understand and believe that each client is different, with distinctive needs and goals, and as such, unique strategies must be crafted for each case in order to favorably settle them for our clients.

Our lawyers are prepared to protect your rights and are ready to arrange convenient, virtual meetings via Skype, WhatsApp video, FaceTime, Zoom, Google Hangout, Clio Connect or Legaler to discuss how we can best support you and meet your legal needs.

How Do I Schedule a Virtual Legal Consultation with a Bronzino Law Firm Attorney?

From the comfort of your home or office and with the convenience of your smartphone, laptop or tablet, you can arrange to speak with a lawyer from The Bronzino Law Firm, LLC, to answer your legal questions or issues. If you would like to speak with an attorney about your case in a free and confidential consultation today, you can:

1) Contact us online or

2) Call our Brick or Sea Girt offices at (732) 812-3102 or

3) Direct Message (DM) us over Twitter or Facebook or Linkedin

To schedule a call and free 20-minute virtual consultation/meet up to discuss your family law needs. During the consultation feel free to ask questions, as we will discuss the best plan to protect your rights and future going forward.

We believe in keeping our clients informed and involved in the legal process and are prepared to use various technologies in order to do so. By having up-to-date and detailed information about your case, you can make the best possible decisions for your family’s future.

CONTACT A BRICK, NJ FAMILY LAW LAWYER

Serving Families across Monmouth County and Ocean County towns including Neptune, Manasquan, Point Pleasant, Toms River, Brick, Asbury Park, Wall and more

Across all areas of Family Law, our lawyers can answer your questions today. Our attention to detail and priority to the attorney-client relationship often leads to outcomes that are both beneficial and personalized to the individual needs and concerns of our clients and their families. Our experienced attorneys work to resolve legal conflicts outside of the courtroom when possible, but will never hesitate to aggressively litigate and defend our clients’ legal rights when necessary.

Call our Brick or Sea Girt Bronzino Law, LLC office at (732) 812-3102 for a free and confidential virtual consultation today to discuss your unique needs, concerns, or situation when it comes to any kind of family law matter.

Life After Divorce: Tips from Monmouth and Ocean County Family Lawyers

Divorce Attorneys Guiding Clients through the Post Divorce Process in Brick, Sea Girt, Wall, Toms River and across the Jersey Shore

Divorce is an emotionally, mentally, and financially stressful time that can wreak havoc on the life of you and your family. Heart-wrenching considerations and actions litter the process, from making the decision to divorce instead of reconcile, to determining best next steps for yourself and your family, to engaging with attorneys representing you and your spouse and attempting to care for your emotional health as you parse through logistics of splitting the marital assets and determining child custody arrangements. Following the legal proceedings that result in a finalized divorce, when the majority of the mental and financial groundwork has been laid and it’s time to put it into practice, the emotional work of integrating this new change into your life really begins.

During the course of the divorce process and after, it is essential that you take your personal health into account and prioritize activities and routines that support your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. Below is a list of ways to support you through the divorce and post-separation process, setting you up for an aligned path forward to your happiest future.

Staying Healthy After Divorce

Listen to your body

It has often been said that your body keeps the score. We don’t often realize that our consistent states of mind and emotion affect our biochemistry, including our hormones, our muscles, and our nervous system. When we experience stress in our lives, an ancient part of the brain called the amygdala, which is responsible for ensuring our survival and initiates the fight-or-flight stress response, is activated. This means that when we feel stressed, our body receives directives to be on guard for a life-threatening situation. We move through the world as if we are about to be attacked by a bear, and our bodies take on a chronic state of muscle tension, elevated stress hormones like cortisol flooding our system, and digestive and reproductive imbalance.
Getting into the habit of listening to your body and checking for symptoms of stress like tight shoulders or jaw, constipation or diarrhea, or headache can point to the need to take a step back and rest.

Rest more than usual

Getting eight hours of sleep per night is a long-held doctor’s recommendation that few of us follow in this day and age. However, because of the elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol that almost certainly accompanies divorce proceedings in all of its stages, the body needs extra time to recover its parasympathetic state of rest and digest.

Feel, from above

Emotions are energy in motion. When we are triggered by intense emotion, our thoughts often immediately go to a story that matches the ‘reason’ for that emotion. The thoughts, then,
generate a biochemical response that creates more of the same feeling, which encourages the thoughts, and off we go into a hamster wheel of downward spiraling distress. Waves of emotion after divorce are inevitable, as your whole being releases what no longer serves it and creates space for a new life. When an intense feeling comes, tune into your breath to stay present with right here and now, resisting the urge to follow the story that arises.
Feel the physical sensation of the emotion and the sensation of the breath moving through it, as if you are a curious child witnessing something in nature that you’ve never before experienced.

