Child Custody Attorneys in New Jersey & New York
You can handle heartbreak, but what keeps you awake at night is how your split will affect your children.
Divorce or break-ups change many things: your routine, your home, your finances, but nothing feels as heavy as the uncertainty about your children’s future. Who will they live with? How will they adjust? What will “normal” look like again?
At Ziegler Law Group LLC, we understand that custody disputes aren’t just legal battles — they are emotional crossroads that shape your child’s entire life. Our attorneys in New Jersey and New York have guided hundreds of parents through the most sensitive custody and parenting-plan negotiations, balancing fierce advocacy with empathy and discretion.
Because when it comes to your children, “winning” means ensuring they thrive,not just survive.
Understanding Child Custody in New Jersey & New York
In both states, the law centers on one guiding principle:
👉 the best interests of the child.
That means the court’s focus isn’t on punishing one parent or rewarding another; it’s about creating stability, safety, and emotional continuity for the children.
Child custody in New Jersey and New York generally falls into two categories:
- Legal Custody – the right to make major decisions about education, healthcare, religion, and welfare.
- Physical Custody – where and with whom the child lives on a daily basis.
Each can be sole (one parent) or joint (shared between parents), and the arrangement can be tailored to your family’s specific needs.
At Ziegler Law Group, we don’t push “cookie-cutter” solutions. We create strategies that protect both your parental rights and your child’s emotional stability, whether that means joint or sole custody.
The Role of Parenting Plans
A parenting plan is more than a schedule, it’s a roadmap for your child’s new life.
Courts in New Jersey require parents to submit a comprehensive parenting plan outlining how they will share time and responsibilities. The best plans anticipate future conflicts before they happen, addressing:
- Residential schedules (weekdays, weekends, holidays)
- Transportation and exchanges
- Decision-making authority
- Communication protocols between parents
- Conflict-resolution procedures
Our attorneys have drafted, negotiated, and enforced hundreds of parenting plans that stand the test of time, espect each parent’s role, and, most importantly, protect the child’s routine and sense of security.
What Courts Consider in Custody Decisions
When determining custody, judges weigh numerous factors under the “best interest” standard. Common considerations include:
- The child’s relationship with each parent
- Each parent’s ability to provide a stable home
- The child’s educational, emotional, and physical needs
- History of cooperation or conflict between parents
- Work schedules and availability
- Any evidence of abuse, neglect, or substance misuse
- The child’s own preferences (depending on age and maturity)
In New Jersey, courts often encourage shared parental responsibility — but that does not always mean equal time. It means preserving the meaningful involvement of both parents whenever possible.
Ziegler Law Group’s custody lawyers present your story in a way that highlights your strengths as a parent, using evidence, witnesses, and documentation to make your commitment undeniable.
Common Mistakes Parents Make During Custody Cases
Even well-intentioned parents can undermine their own cases without realizing it. We’ve seen it too many times: the parent who vents on social media, refuses to communicate, or makes decisions out of fear instead of foresight.
Avoid these costly mistakes:
- Speaking negatively about the other parent in front of your child
- Ignoring court orders or parenting schedules
- Using your child as a messenger or spy
- Posting emotional content on social media
- Failing to document important events or communications
Custody is not just about being the “better” parent; it’s about demonstrating stability, cooperation, and reliability.
Our firm helps clients stay composed, strategic, and centered even in the most emotional moments.
How to Prepare for a Custody Case
Preparation often determines the outcome. From the moment divorce is on the table, you should begin documenting your parental involvement:
- Keep a daily log of time spent with your child.
- Save texts, emails, and messages that show cooperation or care.
- Collect school and medical records.
- Maintain consistency in housing, routines, and child care.
- Avoid impulsive decisions, like relocat without legal advicez.
Our attorneys guide you through every step, ensuring your case reflects your dedication as a parent — not just your frustration with the process.
Mediation vs. Litigation: Which Path Is Right for You?
Not every custody dispute needs to end in court. In fact, New Jersey family law strongly encourages mediation as a first step.
Mediation allows parents to design their own parenting arrangements privately, saving time, money, and emotional energy. It can help maintain and strengthen co-parenting relationships, especially when children are young.
However, when cooperation breaks down, litigation often becomes necessary.
Our attorneys at Ziegler Law Group have extensive experience with both mediation and litigation, and we can help you prepare for whichever path your case takes.
Our philosophy: “Resolve when possible. Fight when necessary.”
Protecting Your Child’s Emotional Health
Legal custody battles can take a heavy toll on children. Our role is not only to protect your legal rights but to help you preserve your child’s emotional well-being.
We encourage and facilitate:
- Age-appropriate communication between parents and children
- Stable transitions between homes
- Therapeutic support when needed
- A consistent, loving co-parenting tone
At Ziegler Law Group, we often collaborate with child psychologists and family therapists to ensure that our legal strategies align with what’s emotionally healthiest for your child.
Because custody isn’t just about where your child sleeps, it’s about how they feel when they wake up.
How Ziegler Law Group Protects Your Family’s Future
From your first consultation to your final custody order, we provide a three-tiered approach:
- Legal Strategy – Strong filings, persuasive evidence, and strategic negotiation.
- Emotional Intelligence – Guidance that balances empathy with firm advocacy.
- Long-Term Protection – Parenting plans that work for everyone, and account for the future.
With over 100 years of combined experience, our attorneys have successfully represented parents across New Jersey and New York, helping families transition with dignity and direction.
Your children deserve stability. You deserve peace of mind.
We’ll help you achieve both.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “best interest of the child” mean?
It’s the legal standard used to determine custody, focusing on the child’s safety, emotional health, and overall welfare, not on parental preference.
Can I get full custody of my child in New Jersey?
Yes, but it depends on your circumstances. Full (sole) custody is granted when joint custody would harm the child’s best interest, such as in cases involving abuse, neglect, or severe conflict.
Do New Jersey courts favor mothers over fathers?
No. The law is gender-neutral. Courts evaluate each parent’s ability to provide stability, care, and cooperation regardless of gender.
How can I change an existing custody order?
You must demonstrate a substantial change in circumstances since the last order (e.g., relocation, remarriage, or new evidence) and show that the modification benefits the child.
What if the other parent violates the custody agreement?
Document every violation and contact your attorney immediately. We can file for enforcement or contempt proceedings to protect your rights and restore balance.
Your children’s future deserves clarity, not conflict.
Let our team trusted by judges, respected by peers, and chosen by professionals represent you.
Schedule a confidential consultation with a family law attorney in New Jersey or New York today.
Call us at: 973-533-1100
New Jersey Office: 651 W. Mt Pleasant Ave, Suite 150, Livingston, NJ 07039
New York Offices: 3 Columbus Circle, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10019 | 107 North Main Street, New City, New York 10956
