Divorce or separation can be complicated and contentious, especially when you and your former partner have children together. Moreover, when that partner does not follow through on their promises under the current agreement, it can add considerable stress to your life. Under state family laws, you may be able to ask the court or a government agency to help make your ex honor the arrangement or, if necessary, modify it to fit a change in circumstances.
Having a Piscataway child custody enforcement lawyer can be a tremendous asset as you move through this process. With over 16 years of valuable experience, our attorney truly understands all aspects of divorce, separation, child support and custody, and parentage legal matters. She takes pride in her ability to balance a fierce sense of loyalty and justice with using negotiation skills to seek a favorable outcome for her clients.
Context is everything when deciding if a lawsuit is the way to ensure the other parent follows the terms of the agreement. When the other parent consistently keeps the children longer than they should, rather than on occasion, it becomes an issue. When a parent cannot spend time bonding with or caring for their child, it could negatively impact that relationship.
Likewise, legal action may make sense if safety issues arise in the home and adversely impact the children’s well-being. For example, if the ex-spouse or their new partner has a drinking problem and often leaves the children unattended, this is not a good environment. As a result, it may be necessary for the court to step in and reevaluate the situation, including by enforcing the custody order or restricting the other parent’s time with the children.
A seasoned Piscataway attorney could review the situation and advise the parent on how to enforce the child custody plan. A lawyer could also help modify the arrangement, if necessary.
When a parent is not following the terms of the custody plan, their co-parent could respond in a variety of ways. For example, mediation or other structured out-of-court discussions could help if the underlying issue seems resolvable.
However, if mediation is unfruitful or unavailable, taking the matter to court may be necessary. Likewise, under New Jersey Revised Statutes § 2C13-4, filing a criminal complaint with the police may also be appropriate to address concerted and serious efforts by the other parent to prevent the other one from seeing the child. This option may be applicable if, for example, there is a court-ordered custody plan in place and one parent is hiding the child from the other to prevent interaction.
A lawyer serving Piscataway could gather details about what is happening and determine appropriate courses of action for enforcing child custody. If bringing a formal complaint is necessary, the attorney could advocate in court for the parent and the best interests of the children. Likewise, the attorney could help the parent prepare for mediation and attend the sessions with them to provide support and legal advice.
Navigating co-parenting after a divorce or separation may pose unique challenges, especially when your ex is not doing what they agreed to do. When you want to know your options, it may be time to talk to a knowledgeable attorney.
Our legal team understands what you are going through because we have been where you are. We can appreciate the frustration and seemingly endless worry that comes with trying to live your life and raise your children while weathering the struggles and uncertainty of divorce and separation. Reach out to our Piscataway child custody enforcement lawyer to set up a time to talk about your situation.