Ocean County Child Custody Lawyer
N.J.S.A. 9:2-4 sets forth the factors the Court must consider when making an award of custody. When the Court makes its custody determination, it is done in the best interest of the child. Kinsella v. Kinsella, 150 N.J. 276, 317 (1997). The factors that a Court must consider are as follows:
- The parents’ ability to agree, communicate and cooperate in matters relating to the child;
- The parents’ willingness to accept custody and any history of unwillingness to allow parenting time not based on substantiated abuse;
- The interaction and relationship of the child with its parents and siblings;
- The history of domestic violence, if any;
- The safety of the child and the safety of either parent from physical abuse by the other parent;
- The preference of the child when of sufficient age and capacity to reason so as to form an intelligent decision;
- The needs of the child;
- The stability of the home environment offered;
- The quality and continuity of the child’s education;
- The fitness of the parents;
- The geographical proximity of the parents’ homes;
- The extent and quality of the time spent with the child prior to or subsequent to the separation;
- The parents’ employment responsibilities;
- The age and number of the children.
Given the numerous factors considered by the Court, custody and visitation is decided on a case by case basis. It is therefore important that you speak with an experienced custody attorney if custody of your child is an issue. At the Bronzino Law Firm, we have the experience litigating custody and visitation issues for both married and unmarried individuals.
Free Consultation | Brick, NJ Child Custody Attorney
Call (732) 812-3102 or send an email to schedule a free consultation with an Ocean County child custody attorney.