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New Jersey Child Custody Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support and Family Law for New Jersey on
Q: How would I go about getting my children back from protective custody housing system?

Their mother took them into a battered women's shelter, but I have custody of them.

Bari Weinberger
Bari Weinberger
answered on Feb 22, 2023

Thank you for your question. Additional information is required to provide you guidance in this matter. The attorney would need to review prior court orders and determine the appropriate next steps. If you are legally granted custody by way of court order and there are no subsequent orders, the... 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

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 »

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 »

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 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 »

Michael Andrew Conte
Michael Andrew Conte
answered on Oct 12, 2022

Tell him to retain a qualified family law attorney:

N.J.S.A. 9:2-2 states the following:

When the Superior Court has jurisdiction over the custody and maintenance of the minor children of parents divorced, separated or living separate, and such children are natives of this State, or...
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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for New Jersey on
Q: Mentally unfit co parent-what can I do?

I am in NJ. I have full legal and residential custody and my ex has supervised visitation twice a week. I have recently found out he has been getting money from, or

Not paying people by saying our daughter has cancer when she doesn’t. He doesn’t work, and has never paid for child... Read more »

Richard Diamond
Richard Diamond
answered on Oct 6, 2022

You have sole legal and residential custody of your daughter, and your ex has only 2 supervised visits with her per week because the court was convinced that he has serious mental health issues, making him a danger to your daughter. The fact that he is scamming others for money supports your claim... Read more »

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for New Jersey on
Q: can my son grandmother get any rights to my son. I already have joint legal custody that I share with my son mother .

The mother of my child have residential custody. And now the grandma trying to get residential custody and they both live in the same home mom and daughter.

Richard Diamond
Richard Diamond
answered on Aug 8, 2022

Interesting question. The question is what role does the grandmother play in the child's day to day life and why? If the answer simply is that your ex lives in the same house with her mother, presume that it is not sufficient but if the grandmother is primarily responsible for the child's... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Child Custody for New Jersey on
Q: Im 17 my boyfriend is 18.if I have a video confection of my mother kicking me out could she put a runaway report on me

Could my 18 year old boy friend get in trouble for me being at his home being 17 and being kicked out my family’s home

Richard Diamond
Richard Diamond
answered on Jul 25, 2022

You are 17 yours old and you and your mother had a fight. As a result, you have decided to move in with your 18-year-old boyfriend. I presume that your mother wants you to come home and you do not want to do so. I'm also guessing that you are still in high school, so the next question is what... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for New Jersey on
Q: I have sole legal and residential custody. There is nothing about visitation on divorce. He sees sim 2x a month.

This is the 2nd time I get him and he has a alarming mark on him. First time a deep scratch on pubic area. Today 3 red mark on the side of his neck. I asked father both times with pics and he says he knows nothing about that. I’m worried and I want to know what should I do now ?

Richard Diamond
Richard Diamond
answered on Jul 19, 2022

Is the reason why you have "sole custody" of your child because of concerns over physical violence from the other parent? I dont know how old your child is but if you have concerns over the presence of marks after a visit, then contact DCPP and let them know what your concerns are and let... Read more »

2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for New Jersey on
Q: How do I file for interference with custody? Parental alienation

My child was moved to another state when there was a court order for joint custody in NJ. The other parent moved and did not contact or have an agreement with the other parent to move.

Bari Weinberger
Bari Weinberger
answered on Jul 8, 2022

Thank you for your question. I am sorry that you are going through this stressful time. In a situation like the one you describe, the other parent may be in violation of the NJ custody order. You may file an application with the Court that issued the joint custody order in NJ. If the out of state... Read more »

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2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Civil Rights, Domestic Violence and Family Law for New Jersey on
Q: How to dismiss, etc. false allegations of spousal abuse & harassment? TRO dismissed now civil restraints, took daughter

Discovered wife was cheating, she went manic (untreated PTSD, etc.) with some sort of postpartum psychosis, made false allegations (domestic violence & harassment). TRO was dismissed but wife uncooperative under civil restraints, canceling visitations, firing supervisors, continuing to lie. I... Read more »

Leonard R. Boyer
Leonard R. Boyer PRO label
answered on Jul 3, 2022

Your question does not clearly state whether this matter is a MD or NJ matter. I cannot speak to MD law, but if this is a NJ matter, you would need to retain an experienced matrimonial attorney to file an enforcement motion for the civil restraints. In addition, especially if you are a public... Read more »

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2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for New Jersey on
Q: Child custody order is being violated in many different ways. What do I do?
Richard Diamond
Richard Diamond
answered on Jun 13, 2022

That is a good question and one where family law attorneys earn their keep. You need to sit down with a family law attorney to map a master plan to address the issue of non-compliance and the timing of an application to the court for relief. The purpose of sitting down with the lawyer now is to... Read more »

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for New Jersey on
Q: Can I refuse a hair folicle test?

are results admissable in family court

Richard Diamond
Richard Diamond
answered on Jun 8, 2022

I presume that there is an issue outstanding as to drug use and either your spouse, former partner, DCPP, there is an application before the court to compel you to submit to a hair follicle test or there is a court order entered requiring the hair follicle testing.

The bigger question has...
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2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody for New Jersey on
Q: Can I get guardian custody of my child if they live in another state
Richard Diamond
Richard Diamond
answered on Jun 6, 2022

I'm sorry but I do not understand your question since you are the other parent of your child and presumably, you have a custodial role in your child's life? My sense is that your ex and your child live in another state and there has been a discussion about your child coming to live with... Read more »

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody, Child Support and Social Security for New Jersey on
Q: If judge determines no CS due to equal joint custody, can other parent be granted " turn over full SSD Auxiliay benefit

Judge said, "benefits follows the kid" & "is not child support." Ex makes WAAAAAAY more than I. I receive SSD & kid gets it on my disability. Plus, I am req to provide separate living space for kid. (Shared parent rule) BUT how can I afford room with out the benefit that... Read more »

Richard Diamond
Richard Diamond
answered on Jun 2, 2022

you need to schedule a consultation with a family law specialist to discuss the order entered by the court. I presume that you appeared pro se in connection with the entry of that court order and therefore a family law attorney needs to read the pleadings filed with the court, the court's... Read more »

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