Eat the rainbow

Getting a vast array of nutrients through the form of a plant-based diet will help keep the body clean and detoxified, which can help detox your emotional and mental states, too. Drinking tons of water is also essential.

Move-in nature

Spending time with the elements is an ancient and wise practice. Tapping into the profound simplicity of the earth helps put your conflicts into a larger perspective and creates space for new inspiration and ideas to come through to you.
Exercising your body, also, is crucial at this time and reduces stress and inflammation while oxygenating the muscles and tissues to build strength, flexibility, and stamina on all levels.

Find community

As you move toward your new, more highly aligned life, surround yourself with people who are a positive and healthy influence on you. Seek the support of a New Jersey certified therapist if you need help processing the old relationship or separation, and then step fully into the path ahead with your chosen family.

Consult with a Wall Township Divorce Lawyer Today and Discuss Your Post Divorce Life Plans

At Bronzino Law Firm, our team of divorce attorneys supports our clients across Brick, Wall, Sea Girt, Spring Lake, and the greater Ocean and Monmouth County Areas in their transition to a new life initiated by a divorce.

Our approach is centered on facilitating a smooth and amicable divorce proceeding so our clients can focus on aligning themselves with their future, knowing that they are structurally and financially set up for success.

To speak to a member of our team about your divorce, please visit our online form or call us at (732) 812-3102 to learn more about your options.

College Tuition and Divorce Lawyers Sea Girt and Brick NJ

New Jersey law stipulates that both parents are legally obliged to share the cost of college tuition for their child.

There are many things to consider when going through the process of divorce. In addition to navigating the splitting of assets and tending to the emotional and financial upheaval that the end of a partnership can immediately cause, one must consider long-term agreements between the separating spouses, including alimony and child custody payments. When children are involved in a divorce, the skilled support of a divorce attorney is essential, because they ensure that the financial well being of their clients and the highest benefit of the children are protected in a divorce. This includes coming to an agreement on a fair division of college expenses for their children, no matter how young the children are at the time of divorce. So how is college tuition cost split in a divorce?

New Jersey law stipulates that both parents are legally obliged to share the cost of college tuition for their child. This includes the responsibility to share both the base tuition and any additional room, board, and material costs. A spouse’s financial capacity will determine what their required contribution will be; if they are able to work at all, they will be required to contribute.

Many New Jersey parents wonder why there is a legal requirement that parents must support a child in college when the legal age of emancipation in New Jersey is 19 years old. In February 2017, New Jersey clarified its laws on emancipation of a minor to state that a child is considered legally emancipated at the age of 19 unless

they require continued support from a parent due to a documented mental or physical disability
they are still attending high school or a technical school, or they are enrolled full-time in a university undergraduate or graduate program
there is an existing court-ordered child support agreement that specifies a different age

Given the above, New Jersey courts will hold you as a parent accountable for financially supporting your dependent child through college according to a fair child support arrangement with your spouse. When the child turns 23, parents are no longer legally obliged to support their financial needs.

How is financial responsibility determined?

Legal financial responsibility for tuition and college support costs are generally determined during the divorce proceedings and are based on each spouse’s current income and projected income at the time the child will be in college. Because college tuition obligations are separate from child support obligations, they require an additional process with the support of each spouse’s divorce attorney. This process is often much more nuanced than the assets splitting and other divorce proceedings, and the legally binding agreement is often drawn up out of court with divorce attorneys or a mediator. When the college tuition support agreement is finalized within the court system, the judge takes into consideration the following factors:

the amount needed for a child’s college tuition and room/board
each parent’s financial capacity to cover said costs
the financial resources of each parent in general
any financial resources of the child, in the form of trust, etc.
the availability of financial aid in the form of scholarships, grants, or loans

If parents have the financial capacity to contribute to the child’s higher education, New Jersey courts will almost definitely require them to do so. Other more nuanced factors such as the family’s educational history that may point to their view of higher education as a cornerstone of a healthy, successful adulthood may sway a judge to order that they contribute.

Before considering contributions, a judge will look to whether the parents have set up a custodial account that is specifically designed to house higher education costs and paid into over the course of the child’s youth. In the case that there is one, the judge will assume that those funds will be drawn from first before determining contribution requirements.

