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New Jersey Child Custody Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Family Law and Child Custody for New Jersey on
Q: My ex wife leaving on vacation and said she would leave 6 year old daughter with a friend if I can't take care of her.

We have joint custody. If I can't take care of her then can I object her leaving her with a friend.

Bari Weinberger
Bari Weinberger
answered on Mar 6, 2018

Thank you for your question. I know how worried you must be about who will care for your daughter while her mother is on vacation.

The short answer is possibly. Specifically, more information is needed. Do you and your ex-wife mother share joint legal custody of your daughter? What...
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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Child Support for New Jersey on
Q: Parenting schedule is 50/50. In NJ when the child reaches 18 and still in high school can child not follow court order?

When the child turns 18 and still in high school with a court ordered 50/50 parenting scheduled; can the child no longer follow the parenting schedule while still in high school. What happens to the child support that is being payed based on 50/50 and the child now making decisions like this.

Bari Weinberger
Bari Weinberger
answered on Mar 6, 2018

Thank you for your question. I know how worried you must be about the parenting time order for your child who is turning 18.

The short answer is that the parenting time and child support order can be changed if a court finds a significant change in circumstances. In New Jersey, in all...
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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody for New Jersey on
Q: My daughter lives with me her mother in New Jersey I wanted to do joint custody with her aunt

As of now no one has custody of my daughter she lives with me her mother and New Jersey but I would like her to go to school in Virginia with her aunt her father is not involved at all what do I have to do to start the process and do you think I could have everything done by June

Bari Weinberger
Bari Weinberger
answered on Mar 6, 2018

Thank you for your question. I know how worried you must be about the custody of your daughter.

The short answer is that you and your daughter’s aunt need to file a complaint for custody of your daughter but service of the complaint needs to be made on her father. In New Jersey, in...
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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Child Support for New Jersey on
Q: If I have cancelled child support payments due to reconcilliation is the child custody order still in place?
Bari Weinberger
Bari Weinberger
answered on Feb 28, 2018

Thank you for your question. I know how worried you must be about your child support case.

The short answer is possibly. Generally, the order must be vacated by a Judge in the county that entered the Court order. There are various processes and procedures in each county to...
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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Domestic Violence for New Jersey on
Q: My daughter's mom has violently and verbally attacked me several times.

I happened to catch about 30 mins on AUDIO. It's all in front of the baby. You can hear when she hits me the baby cries at that very moment. I ask her to stop hitting me. She also throws my phone at me and it hit the wall and put a hole in the wall. If I bring the audio to the police is that... View More

Bari Weinberger
Bari Weinberger
answered on Feb 28, 2018

Thank you for your question. I know how worried you must be about the custody of your child.

The short answer is to immediately contact an experienced family law lawyer. In New Jersey, in all cases involving the custody of a child, the court must always determine the best interests of...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for New Jersey on
Q: What is the posibilities that my daughters father get to live with baby every other week.. can judge do that
Elena K. Weitz
Elena K. Weitz
answered on Feb 23, 2018

A judge can order a 50/50 parenting time schedule, which is a schedule for equal time between the parents. Do you have any more details that you can provide which you think would effect this kind of schedule?

3 Answers | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for New Jersey on
Q: Hello, I have 3 children 21, 18 and 17. My 17 wants to live with me full time. We have joint custody. Is there a way?

For the most part our divorce has been amicable. But my 17 yr old feels more comfortable at my home as opposed to his mothers. I know when he turns 18 he can go wherever he chooses but for now he feels tied down and going back to his mothers is a burden on him. No abuse or anything, just not... View More

Valerie Hemhauser
Valerie Hemhauser pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Feb 26, 2018

It's always best to try to work out the issue directly with the other parent. If so, the terms of the new custodial agreement need to be made into a Consent Order and filed with the court. This way the terms will be enforceable if a future issue arises. It you are unable to obtain consent... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for New Jersey on
Q: Does a step parent have rights

Going through a divorce I am a step parent of two boys their mother passed away 8 years ago I been raising them for 7 years do I have any rights ?

Bari Weinberger
Bari Weinberger
answered on Feb 21, 2018

Thank you for your question. I know how worried you must be about your step-children.

The short answer is possibly. In New Jersey, in all cases involving the custody of children, the court must always determine the best interests of the children. The court must apply several factors to...
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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody for New Jersey on
Q: Can grandparents who have been active in the child’s life file for temporary custody while the parents are fighting?

They both live in the house, and are constantly arguing, my son filed with the courts when he found out she was planning to go to Ohio without his permission so they have papers saying the children cannot leave the state now, this has turned my daughter in law extremely angry, and has to wait... View More

Bari Weinberger
Bari Weinberger
answered on Feb 21, 2018

Thank you for your question. I know how worried you must be about the safety and well-being of your grandchildren.

The short answer is possibly. In New Jersey, in all cases involving the care and custody of children, the court must always determine the best interests of the children....
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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody for New Jersey on
Q: Say if my 15 year old daughter had a 18 year old boyfriend could he get custody of her?
Leonard R. Boyer
Leonard R. Boyer pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Feb 20, 2018

Are you really serious? On Fantasy Island, that would not be possible, let alone in any state in the United States.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody for New Jersey on
Q: If I were to take my child’s father to court in order to get full legal custody. Will the judge ask how did we meet?
Elena K. Weitz
Elena K. Weitz
answered on Feb 19, 2018

Most likely they will not ask this unless it’s somehow relevant to custody.

