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New Jersey Child Custody Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for New Jersey on
Q: how to get custody established with a civil order that's in place ?

we went to have a custody court date. She lied and said I threatened her with no proof. the judge granted her a restraining order. we went to court for that and it was switched to a civil restraint order. it says I can only see my son supervised once a week, but she had no proof of why. my son... Read more »

Teresa L. Reichek
Teresa L. Reichek
answered on May 22, 2023

Thank you for your question. It sounds like there are several variables in your matter. A consent order for civil restraints is generally not entered without the consent of both parties. That being said, the best thing to do is have a consultation with an experienced family law attorney who can... Read more »

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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for New Jersey on
Q: how to get custody established with a civil order that's in place ?

we went to have a custody court date. She lied and said I threatened her with no proof. the judge granted her a restraining order. we went to court for that and it was switched to a civil restraint order. it says I can only see my son supervised once a week, but she had no proof of why. my son... Read more »

Leonard R. Boyer
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answered on May 21, 2023

A full custody case is a very expensive proceeding, which will require expert testimony. You need to make sure that you have the resources to retain the attorney and the necessary experts that will be required. You do not want to bring a case for custody and lose for lack of resources. With modern... Read more »

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Family Law and Child Custody for New Jersey on
Q: Can any state have authority to press charges of interference in a custody order? Or only jurisdiction State can?
Richard Diamond
Richard Diamond
answered on May 5, 2023

If your ex is refusing to comply with an order for parenting time, then you will file an application with the court to compel compliance/sanctions against your ex for her / his actions. The court does not take action on its own because of a claim of interference. The judge hearing your application... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support and Family Law for New Jersey on
Q: DCP&P LEGAL ISSUES

Back in February DCPP was involved with me drinking. The worker and supervisor are extremely unqualified to do their jobs. I've sent emails, text, messages, voice-mail etc and they rarely get back to me.

While I'm being ignored, court was adjourned twice and then canceled today.... Read more »

Richard Diamond
Richard Diamond
answered on May 4, 2023

The short answer is that you can schedule a consultation with an experienced family law attorney who handles DCPP matters and is knowledgeable on the rules governing investigations by DCPP reps and the timeline for the completion of their investigations. An experienced family law attorney can also... Read more »

3 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law and Child Custody for New Jersey on
Q: Can my ex request a meeting with my new girlfriend in order to allow her to see my kids?

We have an agreement that says that both parents will consult each other about who is going to be around when the kids are in their custody, now she found out that I'm dating and is requesting to see my girlfriend otherwise she is not okay with the kids being around my girlfriend unless she... Read more »

Bari Weinberger
Bari Weinberger
answered on Mar 24, 2023

Thank you for your question. There is no legal basis for your former spouse to request a meeting with your new girlfriend. Parties are free to make private agreements with any provisions they desire. Based on the information you provided, you only agreed to consult each other regarding third... Read more »

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3 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law and Child Custody for New Jersey on
Q: Can my ex request a meeting with my new girlfriend in order to allow her to see my kids?

We have an agreement that says that both parents will consult each other about who is going to be around when the kids are in their custody, now she found out that I'm dating and is requesting to see my girlfriend otherwise she is not okay with the kids being around my girlfriend unless she... Read more »

Richard Diamond
Richard Diamond
answered on Mar 20, 2023

The starting point is the actual language of the settlement agreement.

While you say the language only applies to communications between you and your ex, the actual language may be broader or there may be another language in the agreement that gives either/ both of you the right to speak...
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3 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law and Child Custody for New Jersey on
Q: Can my ex request a meeting with my new girlfriend in order to allow her to see my kids?

We have an agreement that says that both parents will consult each other about who is going to be around when the kids are in their custody, now she found out that I'm dating and is requesting to see my girlfriend otherwise she is not okay with the kids being around my girlfriend unless she... Read more »

Leonard R. Boyer
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answered on Mar 19, 2023

Realistically it should not be a problem, but every Judge and every situation is unique, so it is hard to know for certain. If your ex-spouse makes a motion based on the facts you provided, then it will be time to retain an experienced matrimonial attorney. With modern technology, you can be... Read more »

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1 Answer | Asked in Adoption, Child Custody and Family Law for New Jersey on
Q: Is it possible to have joint custody or share custody of my nephew with my sister(his mother)? Or would I adopt him?