Because New Jersey is a progressive state as it relates to the higher education of its younger citizens, it is generally difficult for parents to evade solid contributions. In the case that a divorced spouse has become estranged from their child due to forceful removal – for example, the other spouse refusing visitation despite efforts, they may have a stronger case in court to lessen the financial contribution they are required to make, shifting the responsibility of tuition coverage to the custodial parent.

Consult a Family Law Attorney with Offices in Brick and Sea Girt NJ

Peter J. Bronzino, our divorce attorney is experienced in guiding the divorce and custody proceedings of our clients Asbury Park, Spring Lake, Brick, and all of Eastern New Jersey in all related matters.

Our direct approach handles communication with all involved parties and represents the best interests of our clients and their children for an amicable separation, so our clients can orient themselves toward their future.

To connect with an experienced member of our firm today regarding your divorce, please contact us online or through our Brick offices at (732) 812-3102.

Discuss Divorce Home Marital Issues with a Brick and Sea Girt Family Lawyer

Read on to explore some potential benefits and pitfalls of leaving the marital home before divorce proceedings are complete.

The decision to separate from a spouse and the process of divorce is emotionally, physically, and financially trying time. There are many aspects of the division of a marital home that are simultaneously being considered, including how to split shared assets and how to split custody with any children of the couple. If the conflict between the couple is high, a person may consider moving out of the marital home to create a physical and energetic space. Is this a good idea, or could it have negative consequences for the outcome of your divorce? Read on to explore some potential benefits and pitfalls of leaving the marital home before divorce proceedings are complete.

The benefit: space

When going through a separation that is not amicable, it may be in the best interest of all involved to create space. Because this could have implications for the outcome of the divorce, it is important to consider whether such self-care practices as exercise, meditation, or therapy could help support an inner state of calm before moving out of the marital home.

Pitfalls of moving out of the marital home

Unless it is absolutely necessary or a 100 percent amicable separation, most will coach someone going through a divorce to continue living at the marital home. Here’s why.

Shared assets

In New Jersey, when a spouse leaves the marital home before a divorce is finalized, the other spouse may file a motion in court to temporarily take sole possession of the marital home. If this motion were accepted by the New Jersey Superior Court, the person who leaves the home would not be legally able to inhabit the home during the entirety of the divorce proceedings (and potentially after).

Financial implications

Of course, moving from one home to another while still legally, financially required to split the expenses of the marital home means more money spent. While marital expenses are still on the table, it is important to consider additional expenses that leaving the home would add.

Children affected

Naturally, when a divorce includes children, their wellbeing is the most important consideration in decision-making. The New Jersey Superior Court will always uphold as its first priority the best interest of involved children. As such, they may look at a spouse leaving the marital home during the divorce proceedings as a sign that the person is comfortable with being a non-custodial parent.

Ex’s intentions and capacities

One would hope that, even in the absence of a completely amicable divorce, no ex would purposefully cause harm to shared assets in order to spite the other. However, there have been cases in which, for example, the spouse who stays in the marital home when the other moves out fails to maintain the home, lowering the property value when it comes time to sell.

Options to support the separation process

Whether or not you decide to move out of the marital home before the divorce is finalized, there are specific ways to navigate the shared time and space in service of supporting an amicable divorce.

Parenting Time Schedule

Even if you are living in the marital home during separation, if children are involved it is important to begin to shift into a routine that primes all parties for shared parenting. New Jersey courts include parenting time schedules in the custody proceedings, yet if you have already worked together as a family to develop a sustainable agreement, it will strengthen the bond necessary for successful co-parenting. It will also increase the chances of a favorable custody arrangement, even if you leave the marital home before the divorce is finalized.

Mediation

Many divorce attorneys recommend mediation as a way to identify obstacles to an amicable separation and, hopefully, resolve them, for a swift proceeding that saves time, money, and emotional wellbeing.

Self-Care

One only has so much resilience. At such a stressful time as divorce, it is important to make self-care a priority in service of all concerned. Lowering cortisol, or stress, levels in the body and building emotional resilience will make for a clearer mind and heart during the divorce, and set you up for your future. Hydrate, rest, exercise, meditate and surround yourself with the community at this time.

Retain a Wall Township Divorce Lawyer Today to Help Navigate your Options

At Bronzino Law Firm, our divorce attorneys are experienced in guiding the divorce and custody proceedings of our clients across Point Pleasant, Brick, Wall, Sea Girt, Spring Lake and the greater Ocean and Monmouth County Areas in all related matters.

