One of the most challenging aspects of divorce can be addressing the issue of child custody. In some cases, parents are able to work out an arrangement amicably to ensure that children are able to benefit from the influence of both parents along with a dependable schedule that builds stability into their lives. However, disputes over custody can be frustrating, especially if both parents seek to be designated as the primary caregiver.
Stepmother granted visitation rights to stepchild
A New Jersey court has used the doctrine of a "psychological parent" to rule that a woman who co-parented a child in a same-sex relationship in which the two were domestic partners but not legally married should have visitation rights. According to the ruling of the appeals court, stepparents who have raised children from a young age and have formed a bond with them should be able to seek custody or visitation.
Sherri Shepherd faces 2 child custody disputes
When couples in New Jersey and across the country experience a divorce or a separation, child custody disputes can present some of the most emotionally stressful challenges. Currently, someone who understands these frustrations is Sherri Shepherd, a co-host of the television program “The View.”
Lesbian and gay parents face bias in court, study shows
An emerging area of interest in academic research is a group of studies dedicated to finding out the differences between the parenting approaches of homosexual and heterosexual parents. Despite a growing pocket of research indicating there is no negative impact of having gay or lesbian parents, new research shows that judges and court staff often exhibit bias in child custody cases of this type.
New Jersey divorce becomes international affair
The breakdown of a marriage is an inherently difficult situation. The more complex variables that are included in a divorce the more likely it is that a contentious situation may become combative. The most common complicated factors in divorce tend to involve money and children.
New Jersey wives use unorthodox methods to get divorces
A personal trainer recently entered a guilty plea for his role in using intimidation to coerce Orthodox Jewish men in New Jersey to agree to religious divorces from their wives. Though irreconcilable differences are the only requirement for civil divorce, religious divorces under Jewish law require the husbands to sign a paper called a get.
Divorce has emotional and physical benefits
Sometimes people get so caught up in the stressful details of divorce that they can’t see the forest for the trees. As if the decision to divorce wasn’t hard enough, when the process actually starts, there is even more to consider. With the help of their lawyer, individuals will have to make decisions regarding property division, possible alimony, and child custody and support, if children are involved. On top of that, they will have to deal with the personal implications of the split, such as difficult discussions with family and friends.
Can you sue your ex over your child's mistake? No, says NJ court
One of the most common problems divorcing parents face is reconciling the differences between each other's parenting style. In most cases, both parents want the best for their children, but the personality clashes that led to divorce in the first place often manifest themselves in the ways parents try to care for their kids.
Courts and child custody: More discretion or more guidelines?
In an ideal world, all divorcing or separating parents would be able to share parenting time on a 50-50 basis. Of course, every family situation is unique, and parenting plans have to be carefully crafted to protect the best interest of children; not every parenting plan provides for equally shared time with the kids.
Proposed NJ bill would clarify when child support orders stop
Currently, New Jersey and only three other states do not legally define at what age a child should be when a child support order is lifted. A bill recently approved by the New Jersey Senate would address this issue.
