If you have lost custody of your child, you are likely wondering what you can do to get it back. Read on to learn more about child custody in New Jersey and how you can work toward regaining custody if you have lost it.
How is child custody determined in New Jersey?
Child custody is a delicate situation. When making a custody decision, a New Jersey judge has the child’s best interest in mind. In order to make a decision about custody, a judge may consider the following factors:
- Each party’s ability to provide stability
- Whether the parent will act in the child’s best interests
- The relationship between the child and the parent
- The physical health and safety of the child
- The needs of the child
- The location and proximity of each parent’s home
- The preference of the child if they are of sufficient age
Why do parents lose custody?
If a parent is deemed unfit, he or she will lose custody. A parent may be deemed unfit for the following reasons:
- Abuse
- Neglect
- Refusal to co-parent
- Substance abuse
Even if you lose custody, you will likely be awarded supervised or unsupervised visits with your child. This is because New Jersey courts believe a child benefits greatly from having some sort of relationship with both parents.
Can I regain custody?
If you lost custody rights, it happened for a reason. Luckily, for the most part, the reason a court will deem a parent unfit can be fixed or improved. For example, if you have a substance abuse problem, you may be able to target that issue with courses or programs. If you can prove that you have addressed and fixed the issue that caused you to lose custody, you may be able to regain custody of your child. If you have lost custody, it is important to reach out to an experienced attorney right away.
If you have lost custody of your child, our firm is here to help. Reach out today to discuss your options with a skilled and dedicated family law attorney.
Contact our Firm
We understand how emotional and difficult matters of family law can be. If you need the assistance of a knowledgeable attorney to help protect your right to your family, please do not hesitate to contact our experienced firm. We are eager and dedicated to helping you through this difficult time. Our personal injury specialists at Greenberg & Walden, LLC are standing by for a free initial consultation. Call us at 201-528-6928