To connect with an experienced member of our firm today regarding your divorce, please visit our online form or call us at (732) 812-3102 to learn more about your options.

Custody and Parenting Time Attorneys Monmouth and Ocean County NJ

As part of the divorce proceedings, a couple with children will prepare for a custody hearing to legally determine whether the couple will share custody, or whether one parent will have sole custody.

What is the difference between physical and legal custody?

Parents with legal custody can make legal decisions on behalf of their children, such as medical decisions and schooling matters. If parents have joint legal custody, both can legally weigh in on those matters that impact the child. If there is a major difference of opinion, the agreement is set up so that the courts can resolve the matter. A parent with physical custody means that the child lives with them. Parents who have joint physical custody share the time living with their child either through nesting, in which the child lives in the marital home, and the parents switch off; or the child moves to the homes of either parent during the set time.

What is a parenting time plan in a New Jersey custody agreement?

A child custody arrangement is set up in the best interests of the child. In New Jersey, regardless of the amount of time a parent spends with their child as outlined in a shared custody agreement, whether or not they are the custodial (live-in) parent or the non-custodial parent, the court system refers to this time as “parenting time.” Co-parents can structure this time in any way that works for them. Examples of parenting time shared custody arrangements include

Shared Physical Custody: In this agreement, each parent spends an equal amount of time with their child. Traditionally, this looks like alternating weeks; however, some children fare better with shorter time periods away from either parent, and some fare better with the stability provided by physically remaining in one parent’s home for longer, such as a month at a time.
Residential Parent and Alternate Residential Parent agreements: In this case, one parent is the primary custodial caregiver of the parent. The other, or ‘alternate,’ has a more traditional schedule of visitation, spending every other weekend, perhaps, with the child, as well as partial summer vacations.
Sole Physical Custody: As one could imagine, when one parent has sole physical custody, the other parent is strictly limited in the amount of parenting time they are allowed to spend with the child. Depending on the conditions of the sole custody ruling, these visits may even be supervised. New Jersey Family Part court tends to lean toward both parents having some form of contact with the child, even if it must be supervised.

Are time frames each parent has custodial rights written into the custody agreement?

In the case of both joint physical and joint legal custody agreements, there are clauses written in that determine the amount of time each parent has with the child. This could be laid out as a schedule in addition to a percentage time frame. Because a custody agreement is a legally binding, each parent by law must abide by the time constraints ordered by the court.

Can a parent be penalized for breaking a New Jersey Parenting Plan?

If either parent strays from the court-ordered schedule, they are legally in breach of the law and can be penalized. This could play out in civil court or criminal court depending on the conditions of the breach. If the deviance from the court order is severe, such as removal of the child from the home and travel to an undisclosed location or a location outside of New Jersey, the parent could be arrested for kidnapping and face criminal charges.

If one parent is in breach of the parenting time schedule built into the custody agreement, the other parent has the legal right to request enforcement of the current custodial order from the New Jersey court. In addition to determining whether civil or criminal legal action needs to be taken out against the law-breaking parent, the court may also rule that the petitioning parent receives some sort of compensation for the time lost with their child, which may temporarily shift the legally mandated parenting time schedule.

Having the support of an experienced New Jersey divorce attorney during the process of negotiating the parenting time schedule with one’s ex and their legal team, as well as in the case of a breach of the agreement, is important to ensure that your rights and the wellbeing of your child are met.

Seasoned Custody Attorney protecting the rights of you and your children

At Peter J. Bronzino, our New Jersey divorce attorneys are skilled in supporting families across Toms River, Wall, Point Pleasant, Asbury Park, Spring Lake, Brick, and all of Eastern New Jersey as they undergo the process of negotiating custody agreements and parenting time schedules.

Our direct approach ensures that the best interests of the child and the rights of our parent clients are met in compatible ways.

To speak with our firm today regarding your shared custodial agreement, please contact us online or through our Brick offices at (732) 812-3102.

Brick NJ Divorce Attorneys identify and fight for what is important to you

Educating Clients in financial issues throughout Ocean County towns such as Toms River, Wall, Point Pleasant, Asbury Park, Spring Lake, Brick, and all of Eastern New Jersey

Although not always expected, divorce or civil union dissolutions are more acceptable today than in the past, but when deciding child custody, child support, distribution of marital property, or alimony things can become more complicated. Some things are easily negotiable, and other things just aren’t. That’s why it’s a good idea to speak with an experienced family law attorney before you enter into negotiations with your spouse or partner. That way you’re aware and better prepared as to what your negotiating points and areas of compromise are.

