Often, families that are going through a divorce have a lot of questions, especially regarding matters of custody. A divorce can be a very emotional and confusing time for many families. One of the biggest concerns that come up is in regards to custody. Custody matters are often very emotional, as it means that one parent will no longer get to see their children as much as they once did. This idea can be devastating for both a parent and the children to come to terms with.

When custody becomes a contested matter, the court will have to make a decision on behalf of the family. The court always makes a decision based upon what they determine to be the best interest of the child. They will consider a number of factors such as the ability of each parent to care for the child, the financial situation of each parent, each parents’ history with substance abuse or domestic violence, and more. Additionally, in some cases, the court will consider the child’s preference. However, this is only the case when the child is old enough and mature enough to make educated decisions based upon what they believe is in their own best interest. It may be hard for a 10-year-old to make these decisions because they are often not mature enough. However, a mature 16-year-old may have their opinions taken into consideration.

If you have questions about a New Jersey custody matter, contact our firm today.

Paris P. Eliades Law Firm, LLC is a family law firm serving clients in Sussex, Morris, and  Passaic County and throughout New Jersey with compassionate, quality legal services. Contact our office today for a free initial consultation.