Child Custody

Child Custody Attorney

Child custody and relocation cases are very emotional for the parents and child or children. We have over twenty-one years of experience in helping families with custody disputes. Call now to speak with a lawyer at the Law Offices of Kevin Crawford Orr.

Quality and Responsive Legal Services
Law Offices of Kevin Crawford Orr • (973) 824-5520

What does the Court consider?

New Jersey courts decide all child custody issues in light of what is in the child's "best interests." It is not a matter of who is the better parent. Whenever a court hears a child custody matter under New Jersey law, the court shall consider the following factors:

• (1) the parents' ability to agree, communicate and cooperate in matters relating to the child;
• (2) the parents' willingness to accept custody and any history of unwillingness to allow parenting time not based on substantiated abuse;
• (3) the interaction and relationship of the child with its parents and siblings;
• (4) the history of domestic violence, if any;
• (5) the safety of the child and the safety of either parent from physical abuse by the other parent;
• (6) the preference of the child when of sufficient age and capacity to reason so as to form an intelligent decision;
• (7) the needs of the child;
• (8) the stability of the home environment offered;
• (9) the quality and continuity of the child's education;
• (10) the fitness of the parents (a parent shall not be deemed unfit unless the parents' conduct has a substantial adverse effect on the child);
• (11) the geographical proximity of the parents' homes;
• (12) the extent and quality of the time spent with the child prior to or subsequent to the separation;
• (13) the parents' employment responsibilities;
• (14) the age and number of the children.

Contact Us

Do not go through the stressful and emotional process of a child custody family law dispute on your own. At the Law Offices of Kevin Crawford Orr, we can help. Contact us today for more information.