Divorce can significantly impact your physical, psychological, and emotional well-being and fighting for certain assets may end up end costing more than they’re worth in legal fees.

Creating a foundation for a property settlement agreement generally means you have some flexibility, and you and your legal counsel can negotiate various creative solutions designed to specifically address your unique needs and those of your children if you have any. At the end of the day, some things just aren’t all that negotiable, and it’s worth considering which efforts are worth your time, money, and energy.

If you are considering a divorce, or are currently going through a divorce, look no further than the Bronzino Law Firm. We handle all family law and divorce-related matters, including post-divorce modifications for clients across Ocean County and Monmouth County.

For many Ocean County and Monmouth County residents, Attorney Peter J. Bronzino has been that dependable and tenacious advisor. Peter Bronzino personally handles all divorce case, prides himself on keeping his clients informed and involved in all matters, and is ready and willing to speak with you however is most convenient including e-meetings and Facetime.

Call our Brick or Sea Girt office at (732) 812-3102 to discuss your unique needs, concerns, and situation when it comes to any kind of divorce matter in a free and confidential consultation today.

9 Things Worth Fighting For When You Divorce

Is it worth it? The True Cost of a Contested Divorce

A contested divorce – where the spouses disagree on the settlement terms or the divorce itself – can cost you tens of thousands of dollars. Your legal counsel can provide useful insight about the value of the items in question, and if it’s necessary to go to court over them. Their insight is designed to guide you through your divorce as quickly and inexpensively as possible.

Contact an Ocean and Monmouth County Divorce Attorney Today

As you can see, there are a great many issues to decide, and if necessary, fight for when settling a divorce. Even in an uncontentious or uncontested divorce, the sheer amount of paperwork, court document filings, and procedures to follow can be overwhelming, especially if you are working a full-time job.

Family Law attorney Peter J. Bronzino has extensive experience helping clients with all divorce-related matters across Ocean County, NJ including Brick, Jackson, Toms River, Wall, Ashbury Park, and Point Pleasant.

Our experienced full-service New Jersey law firm does not offer a one-size-fits-all-divorce strategy. Instead, we get to know the people we represent, determine what is most important to them in the divorce, then work with them to develop a strategy designed to meet their individual goals and needs.

With experience handling high-net-worth divorces involving the division of family-owned businesses and properties as well as diverse investment portfolios, Peter Bronzino has the experience and legal knowledge necessary to help you with any divorce issue.

To schedule a free consultation regarding your divorce or post-divorce modification issue, please contact us online or through our Brick, NJ offices today at (732) 812-3102.

Impact of a New Child on a Child Support Payment Monmouth and Ocean County NJ

Educating Parents on Child Support Relates Issues in Monmouth and Ocean County towns such as Toms River, Wall, Point Pleasant, Asbury Park, Spring Lake, Brick, and all of Eastern New Jersey

The process of divorce is a multifaceted matter, and ensuring that any children involved in the divorce are taken care of throughout their youth is of primary concern to parents, attorneys, and the court during proceedings. During a child custody hearing, when one parent legally takes sole custody or parents share custody, the non-primary caregiver is required to pay child support. These funds ensure that the financial needs of the child, such as food, shelter, education, etc, are met, and that the custodial parent does not bear the full financial burden of raising their child. Child support is an integral part of any divorce proceeding, and if a legal separation involves children, the needs of the child will be held as the highest priority in the eyes of the court.

How is the child support amount figured?

Monthly child support payments, otherwise known as alimony, varies based on numerous factors. One such factor is how many children are involved in the divorce, as well as other children who are children of either of the parents. A judge takes into consideration the incomes of each of the parents to determine what funds would maintain the child’s lifestyle as if the parents were still together. New partner incomes are not taken into consideration during the proceedings. Other considerations that determine how much a child support payment will include whether the parents are filing for sole or shared custody, what percentage of the time children will be with each parent, and any other past child support agreements the parents are involved in.

How is child support paid in Monmouth and Ocean County NJ?

After child support is determined, the person required to pay child support, called an obligor, is legally bound to make all court-ordered payments until the end of the court order, or until the New Jersey Family Court has determined the end of payments upon the filing of a request for modification of payment.

Payments are made through the New Jersey Family Support Payment Center, not directly to the child nor to the custodial parent. This could happen in the form of direct deposit or monthly checks. It is essential that payments are received on time, because in the absence of a payment, a lien is made against the obligor’s property, potentially affecting their credit or capacity to sell their property.

