Visitation Attorney in Bridgewater, NJ
Divorce can shake the foundation of the family. It does not only impact the relationships within the nuclear family, it can impact others, including aunts, uncles, grandparents, and more. When a child is caught in the middle of a contested divorce, the process can be too much to bear. Whether a parent has sole custody or a shared parenting arrangement, the home life of the child will be investigated. In some cases, a custodial parent does not allow grandparents, siblings, and other family members access to the child. When this is the case, child visitation may be a factor. If a parent is awarded sole custody, New Jersey courts will most likely address the topic of child visitation for the other parent, whether that be through supervised visits or unsupervised outings. Family Courts believe that divorce and family issues should not disrupt the child’s life if possible. If you are facing a child visitation or parenting time issue, contact Siragusa Law Firm today to schedule a consultation.
Creating A Parenting Time Arrangement
One of the most difficult things for any family to do is determine how parenting time is split. For both parents, it means less time with the child than they had prior to the divorce. Of course, this is very emotional for everyone involved and must be handled delicately. When approaching this difficult decision, some families decide to create a parenting time arrangement that predetermines a visitation schedule that can best help everyone make the transition to their new normal. Some of the considerations that should be kept in mind include:
- Holidays
- School breaks
- Summer vacations
- Birthdays
- Recurring weekly schedules
- Other special events
Some parents find it beneficial to include pick up and drop off times, transportation, and other details of shared parenting time in the initial agreement in order to make the process easier for everyone. If you need help creating a parenting time agreement that works best for your family, contact Siragusa Law Firm today and we’d be happy to help you get started.
Sole Custody & Child Visitation
Unfortunately, a parent can be deemed unfit by the court because of a variety of reasons. When this happens, the judge may award sole custody to the other parent or a relative close to the child. In these situations, visitation becomes a major factor. Though the noncustodial parent may have lost physical and legal custody, the court believes that they should be able to work towards mending relationships and proving their ability to be a parent again. At some point, the custodial parent may have to face the reality of child visitation and allow access to the child.
Visitation Orders
Positive relationships should be able to continue through a divorce and beyond. When other family members find themselves kept out of a child’s life because of their ties to an unfit parent or the state of their relationship with the custodial parent, they have the right to request a visitation order from the court. Whether or not the custodial parent agrees, other family members have the right to file an application for visitation with the presiding court. The court will examine the facts and address the balance between the best interests of the child and the possibility of a hostile custodial parent. If a court agrees with the application, it will issue a visitation order that the custodial party must follow.
Contact A Somerset County Parenting Time Attorney
If you are struggling with parenting time or visitation matters in Somerset County, New Jersey, Siragusa Law Firm is here to help. Our firm understands the weight that these matters carry for the entire family. We are ready to use our decades of experience to help you find an arrangement that keeps your child’s best interests at heart. To discuss your situation with a legal team you can trust, contact Siragusa Law Firm today.
