Is Custody Based on a Parent’s Financial Stability in New Jersey?

While many factors influence child custody decisions, financial stability is only one of them. A misconception is that the parent who is most financially stable or who has the most resources will be awarded custody. That is not the case. Stability takes different forms – not just financial – and there are many factors that are as important, or even more important, when deciding a child’s custody arrangement. The following blog explores some of the factors a judge will review and how a New Jersey child custody lawyer can assist you.

What Role Does a Parent’s Financial Stability Play When Deciding Custody?

In most families, both parents have some level of financial stability, although one parent often is better off financially than the other. One parent may have more income or resources but may not be available to care for a child due to heavy work commitments, while the parent with fewer resources can devote their time to the child, handling day-to-day needs. Financial stability may become an issue for custody purposes when there is not only a large disparity between the parents’ financial circumstances, but one parent so lacks financial stability that they do not have suitable housing and cannot provide for a child’s basic needs. In some divorces, alimony and child support can help narrow the gap and provide for more financial stability for a dependent spouse.

What Other Factors Are Considered?

If you are going through a divorce and you must address future custody of your children, it is essential to understand some of the additional factors that a court would consider when making this decision. These factors include:

• The ability of the parents to communicate and cooperate.
• The relationship of the child with each parent.
• Whether a parent has interfered with the child’s relationship with the other parent.
• Whether either parent poses a risk to the child.
• Where each parent lives in relation to the child’s school, friends, and activities.
• The child’s preference, depending on the child’s age and maturity.
• The ability of each parent to meet the physical, emotional, and material needs of the child.

What Should You Do if You Are Facing a Child Custody Issue?

If you are in the middle of a custody dispute, understanding what you can do to make this process easier is essential.

You will want to contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible to understand your rights, your obligations and potential options for your family. Many try to navigate this process on their own, which can have unfavorable and unanticipated outcomes. Instead, letting an experienced attorney who understands the legal complexities of child custody issues handle these matters is crucial.

At Lawrence Law, we understand how important it is to make the best decisions for you and your children. Our team is dedicated to advocating on behalf of your child’s best interest. Contact our firm today to learn how we can guide you through these complex custody and parenting time decisions.