Can the amount of child support payments change in New Jersey?

Yes. New Jersey courts recommend that child support court order be reviewed and perhaps revised every two years because the child support agreement can change based on the needs of the child and changing circumstances in the financial life of one or both of the parents. If the custodial parent, for example, is laid off, they can petition for a review of the court order to increase child support payments.

As of February 1, 2017, child support payments automatically cease when the child turns 19, according to the New Jersey Department of Human Services. A parent may apply in the court to end support payments before the child turns 19, or even extend payments.

Does child support decrease when either party has a new child based on NJ Family Law?

If the parent paying child support starts a family or has a child with a new partner, they can apply for a deduction to the monthly child support amount they are legally required to pay. New Jersey Human Services Child Support Guidelines state that, because the addition of a new child to the family will mean financial changes, that parent will now be eligible for an Other Dependent Deduction. An Other Dependent Deduction takes into account the apportionment of a parent’s finances for all of their children; as such, as one’s family grows, their child support payments may decrease.

If you have welcomed additional children to your family and would like to apply for a modification of your child support agreement, you can apply with the New Jersey Family Court. Application for the modification due to changes in your income or changes in the child’s needs will be reviewed by the court. It is important to have an experienced attorney to support this process to ensure that your application clearly and extensively outlines your changing needs so that you receive the full extent of your request.

Consult a Child Support Attorney to guide you with any modification related issues you are facing

At Peter J. Bronzino Law Firm, our divorce attorneys are experienced in supporting our clients and their children across Toms River, Wall, Point Pleasant, Asbury Park in all divorce and custody matters.

To schedule a confidential case assessment with our firm today regarding your divorce and custody agreement, please contact us online or through our Brick offices at (732) 812-3102.

Helping Monmouth and Ocean County Parents with Child Custody and Relocation Issues

Helping parents with relocation applications across Spring Lake, Toms River, Point Pleasant, Brick, and Ocean County

After a separation, divorce or civil union dissolution, there are no laws that prevent a non-custodial parent from moving out of New Jersey for personal or employment reasons. Because child custody and parenting time and visitation schedules can be a sensitive issue, New Jersey relocation statute N.J.S.A. 9:2-2 provides some guidance by allowing a custodial parent to “remove” or relocate out of state with the child if the noncustodial parent doesn’t object. As a custodial parent, if you wish to relocate you and your child to another state and your co-parent does not agree, you will need to file a relocation application to reflect a modification in the physical custody of the child.

Because the court will determine whether this out of state relocation is in your child’s best interest, you will need experienced legal counsel equipped to deal with sensitive situations like these, who believe in supporting their clients in establishing a fair and stable visitation schedule to nurture and maintain a close parent-child relationship.

At Bronzino Law Firm, LLC, we have handled numerous relocation applications and have helped parents across Spring Lake, Toms River, Point Pleasant, Brick, and Ocean County to legally relocate with their children, or help them contest relocation requests, so they could maintain their close relationships with their children. We are ready to take your matter to trial, to either relocate your child to another state or keep them here in New Jersey. We’ll also give you an honest assessment of whether or not we think your application has merit.

Contact our firm today to discuss your unique situation, needs, and legal options moving forward regarding relocation and your child custody agreement in a free and confidential consultation.

Questions New Jersey Courts May Ask When Relocating With Children Outside New Jersey

Parental relocation is complex and ever-evolving as lawyers and courts find creative solutions to maintain parental relationships while making it possible for parents to relocate when necessary.

In determining the best interests of your child, the New Jersey court will evaluate your family’s unique situation before making any determinations, and may ask questions about the following:

Current child custody arrangements
Changes in your personal or work situation, since the previous child custody court order or parenting time agreement
Child’s own personal custodial preference
Any specific medical, educational, or care needs the child may have
Education opportunities for the child in NJ and other potential location
Geographical proximity or parental homes
Relationship between child and any siblings
How well the co-parents communicate or agree about issues related to the child
How appropriate or stable the new home will be
Amount of quality of time the child currently spends with your co-parent or extended family members

After conducting a thorough analysis, the courts will award one parent primary child custody, depending on the location they feel meets the children’s best interests. They will then modify any existing child custody order to reflect this new ruling. Retaining an experienced Ocean County child custody modification attorney is critical to protecting your rights as a parent, and helping you demonstrate to the courts that your close relationship with your children and their best interests, are one and the same.

