New Jersey Child Custody Lawyer

Scotch Plains attorney assists with custody and visitation agreements for clients throughout Union County

Ending your marriage can be a stressful process, especially if there are children involved. Not only are you facing your own questions about your future, but you're also concerned about how the divorce will impact your kids. As you begin to think about child custody arrangements, it is common to experience feelings of anxiety, so it is essential that you work with a divorce and family law attorney who is sensitive to what you and your family need most during this challenging time. At Patricia A. Mack Attorney at Law in Scotch Plains, I am a New Jersey family lawyer with decades of experience providing strong advice and advocacy for parents looking to create the best environment possible for their children following a divorce.

Attorney advises on residential and legal custody issues

Developing the right custody framework is critical to the well-being of children and parents. My firm gives clients the information and support they need to handle decisions involving the following issues:

• Legal custody — There are two types of custody under New Jersey law. Legal custody relates to the authority parents have to make decisions on their child’s behalf. Usually, this is granted jointly so that parents can both contribute to choices relating to medical care, education and religious upbringing.

• Physical custody — When parents break up, physical custody refers to where the child will live. Sometimes, a child can split time between the homes of parents who live in close proximity, but usually a primary custodial placement can be made, with the other parent having visitation.
• Parenting time — Also referred to as visitation, parenting time sets forth the schedule for when and how often a son or daughter will stay in each parent’s home. These plans depend on several different factors, such as the child’s activities and how close the parents live to each other. My firm develops clear, detailed visitation schedules that address holidays, school vacations, adjustment requests for special events and transportation between residences.   
• Relocation — Parents of primary residence are generally allowed to move within New Jersey without obtaining permission from their co-parent. However, there might be situations where a distant in-state move could be challenged by the parent of alternate residence because he or she believes it is not in their child’s best interests. Relocations outside the state require permission or a court order following a judge’s review of the circumstances.

Even well-meaning parents sometimes have a difficult time agreeing on a parenting time schedule. In many of these cases, mediation can be an effective way to work out your differences. A qualified, neutral third party can steer parents away from emotional conflicts and toward respectful negotiation.  

Putting children first when parents choose to live apart

It can be overwhelming to think about how your children will be impacted by your divorce. Fortunately, with an experienced family law attorney by your side, you can trust that your concerns will be heard and addressed during each step of the process. I care deeply about the dignity and best interests of all family members who are affected by the divorce. My firm works hard to understand your child custody goals while determining how to develop a parenting plan that best addresses the needs of your children, allowing them (and you!) to enjoy a stable and nurturing future.

Compassionate legal guidance in pursuit of lasting custody solutions

As an experienced divorce and family law attorney, I believe in helping families continue to connect beyond divorce, as I see how essential and infinite human connections are. My firm will work with you to establish a clear and effective child custody arrangement that allows you, your ex and your children to move forward and live your best lives with all the support you need. Reach out today to learn more about how you and your children can receive the compassionate legal support you need during this difficult time.

Contact a trusted New Jersey child custody lawyer for a consultation

Patricia A. Mack Attorney at Law in Scotch Plains represents parents from Union, Essex, Somerset and Warren counties in all types of child custody matters. To set up a meeting to learn about your legal options, please call 908-521-4526 or contact me online.