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How Does Child Custody For Unmarried Parents in New Jersey Work?

There are few things more important to parents than raising their child, and this does not change depending on their marital status. If you have a child with a partner whom you never married, are now splitting up, and are seeking child custody, you’ve come to the right place. Please read on and reach out to our experienced New Jersey family law attorney to learn more about how we can help.

How do Ocean County courts decide on terms of child custody for unmarried parents?

If you are an unmarried parent and are splitting up with your partner, you are most likely now seeking child custody to ensure your child’s well-being. Fortunately, in today’s day and age, the law has adapted to these situations, and there is a legal system in place that better reflects you and your family’s best interests. Since unmarried couples cannot legally get divorced, they must enter a different legal proceeding, known as a non-dissolution ‘FD’ Case. By doing so, you can establish legal paternity, enact legal custody orders for a child under the age of 18, establish parenting time court orders for biological parents, create grandparent/adult sibling visitation orders, and even legally enforce alimony or child support orders.

Are there different types of child custody for unmarried New Jersey parents?

As with married parents, unmarried parents will have to attain some sort of a child custody agreement in a divorce/separation. The first, and perhaps most common type of child custody is known as joint legal custody. This is when the child lives primarily with one parent, however, both parents have legal custody. Legal custody is perhaps the most important, as when you have legal custody, you have a legal say in where your child attends school, what medical treatments he/she can receive, what religion he/she practices, and more.

That being said, the next type of child custody is known as joint custody. This is when the child spends equal time with each parent, however, this generally requires parents’ utmost cooperation, as well as close proximity to each other.

The final type of child custody is sole child custody, which is when one parent has complete physical and legal custody of a child. This, however, is only granted when one parent proves that he/she is either parentally unfit or poses a significant danger to his/her child.

Contact our experienced Ocean County firm

Matters of divorce and family law require the attention and skill of an experienced attorney who will fight for your future. Not only is your financial well-being at stake, but in a divorce, both you and your children’s emotional well-being are at risk as well. If you need a divorce and family law attorney in Ocean County, New Jersey, please do not hesitate to contact the Law Office of Sarina Gianna, LLC today to schedule a consultation.