Practice Area
Child Custody & Parenting Time
Protecting your relationship with your children through clear, fair arrangements built around their best interests — and yours.
OverviewNew Jersey decides custody using the “best interests of the child” standard. Legal custody covers major decisions (education, medical, religion); physical custody and parenting time cover the schedule. Most arrangements involve shared parenting time rather than one parent losing contact, and orders can be modified when circumstances change.
Key takeaways
- Courts apply the “best interests of the child” standard, not a preference for either parent.
- Legal custody (decision-making) and parenting time (the schedule) are decided separately.
- Shared arrangements are common — losing contact entirely is rare.
- Custody and parenting time can be modified later if circumstances change significantly.
Your relationship with your children comes first
Few things matter more than your role in your children’s lives. Ann approaches custody with that weight in mind — building a case that reflects your involvement, stability, and ability to meet your children’s needs.
She helps you craft a parenting plan that works in real life: schedules, holidays, decision-making, and communication. When parents can agree, Ann keeps things constructive. When they can’t, she advocates firmly for the arrangement that serves your children best.
Guidelines
How New Jersey decides custody and parenting time
Custody is never arbitrary. New Jersey courts weigh a defined set of factors centered on your child’s safety, stability, and well-being. Ann presents the evidence that shows why your arrangement serves your child best.
The best-interests standard
The court considers each parent’s relationship with the child, stability, ability to meet the child’s needs, and the child’s own preferences if they are old enough. Ann presents evidence that demonstrates why your arrangement is right for your child.
Legal custody vs. parenting time
Legal custody is decision-making authority over major issues like education, medical care, and religion. Parenting time is the schedule of when the child is with each parent. You can have one without the other, and courts often split these differently.
When arrangements can change
If circumstances change significantly — a parent relocates, loses employment, or the child’s needs shift — you can petition the court to modify custody or parenting time. Ann handles modifications when your situation requires adjustment.
What working with Ann looks like
Every case is different, but here's the shape of how Ann walks you through it.
Free consultation
A confidential conversation about your family, your children, and the outcome you’re seeking.
Build the parenting plan
Ann drafts a clear, workable plan covering schedules, holidays, and decision-making.
Negotiation or mediation
Most custody matters resolve cooperatively — Ann keeps the focus on your children.
Court, if needed
If agreement isn’t possible, Ann presents a strong, evidence-based case to the judge.
Custody matters Ann handles
A focused family-law practice — here's what Ann handles in this area.
Child Custody & Parenting Time questions, answered
What you need to know about child custody & parenting time in New Jersey.
How is custody determined?
New Jersey courts apply the best interests of the child standard — considering each parent’s relationship with the child, stability, ability to meet the child’s needs, and the child’s own preferences if old enough. Ann presents evidence that demonstrates why your arrangement serves your child best.
What is parenting time versus custody?
Custody refers to decision-making authority over major issues like education, medical care, and religion. Parenting time is the schedule of when the child is with each parent. You can have one without the other, and courts often split these responsibilities differently.
Can custody arrangements change later?
Yes. If circumstances change significantly — a parent relocates, loses employment, or the child’s needs shift — you can petition the court to modify custody or parenting time. Ann handles modifications when your situation requires adjustment.
What does the court consider about my child?
The court examines your child’s age, health, school performance, relationships with each parent, and any special needs. Stability matters enormously. Judges want to know who has been the primary caregiver and what arrangement minimizes disruption.
How does mediation work for custody?
Mediation brings both parents together with a neutral third party to negotiate custody and parenting time. It’s often faster and less adversarial than litigation. Ann can mediate or represent you in mediation, depending on what serves your interests.
Free consultation
Your consultation is free. Let's talk through how we can help you.
Book a phone or video consultation to speak with Ann — confidential, no obligation, no pressure. Just a conversation about what you're facing and how we can help.
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