High-Conflict Custody Matters Ocean County NJ

During the divorce process, many parents are willing to settle matters of alimony or equitable distribution when it means coming to a resolution. However, many are far less flexible when it comes to child custody and parenting arrangements. This is understandable — a parent’s relationship with his or her children is precious, and many parents fear that an unfavorable custody arrangement could threaten that relationship.

At The Bronzino Law Firm, we understand the value of this relationship and we are committed to representing your interests in child custody matters, including heated custody battle s.Conflict is exhausting and especially painful when it comes to divorce and child custody issues, but you needn’t face it all on your own.  It is crucial that you understand your rights when navigating the difficulties of a high-conflict custody case.  Let us familiarize you with the relevant laws regarding divorce, child custody, visitation rights, and other family law issues.

Brick NJ Lawyer Advocates for your High-Conflict Custody Matters

Many circumstances may contribute to a heated custody battle between parents, including:

• Arguing between the parents
• Abuse or neglect: A common problem is when a parent is accused of abusing or neglecting their children by their former spouse.  This is often used as a ploy to control or harass the other parent rather than because there is an actual concern for the children’s wellbeing. When there is suspicion of abuse and neglect, the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP) will investigate to preserve the children’s safety.  If there is evidence that an ex is abusing the reporting process to harass the co-parent, contacting a family law attorney is essential.
• Domestic violence: If there was a history of domestic violence in the marriage, there is little doubt that it would continue after the divorce.  Creating an environment of cooperation and compromise is hardly likely when your ex reacts violently to every question or decision.  Co-parenting can be arduous when a permanent restraining order is involved.  Sharing custody can create situations of repeated victimization, even when the couple no longer resides together.  The court can take extraordinary measures to provide as much safety for the victim as possible, such as requiring supervised visits and anger management classes.
• A parent with drug or alcohol addiction: Substance abuse ranks as one of the most common causes of high-conflict parental problems.  When one (or both) parents have a history of alcohol or drug abuse, instability and lack of responsibility can significantly alter their decision-making abilities. A parent battling addiction is unable to take care of themselves fully and can become unreliable.  This leads to heated arguments as the other parent must take up the slack and shoulder all the responsibility.
• A parent with a mental health problem: Mental health problems such as Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) can contribute to high-conflict situations.  When not properly treated, BPD sufferers present high levels of impulsivity, obsessional behaviors, and acute separation anxiety. Anger management issues, depression, narcissism, and unresolved past trauma can also affect a parent’s mental health.
• Parental relocation: It is not uncommon for one parent to move far away from their original residence after a divorce. Many people want to be closer to their families at this difficult time or find work in other areas. Job opportunities can come from many places and could require a big move.  Relocation can put a strain on the relationship between the parents and the children.  Frequently, one parent will petition the court to prevent their ex from taking the children too far away because it will limit visitation.
• Parental alienation: this is another type of high-conflict problem many divorced families experience.  It is manifested when a parent constantly disparages the other, speaks ill of them in the presence of the children, makes accusations about the co-parent, and encourages the children to ignore, dislike, or rebel against the other parent. Parental alienation can include telling the children that the other parent does not love them or want to spend time with them. It is an attempt to sabotage the children’s relationship with the parent and is a form of child abuse that can have permanent, damaging effects.
• Involvement of other family members: When other family members begin to choose sides and either attack or defend a parent’s actions, the situation can become more precarious for everyone.  Harassment, stalking, threats, and other hostile behaviors can ensue when family members believe they are helping their loved one in a custody battle by defending them.  A second marriage or serious relationship can spark trouble in any divorced couple’s relationship. Conflicts can arise more frequently and with increased intensity when hostilities are present before a second marriage.

When involved in a heated custody battle, it is essential to have an experienced attorney advocating for you. In some situations, it may be necessary to enlist the help of experts like psychologists to build the most compelling case for your desired custody arrangement. We have a strong network of professionals in place to maximize our chances of success in your custody dispute.