1 Answer | Asked in Adoption, Family Law and Child Custody for New Jersey on
Q: I have sole custody, can my current husband adopt my kids legally?

Biological father is not in the picture, and he pays no child support

William N. Sosis
William N. Sosis
answered on Feb 18, 2018

Parental rights are never terminated lightly because it's a constitutional right. However, if you motion the court and show that (1) the biological parent has abandoned his parental obligations and (2) that the best interests of children would be promoted through adoption, then yes. It also... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for New Jersey on
Q: What happens if my ex-wife can't afford to pick up our kids from my visit with them?

Our court order states that I have to fly to NJ to pick up our kids and bring them back to Arizona with me for my visitation. The order states that she has to fly to Arizona to pick them up and go back to NJ. She says that she's not able to pick them up because of finances. So what will... View More

William N. Sosis
William N. Sosis
answered on Feb 18, 2018

You can file for sole custody...but whether your request is granted depends on many factors...such as how a change in custody will affect the children. Your ex-wife might decide to file for a modification of the parenting schedule and/or child support based on changed circumstances. Alternatively,... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Child Custody for New Jersey on
Q: Can a of N.J.S.A 9:6-3 Can be expunge, or pardon?
H. Scott Aalsberg
H. Scott Aalsberg
answered on Feb 18, 2018

Any crime can be pardoned by the governor, but rarely happens, as for expungment more in information would be needed to determine your eligibility.

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for New Jersey on
Q: I am un-wed and about to give birth in NJ. I have custody questions.

The father lives out of state (where I used to live). If he does show up for the birth, what custody is he automatically entitled to by signing the birth certificate? I want him in her life, I am just worried about non-supervised visitation with an infant.

Bari Weinberger
Bari Weinberger
answered on Feb 13, 2018

Thank you for your question. I know how worried you must be about custody of your unborn child.

The short answer is that more information is needed. Where will both parties be living? Are both parents fit? Will you be breastfeeding the baby? Are there siblings involved? What is the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for New Jersey on
Q: I am the caregiver of my 6 month baby and her father been there but can he bring her for over nite if she is so little?

And I did a verbal agreement with him but we never settle visitation. How does that works? How many days in the week I have to let him come to my house

Elena K. Weitz
Elena K. Weitz
answered on Feb 13, 2018

Overnight visitations can take place for a child 6 months old. A verbal agreement is not valid, however. You need to get everything in writing and signed by both parties. The best way to go is to have an attorney write a court order with all the terms you agree on and then both of you sign and it... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody and Child Support for New Jersey on
Q: I currently put my childs father on child support after 5 yrs and he is already requesting for a decrease in payments.

He also wants to know my current address after 5yrs I'm I obligated to let him know. He also wants to change his visitation days too more. What are the chances he will receive it?

Elena K. Weitz
Elena K. Weitz
answered on Feb 12, 2018

It’s difficult to say whether he will get the increase in visitation and decrease in support without more details. Both changes involve consideration of a many details. It is possible what he requested will be granted depending on the details, but without more information it’s hard to give you... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody for New Jersey on
Q: If a mother gives up primary custody of her one-year-old how hard would it be for her to get her child back

My wife's mother had just died and she was struggling going through postpartum depression she gave up primary custody of her one-year-old to a friend. Now the friend is refusing to let my wife see her child and she wants to regain custody. How hard would it be for my wife to regain custody of... View More

Bari Weinberger
Bari Weinberger
answered on Feb 12, 2018

Thank you for your question.

If your wife’s friend does not agree to give back custody of her children, she will have to file a motion to modify same. There must be a change of circumstances to warrant a change in custody. Additionally, you must also show that it is in the child’s...
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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for New Jersey on
Q: I'm afraid my child's absent father will demand parenting time in an attempt to avoid/diminish child support.

My child's father is emotionally abusive and I'm certain he will lie about his living/working situation or lie about me to avoid being held accountable. Is it possible to get child support and refuse parenting time on grounds of his consistent absence and past threats of abandonment?

Elena K. Weitz
Elena K. Weitz
answered on Feb 6, 2018

The court will determine parenting time in the best interests of the child. The lack of contact between the parent and child will be considered by the court, as will appropriate living conditions and any child abuse. I’m unsure if you are indicating that the father is emotionally abusive towards... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Child Support for New Jersey on
Q: My girlfriend wants to keep the baby but I don’t want to be a part of its life, what are my rights?

I may have gotten my gf pregnant, however there is a possibility that one other guy might be the father. I don’t feel that either of us is ready for a child. She wants to keep it, but I don’t want to be a part of the child’s life. What does it mean to wave my parental rights? Will I have to... View More

Bari Weinberger
Bari Weinberger
answered on Feb 6, 2018

Thank you for your question. I am happy to assist.

I understand your concerns relating to being financially responsible for a child. First, it is critical that you be determined to be the parent of the child. This is generally established by the signing of a certificate of parentage or via...
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