Child Custody Lawyers in South Jersey

Focused On Protecting Your Child’s Best Interests

For a parent navigating a divorce, nothing matters more than securing the well-being and future of their children. When parents decide to live apart, the conversation about custody is fundamentally about how to continue providing the love, stability, and support your children need to thrive. It is the process of creating a blueprint for your life moving forward, even when the parents' paths diverge.

Determining parental responsibilities and establishing a parenting schedule can be the most emotionally charged part of any separation. New Jersey law simplifies this complex emotional terrain by focusing every decision on a single, guiding principle: the child's best interests. This legal standard provides a framework for creating durable arrangements prioritizing a child’s health, safety, and development.

At Rigden Lieberman Mignogna, P.A., we approach every custody case with the profound understanding that your children’s future is at stake. Our role is to provide clear and compassionate guidance, helping you navigate the complexities of New Jersey’s custody laws. We work with you to build constructive, child-focused solutions that protect your parental rights and allow your children to flourish.

To discuss your case with a child custody lawyer in South Jersey, please call our dedicated team at (609) 772-4218. We are proud to serve clients in Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Mercer, Atlantic, Cumberland, Salem, and Cape May counties.

How Is Child Custody Determined in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, custody is divided into two parts: legal custody and physical custody. All decisions are made based on the child's best interests, as outlined in state law (N.J.S.A. 9:2−4).

Legal Custody 

Legal custody is the authority to make significant decisions about a child’s upbringing.

There are two types of legal custody:

• Joint legal custody. This is the most common arrangement in New Jersey, granting both parents the right and responsibility to make significant decisions together regarding their child’s education, health, and general welfare. It promotes co-parenting, irrespective of where the child primarily resides.
• Sole legal custody. A court may grant one parent the sole authority to make these significant decisions in certain situations. This is an uncommon outcome, typically reserved for cases where factors like a history of domestic violence, substance abuse, or a demonstrated inability to co-parent are detrimental to the child.

Physical Custody 

Physical custody refers to where the child lives and their parenting time schedule. The goal is to create a stable and consistent routine that supports the child's relationship with both parents.

Creating a Comprehensive Parenting Plan

A custody order requires a detailed parenting time plan that provides structure and predictability for your children. We assist clients in developing thorough schedules that address the realities of daily life.

A strong parenting plan should outline the regular weekly or bi-weekly schedule and arrangements for holidays, school breaks, and vacations. It may also include essential protocols for transportation, communication with the child when they are with the other parent, and how to handle unforeseen changes. 

A well-crafted plan minimizes future conflict and allows parents to focus on raising their child.