Child Custody & Support

Somerset County Child Custody & Support Attorneys

Somerset County Family Lawyers Fighting for Support & Custody for Your Children

Some of the most difficult and emotional parts of divorce are settling the child custody and support arrangements. With a skilled family law attorney in Somerville, New Jersey, however, you can rest assured that you have experienced help on your side to stand up for what’s best for your children.

Our family law lawyers serve clients throughout Central New Jersey, including:

Somerset County
Morris County
Union County
Middlesex County
And Essex County

Involved in a child custody or support dispute? Call our New Jersey child custody attorneys at (908) 259-6673 for a consultation today.

How Are the Best Interests of the Child Determined in New Jersey?

The New Jersey court’s child custody and child support decisions are based on the best interests of the children. However, “best interests” is itself based on many different factors.

Our experienced child support attorney serving Somerset County, New Jersey can help you identify the arguments that demonstrate how much support your child needs, or why you are the most fitting guardian for your child.

They can also present them effectively in court, giving you and your child the best chance of a peaceful home life after a divorce.

How is Child Custody Determined in Somerville, New Jersey?

Child custody judgments include that of physical custody, or which parent the child will live with, and legal custody, which is the right to make decisions for the child.

Child custody arrangements vary, but tend to be close to one of the following scenarios:

One parent has primary physical custody while the other parent has visitation rights, and parents share legal custody to varying degrees.
Both parents equally share physical and legal custody. This is called joint custody and is the preferred method of custody by the New Jersey court.
One parent has sole physical and legal custody, and the other parent may or may not have rights to see the child on certain occasions.

Sole physical and legal custody is not likely to be awarded to one parent unless the other parent is deemed unfit.

What Constitutes an Unfit Parent in New Jersey?

When it comes to ruling for child custody, a NJ court may disqualify an individual if they are ruled "unfit". Being an unfit parent or guardian essentially means that they are unable to provide a safe and secure home for the child. Putting a child at risk of harm is not something the NJ courts are willing to ignore.

Some of the grounds for finding a parent to be unfit include:

A mental health issue that is inhibiting them from carrying out their role as parent or guardian
A history of dangerous actions including domestic violence
Substance or alcohol abuse
Previous child neglect or endangerment

How is Child Support Calculated in New Jersey?

New Jersey law utilizes a shared income model when determining support. This means that both parents should be financially responsible for their children. If possible, the NJ court will examine the incomes of both parents and then make a decision based on what is deemed fair and appropriate.

Expenses that the non-custodial parent will be responsible for include:

Healthcare
Transportation
Clothing
Food
And housing

Predictable recurring expenses like work-related child care, health insurance, additional un-reimbursed health care, visitation transportation, and other special needs can be added to the child support calculations upon court approval.

How Long Do You Have to Pay Child Support in NJ?

While no case is identical, child support is usually ended under these specific conditions:

The child turns 19
The child joins the military
The child passes away
The child marries

Support may be extended to children who are disabled or are unable to take care of themselves financially due to circumstances out of their control.

Holidays & Parenting Schedules

During the school year, kids spend a great deal of time in school and participating in extracurricular activities. When school in NJ is out for the summer, however, their schedules may change significantly. The child may want to take part in activities such as summer sports or camps.

Perhaps one parent wants to take the child on an extended summer vacation. Discussing these activities and how parenting schedules will need to be adjusted accordingly helps reduce the likelihood of unnecessary conflict.

Additional Frequently Asked Questions About NJ Child Custody Laws

Q: Where will my children live?

A: Nobody knows your children better than you do. We usually advise trying to resolve custody amicably to avoid having a Judge make that decision for you. However, it isn’t always possible, and when that happens the court will consider a variety of factors when deciding on a custody arrangement.

Q: How often will I see my kids?

A: Every family is different. The ability of each parent to be available and parent their children is a key factor. Over the years, the laws have changed to recognize that children need both parents equally.

