Child Custody & Visitation Attorneys in New Jersey & New York
You’ve already lost your partner, and the thought of losing your children too feels unbearable.
Divorce changes everything, your home, your finances, your routines, but it should never mean losing your bond as a parent.
At Ziegler Law Group LLC, we understand that nothing matters more than your children’s wellbeing and your right to remain present in their lives. Our attorneys help parents in New Jersey and New York navigate custody and visitation disputes with empathy, strategy, and an unshakable commitment to protecting your parental rights.
Because this isn’t just about legal custody, it’s about preserving your role as a parent.
Understanding Custody and Visitation in Divorce
Custody and visitation, sometimes called parenting time, define how parents share responsibilities and time with their children after separation or divorce. In both New Jersey and New York, the guiding principle is always the same:
👉 the best interests of the child.
There are two main types of custody:
- Legal Custody: The authority to make major decisions about the child’s education, health care, and upbringing.
- Physical Custody: Where the child lives and who provides daily care.
Custody may be joint, where both parents share responsibilities, or sole, where one parent takes primary responsibility while the other receives visitation rights.
Our goal is to help parents design balanced, realistic arrangements that protect their rights and their child’s emotional health.
The Importance of Parental Visitation
Even when one parent has primary physical custody, the other retains essential visitation rights, often called parenting time. These visits are not privileges, they are legal rights, and maintaining consistent contact is crucial for the child’s stability.
Visitation can be:
- Scheduled: A detailed calendar outlining exact days and times.
- Reasonable: Flexible arrangements agreed upon by both parents.
- Supervised: Required in cases where safety or well-being is a concern.
Ziegler Law Group helps parents negotiate visitation schedules that fit real family dynamics, balancing school, work, and travel demands while ensuring children feel loved and secure with both parents.
Factors Courts Consider in Custody and Visitation Decisions
When determining custody or visitation, courts look at a wide range of factors to ensure the arrangement serves the child’s best interests. These may include:
- The child’s relationship with each parent
- Each parent’s ability to provide a stable environment
- The child’s educational and emotional needs
- The willingness of each parent to cooperate and encourage the child’s relationship with the other parent
- Any history of domestic violence, abuse, or neglect
- The age and preferences of the child, when appropriate
- Work schedules and overall availability
In New Jersey, courts emphasize maintaining frequent and continuing contact with both parents whenever possible. That means the parent who demonstrates cooperation and commitment often gains a stronger position in custody negotiations.
Common Fears Parents Face During Custody Battles
It’s natural to feel anxious when custody is at stake. Many parents fear that a single mistake, argument, or misunderstanding could cost them time with their children.
Common fears include:
- “What if my ex tries to turn the kids against me?”
- “What if my financial situation hurts my case?”
- “What if I lose custody because I work ful
