In New Jersey, the court will make child custody decisions based on what is in the "best interest" of the child. In determining how much time the child should spend with each parent, the court considers many factors, including:

• The parents' ability to agree, communicate and cooperate in matters relating to the child
• The parents' willingness to accept custody and any history of unwillingness to allow parenting time not based on substantiated abuse
• The interaction and relationship of the child with its parents and siblings
• The history of domestic violence, in any
• The safety of the child and the safety of either parent from physical abuse by the other parent
• The reasonable preference of the child
• The needs of the child
• The stability of the home environment offered
• The quality and continuity of the child's education
• The fitness of the parents
• The geographical proximity of the parents' homes
• The extent and quality of time spent with the child prior to or subsequent to the separation
• The parents' employment responsibilities
• The ages and number of the children

After a custody order is signed by the judge and filed with the court clerk, both parents are bound by it. If a parent is denied court-ordered access to a child, he or she may bring the issue back before the court. The judge may decide to modify the Parenting Time, order makeup Parenting Time for the time missed and/or order counseling or mediation.
For more assistance with New Jersey custody or parenting time issues, please call for a free consultation at 856-210-2107.