Fighting for child custody rights can get quite complicated rather quickly. This is especially the case if you are undergoing a highly-contested divorce. Rest assured, there are ways in which you may improve your chances of getting child custody. Read on to discover these tips and how a seasoned Bergen County child custody attorney at McNerney & McAuliffe can guide you in the right direction.
How are child custody rights determined in the state of New Jersey?
Notably, the New Jersey family court makes child custody decisions on a case-by-case basis. Meaning, they will factor in a wide array of factors into their final ruling, such as the following:
- Your and your former spouse’s willingness to have custody over your minor child.
- Your and your former spouse’s ability to have custody over your minor child.
- Your and your former spouse’s ability to provide a stable home life for your minor child.
- Your and your former spouse’s one-on-one relationships with your minor child.
- The special needs of your minor child.
- The preference of your child, if they are of sufficient age.
How can I improve my chances of getting child custody rights?
Once you consider the factors that the New Jersey family court looks at, you may want to strategize how to optimize your chances of being granted child custody rights. Tips for this include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Collect extensive documentation of your child: this may include proving records of your child’s day-to-day schedule, medical records, education records, and more.
- Opt for a child custody evaluation by a reputable professional: this may include proving a report that may serve as an additional factor in the New Jersey family court’s final ruling.
- Avoid badmouthing your former spouse’s parenting abilities: this may include proving yourself as a good parent without putting down your former spouse (this is unless it is a dire matter, such as them having a history of abuse or neglect).
- Continue to play an active role in your child’s life: this may include proving that you are keeping your child’s best interests as a priority over your legal proceedings.
Without a question, one of the most pivotal ways in which you may improve your chances of getting child custody rights is by retaining the services of a competent Bergen County family law attorney. We will do everything in our power to help you understand the New Jersey laws relating to child custody. We just ask that you are patient and that you trust the process, and we will handle the rest. So, if you are reading and willing to fight for your custody rights, you must retain our services today. We look forward to working alongside you.
