Challenges of Joint Custody in New Jersey

When children are involved, divorce is never going to be simple. You will have to weigh your options carefully when it comes to custody.

There are many choices for child custody, with joint custody being a common choice. However, it is essential to consider every potential outcome and challenge involving joint custody in New Jersey to make sure it is right for you and your family. Connect with our knowledgeable family law attorneys today to learn more.

The Differences Between Joint Custody and Other Child Custody Arrangements

There are two elements to child custody arrangements – legal and physical custody. Legal custody determines who has the right to make major decisions on behalf of the child, including decisions about education, health, general welfare, and other major life circumstances. Physical custody determines who the child will live with. In many joint custody cases, the child lives with both parents in separate residences, equally sharing time between the parents’ homes.

The main difference between joint custody and other custodial arrangements is that joint custody means both parents equally share not just time with the child, but the right and responsibility to make major decisions regarding the child’s welfare. In other custody arrangements, only one parent may have all the major decision making power and the child may only live with one parent.

The Challenges of Joint Custody

It is typical for parents to want to explore joint custody because it offers substantial benefits, including the child having frequent and continuing contact with both of their parents. This usually leads to the parents having equally significant roles in their child’s upbringing. Many New Jersey parents assume that joint custody automatically creates a stable environment for a child; however, like any custody arrangement, it can come with its own set of challenges.

Parental Conflict

The biggest obstacle to joint custody comes from the parents themselves and the possibility of not being able to get along and put the child first. A joint custody arrangement requires parents to communicate effectively, cooperate, and agree on major decisions for their child. If the parents are unable to cooperate and agree and are prone to arguing, this will strain the parents’ relationship and often the children involved as well.

Scheduling and Planning

While many parents believe that joint custody is the easier solution because is the parents are equally involved, they must still consider the complexity of scheduling and planning. Many moving pieces will be involved, including where the child will be at any given time, when they will be there, and who is responsible for getting them to things such as activities, sports, doctor visits, and school. Parenting children is hectic enough when everyone lives under the same roof. Now imagine it when the parents aren’t always in the same place anymore.

Children are also affected by constantly moving from house to house, which can strain their social lives and education. When considering joint custody, look at all the possibilities involved. An experienced attorney can help you determine if joint custody in your child’s best interests.

Determine if Joint Custody in New Jersey is Right For Your Family

Before settling on joint custody, you should put together a parenting plan to determine whether you and your coparent can work together in your child’s best interests. You must be sure you are prepared for the challenges of joint custody in New Jersey and how you will overcome these challenges.

Our compassionate family law attorneys at Moskowitz Law Group can review your parenting plan, ask crucial questions, and offer advice to help you prepare you to make the best decision for your children. Call us today to learn more.