Complex Child Custody Issues in New Jersey

complex child custody new jersey

Deciding on child custody is often one of the most complex aspects of divorce in New Jersey. Certain family circumstances or situations can add even more layers of complexity. Are you or your co-parent planning to move out of state or overseas? Are you ensnared in a high-conflict divorce and feel at risk for parental alienation? If you are in the midst of one of the most complex child custody issues in New Jersey. please read on, then contact one of our experienced child custody evaluation attorneys in Bergen County, NJ today. Here are some complex child custody issues you may face:

Can I relocate my child out of the state of New Jersey?

For either parent to relocate a child out of the Garden State, the moving parent must obtain the other parent’s consent. If the other parent does not consent, then the moving parent will require a court order to authorize the relocation. This complex issue of moving children away can arise either during the divorce or post-judgment, i.e. after the court finalizes the divorce. The three most common reasons for relocation after a divorce include one parent:

  • Wishing to remarry and move out of state with their new spouse
  • Receiving a generous relocation package through their employer
  • Having to relocate for job security
  • Being closer to a support system of other family members

New Jersey’s relocation laws and standards are different if the move impacts child custody, such as modifying custody from a shared physical custody arrangement to joint legal custody.

What is parental alienation?

If you have experienced persistent interference with your child custody or parenting time rights, then the other parent may be subjecting you to parental alienation. An alienating parent’s actions can cause a child to reject the other parent, which can ultimately lead to significant harm to both the child and the other parent. Examples of parental alienation include:

  • Badmouthing the other parent
  • Canceling scheduled visitations without justification
  • Purposely scheduling activities for the child which interfere with the other parent’s visitation time

Judges who recognize a parent engaging in parental alienation will tend to intervene.

How do you commit international kidnapping of your own child?

The International Parental Kidnapping Act deems it a federal felony to either:

  • Remove a minor child from the United States, or
  • Retain a child outside of the United States with the intent to obstruct the lawful exercise of parental rights

If your ex has unlawfully taken your child and you want your child returned to the United States, then you need one of our skilled child custody attorneys in Bergen County, NJ who understands the intricate jurisdictional laws, Hague Treaty and cultural issues that will play a role in your case.

Call our firm for assistance with these or other child custody matters.

Contact our experienced Bergen County firm

To speak with our team of family law lawyers today, please contact us online, or through our Hackensack, NJ office at (201) 397-1750.

Read Our Latest Blog Posts

  •  What Are Common Mistakes I Need to Avoid in My Divorce?
  •  How Does Domestic Violence Impact a Divorce?
  •  How Do I Protect My Rights as a Father in a Divorce?