When parents in New Jersey or any other state choose to end their relationship, they must still take an active role in raising their children together. Parents may be granted custody based on their mental and financial stability as well as their ability to raise a child. In some cases, the children themselves will get a chance to voice their opinion in a custody hearing.
If a child has a sibling, a court may try to keep them together in the same home. However, this will only happen if it is in the best interests of the children. Otherwise, they could be placed in separate homes. In some cases, a judge will order that a representative of the court spend time with the parents. During this time, they will observe how he or she interacts with the children as well as take notes about how the parent lives.
Parents may be able to help a judge in a tough case by offering to assume joint custody of the children. In such a scenario, both parents agree to share in the responsibility of raising a child to adulthood. In most cases, parents who abuse their children will not receive custody of their sons or daughters. This is generally true whether the abuse is physical, emotional or sexual in nature.
In a custody case, the best interests of the child are the top priority. This means that a parent may be asked to share custody even if he or she doesn’t get along with the other parent. An attorney may be able to review a case to determine the best way to get a favorable outcome for an individual. In some cases, this may mean negotiating a parenting plan outside of court instead of seeking a court order.