We understand the significant emotional toll that conflicts over custody and parenting time can take on you and your child. Family law attorney Peter J. Bronzino will take the time to listen to your concerns, understand your family’s unique situation and act as your advocate at every step.

Wall NJ Custody Matters Lawyer Explains How Custody is Decided in Family Court

Divorce is never easy, especially when there is enmity between the parties.  Custody arrangements, child support, alimony, and the daily stressors of life can turn what was a poor relationship into an impossible one. A combative relationship rife with arguing and constant hostility is not only exhausting but creates an environment so toxic that even the most mundane of decisions becomes a battleground.  This is especially true in the case of child custody decisions. Unfortunately, in a high-conflict relationship, the children’s new living arrangements and who decides major issues concerning the children’s lives can be the most difficult matters to resolve. It is often the job of the courts to intervene and approve adequate solutions for families embroiled in these situations.

In Family Court, custody decisions always focus on the children’s best interests, a series of qualifications used to determine how best to serve their needs.  Aspects such as the relationship between each parent and the children, the parent’s willingness to cooperate with the co-parent, and the children’s adaptability to the custody plan are considered.  The court also weighs the wishes of the children and parents, as well as the mental health and physical health of everyone involved.  The primary caregiver must be open to dialogue and frequent contact with the co-parent to provide as stable an environment as possible.

Potential Solutions a Judge May Order in High-Conflict Custody Matters

When parents cannot make their custody agreement, the judge making the decision will be heavily influenced by the children’s best interests standard.  Giving parents parallel custody can avoid frequent interaction between them.  Parallel custody assigns exclusive custody for one period and the same amount of time for the other.  This works well when parents live closely with one another and the children’s academic schedules are not altered.  When necessary, a judge will grant full custody to one parent with scheduled visits to the other.  This situation is typically found in cases where one parent is particularly volatile and argumentative.  The court wants to prevent exposing the children to aggressive behaviors and arguments or parental alienation.

Understanding the Lasting Effects of High-Conflict Custody on Children Can Help Prevent Damage for Years

High-conflict custody cases can cause irreparable harm to children; increased anxiety, sleep disturbance, and behavioral issues, including tantrums and insecurity, are frequently seen. Changes in academic performance, regressive behavior, and violent outbursts are sometimes present as well.  Even more disconcerting is the possibility of early substance abuse used as an escape tactic from the constant fighting.

Mitigating Damaging Behaviors and Effective Communication Strategies for High-Conflict Custody Cases

It takes two people to argue. Avoiding engagement with the hostile parent can defuse the situation.  It is possible to set boundaries without going no-contact.  Encouraging communication by text or email rather than by phone can promote more straightforward communication and leave less opportunity for impulsivity and escalating arguments.  Remaining neutral and avoiding negative talk to or about the other parent is helpful and sets an excellent example for the children.  It is never easy to deflect hostility and negative comments, but engaging with them will reflect as poorly on you as on the aggressive parent.

A Tenacious Lawyer For High-Conflict Custody Matters

At The Bronzino Law Firm, we treat our clients with the same respect and tenacity as we would a family member.  Our experienced family lawyers will effectively navigate the process by collecting relevant evidence, gathering the needed documentation, interviewing witnesses, and providing testimony from expert witnesses if necessary.

Our firm has helped many people who were in your situation.  Our family law attorneys are skilled negotiators and litigators.  We have all the skills necessary to support your case and give you the best possible result.  Our years of experience afford us the ability to represent you during this difficult time. We serve clients throughout the Ocean and Monmouth County region, including Ocean Township, Point Pleasant, Asbury Park, Eatontown, Sea Bright, Brick, Red Bank, and Wall.

Let Us Fight Your Custody Battle — Across Ocean and Monmouth County

If you are involved in, or anticipate becoming involved in, a legal fight over the custody of your child, we encourage you to contact us for a free initial consultation. You may reach our office in Brick, New Jersey, at (732) 812-3102.