How are child custody laws determined in New Jersey?

There are two main aspects of custody in New Jersey (and in other states): Physical Custody: where the child will spend their time; and Legal Custody: which parent (s) is/are responsible for decision-making on behalf of the child. How Courts Determine Child Custody in New Jersey

What does it mean when both parents have joint custody?

Joint legal custody means that both parents share all decision making responsibilities relating to the child. This means if a child needs significant medical care, such as braces or allergy shots, both parents have a say in the decision.

Do you get child support if you share joint custody?

If parents share joint custody, but not physical custody, the parent with physical custody of the child will likely be awarded child support. However, if there is shared physical custody, this does not mean that no one receives child support.

Can a non custodial parent get custody of a child?

However, the non-custodial parent may have legal recourse if the child is refusing to participate in visitation. Unless any of these circumstances are involved, child visitation is usually determined in the child custody agreement or divorce agreement.

What does joint custody entail?

Joint custody involves a sharing of parental responsibility for the child. Unlike sole custody where one parent has the entire say, with joint custody both parents are actively involved in the child’s upbringing. Joint custody can be joint physical custody, joint legal custody, or both.

What is joint custody in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, “joint custody,” or “joint physical and legal custody,” sometimes refers to a type of custody where the parents share parenting time equally and also participate equally in parenting decisions. If a court finds that this type of parenting arrangement exists,…

Can both parents be custodial parent?

Yes, both parents, even if they have never married, can be custodial parents. The father should first file a court action to establish the father-child relationship. This would be filed in the juvenile court of the county where the child resides.

What is joint residential custody?

A parent with sole physical custody is sometimes referred to as the residential or custodial parent; this is the parent with residential custody. When a child lives a relatively equal amount of time in each parent’s home, this is referred to as shared custody, also often called joint custody.