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

They listened and protected me from opposing counsel's comments and demands.
“Divorce is a traumatic event, no matter how much both parties involved try to work through the process. Lane & Lane were a great sounding board for my concerns and needs. They listened and protected me from opposing counsel's comments and demands. I highly recommend Lane and Lane to represent you if this personal need arises. Pete Wright”

- Pete W.
Dan & his staff are professional, courteous & knowledgeable.
“Dan & his staff are professional, courteous & knowledgeable. Dan returned my phone calls & emails in a timely manner & made me feel like I was his most important client. He went above & beyond for me. I highly recommend Lane & Lane.”

- Jim J.
He not only took care of all the cases and made sure that I was protected, but also offered great advice during the process.
“Eric Lane is just awesome! He has been handling my case since my divorce was finalized, which sounds strange - but true. There have been incessant frivolous motions one after another in the courts since my divorce and Eric has been amazing to work with. He not only took care of all the cases and made sure that I was protected, but also offered great advice during the process. Two Thumbs up!!”

- Former Client
He spoke to me with respect and in a down-to-earth manner.
“Steven worked diligently to represent my best interests. He went above and beyond to be sure I understood every detail of every document relevant to my divorce. He spoke to me with respect and in a down-to-earth manner. His efforts resulted in a very favorable decision, weighted on my side of the field. I have already referred Steve and his firm to friends, at least one of whom has hired him. Well done L&L. Thank you.”

- Billy M.
Good, family-owned law firm.
“Good, family-owned law firm. My wife and I didn't know much about wills, but knew we needed a plan to handle our assets and, most importantly, ensure our children were cared for if anything ever happened to us. As parents themselves, they understood our concerns and guided us through the documents and subsequent decisions we needed to make. In the end, we are relieved to have these official documents and are confident they will serve their purpose should they ever be needed.”

- Brad C.
I was very pleased and left with peace of mind.
“Eric is very thorough and he makes sure that your needs are heard and met. I highly recommend Eric Lane for your legal needs.”

- Chandra
Eric Lane provided exceptional service handling all my personal legal issues.
“Professional and outstanding attorneys. Eric Lane provided exceptional service handling all my personal legal issues.”

- Walter R.
He handled my case with the utmost professionalism and sincerity.
“I highly recommend hiring Daniel Lane to represent you with your legal matters. He handled my case with the utmost professionalism and sincerity. I found him to be highly attentive and knowledgeable to reach a positive resolution with my legal issue.”

- Former Client

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