Q: My ex wants to bring the kids in on custody to ask what they want in front of the judge - can I fight this?
A:
That will depend on the ages of the children. If the children are too young, they will not be allowed to be involved. Under New Jersey state law, it is assumed that regular contact with both parents is in the best interests of the child, though certain circumstances can change that. However, there are other factors that go into determining a child’s best interests and which custody arrangement can best serve those interests.
These factors include:
Your child’s relationship with each parent
The parents’ willingness and ability to communicate with each other
Stability of both parents
Any history of domestic violence
The child’s preference
Practical considerations (such as distance between the homes, distance between the homes and the child’s school and related issues) This is obviously not an exhaustive list. Child custody statutes are complicated.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