Q: How are decisions made for the kids?

A: Decision-making is part of “legal custody.” Typically parents share legal custody, and therefore share decision-making.

Q: What if one parent wants to relocate out of state?

A: If a parent wishes to relocate out of state with the children, they must either have the consent of the other party or be granted the right to relocate by the Court.

Q: Will I have to pay for college?

A: You may. This is a very fact-sensitive question that requires an in-depth analysis.

Legal Advocates Serving Somerset & Morris County for 60+ Years

Lane & Lane, LLC has the experienced Somerset County child custody & child support attorneys you want by your side in family court. If you choose us to represent you, one of our partner family law attorneys will be with you from the start to the end of your case, giving you the legal insight, support, and reassurance you need.

To start discussing how Lane & Lane, LLC can help with your child custody or child support case, contact us online or call (908) 259-6673 today.

Related Reading:

Reasons a Judge Will Modify Custody

Contact Us Today

We Are Ready to Fight for You

First Name
Last Name
Phone
Email
Are you a new client?
How can we help you?
By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from Lane & Lane, LLC at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy

He was very effective in getting my case settled and supported me every step of the way.
“Eric Lane and his team were very professional and helpful. During our first conversation, he took the time to help me get to know the firm and confirm that they could help me. I went in having no idea what to do and he handled all of my concerns. He made sure that I got everything I needed or was entitled to and that I understood everything that was happening. He was very effective in getting my case settled and supported me every step of the way. I highly recommend Lane & Lane for their excellent service.”

- April M.
They took the mess out of the divorce process.
“Throughout the process, Dan constantly put my interests, goals, and objectives front and center.”

- Jay K.
I am grateful for everything that Atty. Daniel Lane did for me and I wholeheartedly recommend him and Lane and Lane for their outstanding service.
“He guided me through the process and settled my nerves when I was apprehensive. He has my best interests and made sure I was protected. He really knew his business and I am so happy that I selected him to represent me. He made himself available to me almos”

- Myria T.
Always professional and compassionate!
“Thank you so much Steve Lane and Lane & Lane firm for the outstanding representation you have given me! I was very impressed with how knowledgeable Steve is and how welcoming and friendly he and his staff is. Steve made me feel comfortable and confident and always exhibited dedication and concern for my situation. Always professional and compassionate! I would recommend Lane & Lane to anyone. Again, thank you so much Steve for you amazing help!”

- Anastasios B.
I am thankful I chose Lane and Lane.
“Dan was very understanding and helpful through the divorce process. He respected my suggestions and always gave very good advice throughout the whole process. He worked well with opposing counsel and just helped the whole process move smoothly. This was not a process I wanted, yet I was able to count on him for sound and very professional advice. There was never any pressure for me to do anything I did not want to do. I am thankful I chose Lane and Lane.”

- Tom H.
Eric Lane provided me with exceptional service and was always there to answer my questions.
“Extremely professional and hard-working attorneys. Eric Lane provided me with exceptional service and was always there to answer my questions.”

- Angela R.
They're accessible and timely, highly recommend.
“Lane & Lane have been a huge help for our business. They've helped us navigate federal regulations, state regulations, buyout agreements, and corporate structure updates. They're accessible and timely, highly recommend.”

- Colby J.
Eric always went above and beyond to help me during a very difficult process.
“Eric took the time to listen to my concerns and helped me to make informed decisions based on my situation.”

- ZP

View All Reviews

A Resolution Is a Step Away

Let us devote our time to your case that can range from divorce, child custody, equitable distribution, domestic violence, and more. We are committed to find an end solution that you and your family can walk away from with peace of mind.

About Our Firm

Somerville Office 908-259-6673

Locations

Somerville Office
84 East Main Street
2nd Floor
Somerville, NJ 08876
Map & Directions
Morris Plains Office
101 Gibraltar Drive, Suite 2F
Morris Plains, NJ 07950
Map & Directions

Follow Us