The court will make decisions regarding visitation rights that will best serve the interests of your child. To learn more about child visitation in New Jersey and how to obtain visitation rights, continue reading and reach out to our experienced New Jersey child custody attorney at Townsend, Tomaio & Newmark. Our legal team is prepared to work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for you and your child. Contact our firm today to learn more.
What determines child visitation rights after a New Jersey divorce?
New Jersey courts will consider a wide variety of factors when determining visitation time including the following:
- The overall parental fitness
- The safety and needs of the child
- The current relationship between the parent and child
- If the parent was convicted of domestic abuse
- If the parent has a history of drug or alcohol abuse
- The convenience of the parent’s location and schedule
- The child’s preference (if they are old enough to make an informed decision)
How can I obtain visitation rights in New Jersey?
A parent must apply for visiting rights with the court. When making a decision, the court will always put the best interest of the child first. In many cases, the court will award a designated time with the child. However, if it has been determined that the child will not have a happy and healthy upbringing with the other parent’s visitation, the court may deny visitation. If you have been denied visitation, it is important that you retain the services of an attorney who has experience fighting for parental rights.
What reasons will prompt a parent to be denied visitation rights?
The court will often want both parents to be involved and present in their child’s life. The court will likely award joint custody when possible. However, if the court believes that the parent is unfit to parent and perform their duties in a way that is healthy for their child, they may award sole custody to the other parent.
Sole custody means that one parent will have both legal and physical custody of the child. This means that the child will live with the parent with sole custody and the parent will make all decisions on behalf of the child involving medical, education, and religion. This circumstance may still allow a parent to have visitation rights.
Contact our experienced Bergen County firm
At Townsend, Tomaio & Newmark, our attorneys have extensive experience helping clients to understand and protect their legal rights before, during, and after the divorce process in towns across New Jersey and Bergen County, including Hackensack, Ridgewood, Paramus, Teaneck, and Fort Lee. To speak with our team of divorce lawyers today in a free and confidential consultation regarding your concerns about your divorce, please contact us online, or through our Hackensack, NJ office at (201) 397-1750.