Contact a Child Custody Relocation & Modification Lawyer in Brick and Sea Girt NJ Today

At Bronzino Law Firm, LLC we have helped many parents to successfully resolve child relocation disputes across Sea Girt, Toms River, Point Pleasant, Brick, and the greater Ocean County, NJ area and enforce custody agreements.

We understand exactly how important your children, their future and your relationship with them are, and we are prepared to help you present the best possible case in family court.

Our smaller size allows us to develop personal and attentive relationships with our clients while charging fair and reasonable rates for our services. Attorney Peter J. Bronzino believes that by keeping his clients informed and involved throughout the legal process, he can better secure them a favorable resolution of their legal matter, in all family law cases including child custody and relocation.

To schedule a free and confidential consultation with our firm today regarding your child relocation, child custody and visitation, or any other family law matter, please contact us today or through our Brick, NJ office at (732) 812-3102.

Gestational vs Traditional Surrogacy

Our Monmouth and Ocean County Family Lawyers discuss Gestational Surrogacy

The call to become a parent is strong for many. Due to many circumstances and personal choices, those seeking to have children align with different methods to do so. There is, of course, traditional pregnancy, or in vitro fertilization. For some, gestational surrogacy is the most fitting option as the means of starting a family. The following information will support those considering gestational surrogacy.

What is the difference between traditional and gestational surrogacy?

Traditional surrogacy uses the egg of the surrogate; as such, in traditional surrogacy, the surrogate is the child’s biological mother. The surrogate is artificially inseminated with the sperm of the father and carries the baby to term. Because the surrogate is the child’s mother, there are more legal complications related to this process and more cases of the surrogate reneging on agreements with the adoptive parent(s), which are often not legally enforced.

Gestational surrogacy uses the egg of the adoptive mother, or of a donor. This egg is fertilized by the father’s sperm and then implanted in the surrogate’s uterus. Because the intended mother is biologically the child’s mother and only does not bring the baby to term in utero, gestational surrogacy is a more popular option among prospective parents.

Is there New Jersey law regarding gestational surrogacy?

Different states have different laws regarding surrogacy and reproductive rights and legal enforcement; there is no federal standard. New Jersey Law only applies to gestational surrogacy agreements. These agreements, drawn up by a reproductive rights lawyer, legalize the decision between intended parents and the surrogate to come together to bring a baby into the world and provide legally binding details on the arrangement. A legally binding agreement is important because studies show that gestational surrogacy leads to a higher rate of preterm births and multiple birth scenarios than traditional pregnancy. Such agreement details overview how ultrasounds and other medical appointments and the birth itself will be handled, including whether the intended parents will be invited to be present; what will happen in the case that there are multiple births; and what agreements are in place in the case of pregnancy developments that elevate risks, such as multiple babies or chromosomal disorders.

The National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that one in every fifty pregnancies involved a gestational surrogate as an assisted birth form in 2016. Over a 14-year period at the beginning of the 21st century, there were 18,400 births from gestational surrogacy, and a whopping half of those were multiple births – twins, triplets, or higher.

Financial considerations of gestational surrogacy

In addition to considerations regarding gestation and the birth itself, any couple considering using a gestational surrogate must be prepared to address the financial and emotional effects of the process. Gestational surrogacy is not a cheap undertaking. The cost of the surrogacy process is generally around $100,000. This includes payment to the surrogate herself, as well as medical and legal costs. Any prospective parents will also consider the long-term needs of the child and family and take into account the cost of raising a child and savings necessary for college and other long-term goals.

Emotional considerations of gestational surrogacy

Like any serious decision, there are emotional byproducts of a life-changing move, and in order to make an informed choice, one must take emotional impact into account. The process leading up to deciding on a gestational surrogate often includes a roller coaster of fertility issues, failed attempts at getting pregnant, or miscarriage. In order to address the past journey that has led to a decision to use a surrogate, in addition to the present concerns and fears that are natural in the period before a new child is born, it is important to seek support in the form of a facilitated group or a therapist.

Having a reproductive lawyer is an essential element of ensuring that you’re adequately prepared to move forward with this life-changing decision, and can have a profound effect on your emotional stability throughout the process. They will help you ensure that the surrogate you choose is physically, emotionally, and legally prepared to enter into this binding agreement.