We live in NJ. The father didn’t sign the birth certificate, and has never paid child support or been around my nephew. How we we begin this process?? Or where would we look to start?? She is in agreement with the entire thing and and want to share in all of the decision making etc.

Richard Diamond
Richard Diamond
answered on Feb 19, 2023

The biggest issue is the nature of your relationship with your sister. Is your sister seeking or willing to agree to share parenting time and decision making with you or are you looking for your nephew to live with you and you make all of the decisions concerning your nephew? If you are seeking the... Read more »

2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Divorce and Family Law for New Jersey on
Q: Can I get divorced and then do child custody afterwards?

And what can I do to get visitation rights if my kids live in another state

Bari Weinberger
Bari Weinberger
answered on Feb 21, 2023

Thank you for your question. Typically, all issues are resolved at the time a divorce is finalized, including custody and parenting time, unless there is a specific reason why that cannot be accomplished, though that happens very infrequently. If your children reside in a different state than you... Read more »

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2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Divorce and Family Law for New Jersey on
Q: Can I get divorced and then do child custody afterwards?

And what can I do to get visitation rights if my kids live in another state

Richard Diamond
Richard Diamond
answered on Feb 17, 2023

In New Jersey, except under extremely unique circumstances, you cannot bifurcate your divorce matter - meaning the court will not permit you to get a divorce now and address custody issues later.

Separately, I gather you live in New Jersey and your spouse and children live in a different...
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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for New Jersey on
Q: My children and I moved here with their father for his work in June 2020. My children's father left and remarried

In jan 2022 ......I have been given a substantial job offer back in the state we had been living in prior to our mive to NJ which is 1.5 hrs from him. Can I take the children?We have a custody order he has visitation one week anight that I can not accommodate I've made suggestions and requests... Read more »

Bari Weinberger
Bari Weinberger
answered on Jan 12, 2023

Thank you for your question. If you don’t have the father’s consent to move, then you need a court order to grant you permission to move. You will need to file a motion but unfortunately it will not be heard in 6 weeks so unfortunately, you will need to speak to a matrimonial attorney to see if... Read more »

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for New Jersey on
Q: What is consider a witness list to provide to the court to get sole custody?
Richard Diamond
Richard Diamond
answered on Dec 28, 2022

A witness list is an identification of the witnesses you plan to call at trial. I am sure that the court also required you to submit a pre-marking schedule of documents you plan to you on your case starting with a complete listing of each document. As part of the pre-marking requirement, I am sure... Read more »

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Family Law and Child Custody for New Jersey on
Q: What is the statute of limitations for 2c:34-3?

I ask because I have an eye witness who states (in an affidavit) that she walked in on my niece's dad showing my niece (then 6 years old) sexual content. I'm in litigation for custody of my niece and the judge is ignoring a lot of evidence--including my niece (when she was 7) sending me a... Read more »

Richard Diamond
Richard Diamond
answered on Dec 27, 2022

If I understand your inquiry correctly, you have filed an application with the family court seeking physical custody of your niece and presumably, the other party in the family court matter is the child's biological father.

I am not sure if there is a parallel investigation taking...
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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Family Law and Child Custody for New Jersey on
Q: What is the statute of limitations for 2c:34-3?

I ask because I have an eye witness who states (in an affidavit) that she walked in on my niece's dad showing my niece (then 6 years old) sexual content. I'm in litigation for custody of my niece and the judge is ignoring a lot of evidence--including my niece (when she was 7) sending me a... Read more »

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Dec 24, 2022

The judge in a custody case is the wrong person to be discussing this matter with.

You need to communicate exclusively with the detective assigned to investigate the criminal complaint.

