If you’re divorcing and have children, then you may need help from an attorney to ensure that you’re able to get custody of your children. At the very least, you may need representation to make sure that you’re able to have joint custody of your children with your soon to be ex-spouse. If you’re concerned about custody, you need to retain the services of a lawyer who practices family law.
Filing for Custody
When you file for divorce, you can ask the court for either joint legal custody of your children or sole legal custody. The defendant, from whom you’re asking to be divorced, can request joint or sole legal custody as well. Getting custody of children can be contentious if the divorce is not amicable so it is a good idea to hire family lawyers in Brick, NJ.
Determining Custody
Part of the process to determine who gets custody of a couple’s minor children is to attend the parents’ education program and custody mediation, both of which are mandatory for both parties. Instead of getting family lawyers involved right away, mediation is done between the parents and a third party to try to reach a custody agreement that everyone likes. The mediator can provide suggestions but the ultimate agreement will be between you and your soon to be ex-spouse.
If you can reach an agreement, the mediator will write it up, send a copy to your attorney, and make it a part of the divorce decree. If you don’t reach an agreement, then the courts can determine the custody arrangements. Visit the website Website Domain to schedule a consultation with a family lawyer regarding custody of your children.
While family lawyers can help you fight for custody of your children, reaching an amicable agreement will be easier on you and your children in the end.