Going through a divorce can be challenging for the couple at the center. However, it can be even more upsetting for their children who may not understand the complexity of these matters. As parents, it’s necessary to consider what is in the best interest of your children during these difficult times. You may wonder about the different custody arrangements and which one is the best. The following blog explores what you must know about these matters and why it’s imperative to connect with a Somerset County child custody attorney who can help you fight for the best interest of your family.
What Are the Different Kinds of Custody Arrangements?
It’s important to understand the different types of custody arrangements in New Jersey. Generally, the two main forms are legal and physical custody.
Legal custody refers to who makes decisions for the child. These choices include where they will go to school, their medical and healthcare procedures, and whether or not they will participate in certain activities. Legal custody can be joint, meaning both parents have a say, or sole, meaning only one parent can make these decisions.
Physical custody refers to where the child resides for the majority of the time. If the child lives with one parent more than 51% of the time, that parent has primary custody, while if the child resides equally with both parents, it is a shared physical custody arrangement.
It’s important to understand that it is increasingly rare to receive sole physical custody of a child, as the courts often believe it’s in the best interest of the child to have a relationship with both parents. However, there are circumstances in which this is granted.
Which One Is the Best for Children?
It’s important to understand there is no one custody arrangement better than others. This is because the arrangement that is best for your children depends solely on your family dynamic and what is in the best interest of your child. For example, if one family has shared physical custody of a child, it may be best for them. However, this would not be beneficial for a family where one parent is abusive toward the child.
What Should I Do if I Need Assistance?
When you’re going through a divorce and you have children, you’ll have more to take into consideration compared to other couples who do not have children. As such, it’s imperative to connect with an experienced attorney who can examine your circumstances to provide advice about the best circumstances for your family.
You don’t have to go through these times alone. At the Siragusa Law Firm, our dedicated legal team understands how upsetting these times can be, which is why we are dedicated to helping you. Connect with our firm today to learn how we will prioritize the best interests of your children.
