There are two types of custody in New Jersey, legal custody and physical custody. Below, we will discuss the topic of physical custody. Physical custody is one of the most pressing topics in a divorce. Many parents in New Jersey who have ended their marriage still retain physical custody of their children. Joint physical custody, as opposed to sole physical custody, has many benefits that both parents can enjoy. If you are currently discussing which kind of physical custody would be best, here are some of the benefits of joint physical custody in New Jersey to know about.
Key Takeaways
- Joint physical custody ensures meaningful relationships with both parents, promoting stability and healthy bonds.
- Collaborative decision-making prioritizes the child’s needs and reduces conflict.
- Structured schedules aid children’s adjustment and transitions between households.
- Both parents share financial responsibilities, promoting stability and fairness.
The Child Spends Time With Both Parents
One of the primary benefits of joint physical custody is that it allows the child to maintain meaningful relationships with both parents. Rather than one parent having primary physical custody while the other has limited visitation rights, joint physical custody ensures that the child has regular and significant contact with both parents. This arrangement promotes a sense of stability and continuity in the child’s life, fostering healthy parent-child relationships.
The Parents Can Share Responsibilities
Joint physical custody encourages parents to collaborate and share responsibilities related to child-rearing. From making important decisions about the child’s education, healthcare, and extracurricular activities to coordinating schedules for visitation and parenting time, joint physical custody fosters a sense of shared parenting. This collaborative approach can benefit children by ensuring that their needs and best interests remain a priority for both parents.
The Parents Get Their Own Time
Joint physical custody not only fosters shared responsibility but also provides each parent with essential time for themselves. When the child is spending time with the other parent, each parent has the freedom to pursue his/her own interests, hobbies, or simply relax and recharge. This dedicated personal time allows parents to maintain balance in their lives, prioritize self-care, and attend to their individual needs. By striking a healthy balance between parenting responsibilities and personal time, parents can enhance their overall well-being and be better equipped to provide love and support to their child when together.
A Regular Routine is Established
Joint physical custody often entails a structured schedule for the child’s time with each parent, leading to the establishment of a regular routine. Having a predictable routine can be beneficial for children, providing them with a sense of stability and security. A consistent schedule can help children adjust to the changes brought about by divorce and facilitate smoother transitions between households.
Shared Financial Responsibilities
Joint physical custody requires ongoing communication and cooperation between parents, fostering positive co-parenting relationships. By working together to make decisions and coordinate schedules, parents can model effective communication skills and conflict resolution strategies for their child. This collaborative approach not only benefits the child by reducing parental conflict but also lays the foundation for a healthier post-divorce relationship between the parents.
Enhanced Communication and Cooperation
With joint physical custody, both parents typically share financial responsibilities for their child’s upbringing, including expenses related to housing, education, healthcare, and extracurricular activities. This equitable distribution of financial obligations ensures that the child’s needs are adequately met and that both parents contribute to their child’s well-being. Additionally, joint physical custody may alleviate financial strain on one parent, as the financial burden is shared more evenly between both parents.
How is Joint Custody Decied in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, joint physical custody decisions are typically made based on the best interests of the child. The Court considers various factors to determine whether joint physical custody is appropriate in a particular case. These factors may include:
- Child’s Wishes: The Court may take into account the child’s preferences, depending on their age, maturity, and ability to express their desires.
- Parenting Abilities: The Court evaluates each parent’s ability to provide for the child’s physical, emotional, and developmental needs, as well as their willingness to foster a healthy relationship between the child and the other parent.
- Parental Cooperation: The Court assesses the level of cooperation and communication between the parents, including their ability to co-parent effectively and make decisions in the child’s best interests.
- History of Caregiving: The Court considers each parent’s history of involvement in the child’s upbringing, including their role in caregiving, decision-making, and maintaining a stable environment for the child.
- Geographic Proximity: The Court may take into account the proximity of each parent’s residence to the child’s school, extracurricular activities, and social support network, as well as the feasibility of shared parenting arrangements.
- Stability and Continuity: The Court considers the stability and continuity of the child’s living arrangements and relationships, aiming to minimize disruptions and maintain consistency in the child’s life.
- Any History of Domestic Violence or Substance Abuse: The Court examines any history of domestic violence, substance abuse, or other factors that may impact the child’s safety and well-being.
- Overall Best Interests of the Child: Ultimately, the Court prioritizes the best interests of the child above all else when determining custody arrangements, striving to ensure that the child has a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment in which to thrive.
Contact a Family Law Attorney in New Jersey Today
Child custody matters can be complex, particularly when you are trying to get a divorce. No matter your relationship with your ex-spouse, consider joint physical custody—unless the other parent is dangerous. Joint physical custody provides both parents and the child with adequate time together, as well as shared responsibilities for the child’s upbringing. At Ziegler Law Group, LLC, our experienced attorneys are committed to helping families find amicable solutions to custody disputes and ensure the best interests of the child are upheld. Contact us today at 973-533-1100 or by filling out the online form to schedule a consultation and explore your options for joint physical custody in New Jersey.
