In some child custody cases, New Jersey parents who are unable to see their children in person as often as is ideal might have some form of "virtual visitation" with the child. This is simply the practice of keeping in touch with children using technology that may range from the old-fashioned phone call to more up-to-date methods of contact such as Skype or instant messaging. Some jurisdictions refer to it as "electronic visitation" or "Internet visitation."
Parental alienation syndrome and child abuse
Some New Jersey parents who are ending their marriages may have heard of the concept of "parental alienation" and be concerned about whether it might affect their own efforts to get custody of their children. "Parental alienation" is the idea that one parent might deliberately turn their child against the other parent. This could include allegations of child abuse in an effort to make that parent lose custody.
Fathers sometimes struggle for equal treatment as parents
When a New Jersey couple divorces, decisions about child custody and support might be reached through mutual agreement or imposed by a family court. Anecdotal evidence strongly suggests that men receive unfair treatment by biased courts that regard them as unequal parents. In most cases courts award mothers primary physical custody, which then gives them some power to dictate how and when fathers can interact with children.
Prolonging divorce may be harder for children
Some New Jersey parents might take a long time to get divorced after their initial separation. They might be having second thoughts about the divorce, or their friends and family might be trying to persuade them to give the marriage another chance. In some families, religion may play a role in their hesitation to move forward with the process.
The importance of parenting plans
New Jersey couples who get divorced and who have young children could benefit from parenting agreements that clearly define their responsibilities. In addition to showing courts, schools, children and others that both parents are committed to active involvement, agreements serve as frameworks for disputes that may keep children from getting tangled up in arguments. In some cases, having a strong agreement might even make it easier to handle disputes out of court.
Tips for co-parenting after divorce
New Jersey parents who are divorcing may still be looking at years of negotiating with their former spouse while raising a child. If they can become good co-parents despite the divorce, the years ahead will be better for both them and their children.
Negotiating parenting time during the holidays
For some divorced New Jersey families, the holidays may include having the children move from one house to another so that both parents can have some time with the kids. If the divorced parents cannot agree on how to split their parenting time during the holidays, it can become very stressful for both the children and the adults involved.
How a grandparent or other relative can obtain visitation
New Jersey residents who wish to obtain visitation rights with a grandchild or sibling might be able to do so under certain circumstances. However, they must be prepared to have strong evidence that visitation would be in the child's best interest.
Hair follicle marijuana tests susceptible to false positives
According to a new study, hair follicle marijuana tests may be unreliable because they are susceptible to false positives through secondhand contact. Drug tests are sometimes required in child custody cases by courts in New Jersey and across the United States.
More twists in bizarre custody case
Many people in New Jersey have no doubt heard about a bizarre child custody dispute that is unfolding in Michigan. The case made national news when a judge ordered the three children who are the subject of it into juvenile detention for refusing to see their father.
