Morris Plains Child Custody Attorneys
Protect Your Parental Rights in Morris Plains, NJ
Child custody cases are some of the most emotional family law matters since they impact your entire family’s future. As such, it is important to ensure you receive the legal counsel of a lawyer who puts your and your child’s best interests first. At Lane and Lane, LLC, we pride ourselves on our commitment to our clients. We promise to put your family first.
Steps to Secure Child Custody in Morris Plains
Here are the steps to follow to obtain child custody in New Jersey:
Fill out the appropriate forms
You can access these forms on the New Jersey court website, or you can have your lawyer assist you with this process.
Draft a custody complaint
This will include information about you, your co-parent, and your child, as well as the type of custody you are seeking, your parenting plan, and any issues that may arise related to custody or parenting time. This complaint must be filed in the superior court of the county where the child resides (if he/she does not live with you). You will also determine which type of custody you are seeking.
Attend mandatory mediation sessions
You and your co-parent will attempt to come to a custody agreement before going to trial. This does not apply if a restraining order is in place due to allegations of domestic violence.
Undergo an investigation period
If parents cannot resolve their custody issues through mediation, the law allows the court to hold investigations before determining custody. The investigation will review each parent’s character, economic condition, fitness, home life, and criminal record (if applicable).
Attend your custody trial
Each side will present evidence as to why they would like the type of custody arrangement they suggested. The court will make a custody decision based on the best interests of the child factors. Once custody has been awarded, either parent can modify the arrangement if a substantial change in circumstance that affects the child’s welfare happens.
What are the Types of Child Custody in New Jersey?
There are two types of custody in New Jersey: legal custody and physical custody. Legal custody grants decision-making rights to one or both parents, and physical custody determines where the child will reside.
Custody is further divided into sole custody, meaning one parent has custody, and joint custody, meaning both parents share custody.
-
“He was very knowledgeable, trustworthy, and informative lawyer, during the whole process. Always kept me informed of the process and how things would work, any questions I had he was always there to listen and get me an answer for anything I had a concern with, I would totally recommend him and the firm to anyone.”- Michele
-
“Dan's patience and understanding allowed me to put trust in someone at a time when that was most difficult for me.”- Dominic
-
“It was a pleasure working with Dan Lane and his team. They were professional and went above and beyond to ensure that my case proceeded smoothly and in a timely fashion without any judgement. This is a great starting point for anyone looking for legal counsel for a good value with exceptional results. It is clear from the get-go that Dan is a hard-working organized individual who can think quickly on his feet.”- Former Client
-
“Eric definitely had my best interests at heart.”- Austin
-
“My husband and I used Dan as our real estate lawyer as a buyer and he was the best! Great follow up! He stayed on top of everything. Dan always communicated with us if he needed something from us or for any input we had in responding to the seller's lawyer. He was also very knowledgeable - most of the time I have no idea what was going on, but he was always patient enough to explain it to me. I also had the pleasure of meeting Steve - he put everyone in an easy mood when the title company was late to the closing. I would definitely use them again!”- Jennifer R.
-
“Met with Dan on a project. I also had discussions with one of the largest firms in the state and after both meetings, what I recognized is that the larger firms just take cookie-cutter documents and don’t take the time to listen to a client's needs. Dan took the time to educate me on what the project required and how to complete it. He listened and educated, versus the other firm just asking what do you need (note I had no idea where to begin on the document) and then talking at you like a number. I highly recommend Dan.”- David M.
-
“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.
-
“Dan and his team were always there to answer any of my questions as well as always keeping me informed as to what is going on.”- Scott D.
