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Welcome to the Child Custody and Visitation page for the Lawrence H. Bloom, Esq.’s Family Law firm. This site provides information regarding New York and New Jersey Child Custody laws and the legal factors used to determine custody arrangements. For nearly two decades, Lawrence H. Bloom has specialized in Family law and to matters relating to temporary or permanent legal custody, physical custody, visitation and access (also known as parenting time), modification of custody, paternity and parenting plans. We work hard to ensure that child-related divorce issues are conducted in a professional and sensitive manner and that the welfare of the child is foremost in everyone’s mind. While child custody after divorce is a highly charged emotional issue, the situation can be less painful if those involved focus on the children’s welfare. As we work to satisfy the best interests of the children, we remain sensitive to the plight of the parents.
Under the law, when a child is born to married parents, those parents are joint guardians of the child with equal rights to custody. Child custody refers to a collection of responsibilities and rights that a parent has to their children. The challenge in custody agreements is to develop a practical plan of care that enables each parent to maintain a consistent relationship with their child. For a variety of reasons, many parents arrive at custody arrangements by default and regret outcome. It is important to carefully consider your children’s current and future needs to prevent yourself from becoming a parent unsatisfied with their legal relationship to their children. An attorney who is familiar with local laws and the courts can provide invaluable assistance in formalizing custody arrangements. Lawrence H. Bloom has expertise in the areas of residency, legal guardianship and visitation rights that are the foundation of custody awards.
The court generally follows certain criteria when determining
child custody that includes: the parents’ and child’s wishes;
the interaction of the child’s parents/siblings; their
adjustment to home, school and community; the mental and
physical health of those involved; any threat of violence
abuse or neglect; and any other considerations that represent
the child’s best interests. Custody agreements take one of
several forms:- Legal
Custody refers to parental right to make all decisions about
a child’s health, religion, education and general welfare.
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Sole Legal Custody awards one parent decision-making
authority for their child’s welfare.
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Joint or Shared Legal Custody allows both parents to make
decisions regarding their child. The child shares times with
both parents according to a planned schedule and place.
- Sole Physical Custody gives one parent total physical custody (typically when the other parent is abusive or neglectful).
Child visitation, or parenting time, refers to the time when the non-custodial parent has the legal right to be with their child. Parents who are not awarded physical custody of their children may be entitled to visitation rights that include:
- Reasonable visitation –
times and places of visitation are determined and agreed to
by both parents.
- Fixed
visitation – a court ordered visitation that specifies times
and places for visitation.
- Supervised visitation – in this type of arrangement, an adult supervisor must be present during visitation, usually imposed only when there are genuine concerns about the physical or well-being of the child when with the non-custodial parent.
The Lawrence H. Bloom firm can help develop a “parenting plan” or agreement that defines provisions for custody and visitation. We can also modify custody agreements if there is a change in circumstances that may negatively impact the child (visitation issues, change in employment, marital status or residence). If you are currently involved in a child custody dispute or foresee one, please contact our office today. By using demonstrated legal strategies, evidence and aggressive negotiating, the Lawrence H. Bloom firm can help to make your case the strongest case in custody matters. Call us in New York at (212) 964-3502 or New Jersey at (201) 767-8208. We can also be reached via email at
LarryBloom@NY-NJ-Divorce-Attorneys.com.
To add your email address to our database for semimonthly newsletters, contact
StephaniePecorino@NY-NJ-Divorce-Attorneys.com.
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