Don’t even bring the subject up in the custody case or the perpetrator will be able to use...
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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Appeals / Appellate Law for New Jersey on
Q: Should I appeal courts decision on the visitation they gave my ex? I am the father & the parent of primary residence.

Months after my divorce was final in 2020, my ex took me to court for 50/50 custody. At the time she had visitation every other weekend and a night for dinner during the week. The judge denied her request and sent us to mediation. At mediation I felt like I had to give up something so we agreed on... Read more »

Leonard R. Boyer
Leonard R. Boyer pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Dec 9, 2022

Appeals are rarely successful and will usually require a retainer of $25,000.00 just to get started. It is not likely that an Appellate Court will overrule the trial judge unless it is shown that the trial judge abused their discretion or made an unjustifiable decision. You are going to need an... Read more »

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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Appeals / Appellate Law for New Jersey on
Q: Should I appeal courts decision on the visitation they gave my ex? I am the father & the parent of primary residence.

Months after my divorce was final in 2020, my ex took me to court for 50/50 custody. At the time she had visitation every other weekend and a night for dinner during the week. The judge denied her request and sent us to mediation. At mediation I felt like I had to give up something so we agreed on... Read more »

Richard Diamond
Richard Diamond
answered on Dec 5, 2022

The filing of an appeal of a trial court's decision on a custody/parenting time decision must be within 45 days of the date of the order. Appeals are also expensive and time consuming. My suggestion is that you meet with a family law attorney experienced in handling family law appellate work... Read more »

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1 Answer | Asked in Adoption and Child Custody for New Jersey on
Q: My mom adopted my child because I was in prison. My child has lived with me for 2 years. How can I overturn the adoption

My mom says she doesn’t want my daughter and verbally and emotionally abused her. I’d like to overturn the adoption and get my rights back

Richard Diamond
Richard Diamond
answered on Nov 1, 2022

The first question is whether your mother formally adopted your daughter or whether she simply took guardianship of her as a result of your incarceration. But, if your mother no longer wants control over your daughter and you are able to handle the responsibilities, then ask your mother to sign... Read more »

2 Answers | Asked in Domestic Violence, Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for New Jersey on
Q: i have a question. i have a 6 year never been married my sons father keeps verbal abusing me what can i do ?

he verbal abuses me and belittles me and my prenting just makes my life a living hell.. i dont think i can file for restraining order because he hasnt hit me but he does raise his voice whenever we argue i just feel like my backs against the wall and no one can help me

Richard Diamond
Richard Diamond
answered on Oct 17, 2022

There are a lot of things that you can do to better handle the communications with your ex. The best way for you to handle things is to file an application with the court under the FD docket ( for unmarried people with children) for a modification of your custody and parenting time plan. You will... Read more »

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2 Answers | Asked in Domestic Violence, Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for New Jersey on
Q: i have a question. i have a 6 year never been married my sons father keeps verbal abusing me what can i do ?

he verbal abuses me and belittles me and my prenting just makes my life a living hell.. i dont think i can file for restraining order because he hasnt hit me but he does raise his voice whenever we argue i just feel like my backs against the wall and no one can help me

Bari Weinberger
Bari Weinberger
answered on Oct 18, 2022

Thank you for your question. I am so sorry that you are going through this. Domestic violence takes all forms, not just physical abuse – what you describe may fall under the categories of harassment, terroristic threats, or perhaps one of the other 19 criminal offenses included in the NJ... Read more »

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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for New Jersey on
Q: If there's nothing currently in writing with court can the mother take a child out of state away from father

My son broke up with his girlfriend and now she is planning on moving out of state to live with her family and is taking their child with her even though he's tried talking to her about it saying he doesn't want that to happen because he will never see him. He can't even see his son... Read more »

Richard Diamond
Richard Diamond
answered on Oct 13, 2022

You are writing from PA and therefore I am not sure if your son and their child live in PA or live in NJ.

If they live in PA, you need to consult with a PA family law attorney as to the rules governing relocation.

If your son and his ex-partner live in NJ, then I suggest that your...
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