Family Law Attorneys serving parents in Brick and across Monmouth and Ocean County

At Peter J. Bronzino, our skilled legal team of reproductive attorneys is here to support families across Toms River, Wall, Point Pleasant, Brick, and all of Eastern New Jersey in their decision to involve a gestational surrogate in their journey of family hood. Our unique approach is focused on ensuring that both the family and the gestational surrogate have all of the information and support they need to move forward in this partnership empowered and prepared.

For a confidential assessment of your surrogacy plans, please fill out the online form or through our Brick offices at (732) 812-3102.

Discuss Child Custody-Related Challenges with a Brick and Sea Girt Family Lawyer

Bronzino Law Firm educates and guides parents through child custody matters that can become some of the most contentious issues addressed in Ocean and Monmouth County NJ family court

Child custody battles often leave scars that may take years to heal if ever. Despite this custody battles are sometimes unavoidable in situations where you expose a safety risk to your kids, if your ex is obstructing your visitation time or if co-parenting is next to impossible. Through mediation and other forms of low conflict resolution is preferred whenever possible, in many cases going before a judge maybe your best option for safeguarding your relationship with your child, and in some cases, the very safety of your child.

Whether you are the initiate or respondent to litigation it is important to know what you’re fighting for. It is critical to enter court with compelling evidence and clear goals. For example, if your ex has been denying you access to and visitation with your child you will need to provide the court with evidence that shows the parenting time that was purposefully blocked or interfered with.

Define your Goals and Remain Focused on the Children

Moreover, your goals entering any proceeding must be clear. Are you seeking sole or primary custody and if not how much parenting time does you feel you will need to be able to meet not only your child’s but your emotional needs. You should be able to back this information up with an unambiguous statement to the judge that you’re there because you want your current parenting time plan to be enforced or that you need changes to be made. It is critical to stay focused on your main points and not wander into other issues that may not be relevant.

Expect the Worst from Opposing Counsel and Document any Poor Parental Behavior

Given the raw emotion involved in child custody cases, you should expect that things could get ugly. Depending on the nature of your battle, you may need to face assertions from opposing counsel that are at best unflattering to you and your parenting, and at worst, completely untrue. Despite this, you must stay calm and work with your attorney to provide evidence to refute any invalid claims. On the other hand, you will have to truthfully document all your ex’s parental shortcomings to bolster your claims and your case overall. An experienced attorney can help you prepare your statements so that they are pertinent and impactful.

Tips for Navigating Child Custody Cases in Monmouth and Ocean County NJ

Child custody hearings are seldom easy. However, there are several steps you can take to be prepared and to make the process go far more smoothly and in your favor. These include:

Being organized…

will help you feel more in control. If you are not a naturally organized person this may sometimes be difficult but it is always helpful. Putting all documents in a notebook or file folder that you keep in a designated space will give you the peace of mind of knowing that when and if they are needed they will be available and at hand.

Compartmentalize…

your work on your child custody case from the rest of your life because living your custody battle 24/7 will cause you untold stress that can lead to both physical and psychological health problems. Being rested is incredibly helpful for keeping your thoughts clear and focused.

Practicing strategic communication…

can help to minimize drama and unnecessary conflict. Avoid face-to-face and phone contact as much a possible until your matter has concluded. In cases where your ex persists in writing or texting inflammatory messages or threats, Do Not Respond. In many cases, your former spouse or partner may know exactly what buttons to push in order to illicit a response. Do not take the bait. Simply print out messages and give them to your attorney. If communication is needed to be brief, informative and neutral in tone.

Practicing self-care…

is essential. Given that you cannot pour from an empty cup, your own health and mental well-being are critical. Don’t forget to stay up to date with medical and dental care as well as eat and sleep properly. It is recommended to shift your focus to other, positive activities whenever possible such as social engagements, hobbies, exercise, and meditation. If you feel embattled emotionally, see a therapist who specializes in high-conflict divorce.

Remember good preparation, a good mindset, and an experienced attorney are your best assets when dealing with any child custody issue.

Contact a Wall Township Child Custody Lawyer Today to Help Navigate the Challenges Ahead

If you or a loved one are going through a child custody dispute it is critical to have effective legal counsel and representation at the outset or as soon as possible. At Bronzino Law Firm, our team of attorneys is experienced in supporting and fiercely representing our clients in child custody proceedings in Toms River, Point Pleasant, Brick, Wall, Sea Girt, Spring Lake and the greater Ocean and Monmouth County Areas. No matter your situation you don’t have to confront it alone.

To connect with our firm today in a confidential and comprehensive assessment of your case, visit our online form or call us at (732) 812-3102 to learn more about your options.