Child Custody In South Jersey
Child custody is often the most emotionally charged issue in any divorce or separation. Decisions made now will shape your relationship with your children for years to come. At Musulin Groves & Greenfield, we help parents understand their rights, evaluate their options, and develop custody plans that protect their relationships with their children. We understand what’s at stake — and we fight to protect our client’s parental rights and their children’s best interests.
Understanding Custody In New Jersey
New Jersey recognizes two types of custody:
- Legal Custody is the right to make major decisions about a child’s medical care, education, religious upbringing, and general welfare. Parents often share joint legal custody unless extenuating circumstances make sole legal custody appropriate.
- Physical Custody (also called residential custody) refers to where a child lives and a parent’s responsibility to provide for their day-to-day needs. When the child or children live primarily with one parent, that parent has sole physical custody, and the other parent generally receives parenting or visitation time.
What Factors Do New Jersey Courts Consider?
When determining custody, New Jersey courts weigh factors including:
- The child’s age, health, and overall well-being
- Each parent’s ability to provide a stable home
- The child’s relationship with each parent
- Any history of domestic violence
Why Is a Parenting Plan Important?
A detailed parenting plan helps both parents understand their responsibilities and gives children stability during a difficult transition. Strong plans address schedules for holidays, school breaks, medical care, and extracurricular activities. When parents agree on a clear plan, children benefit from consistent routines and reduced conflict.
Can Custody Arrangements Be Changed Over Time?
Yes. Custody modifications are possible when there is a significant change in circumstances, such as a parent’s work schedule, a shift in the child’s needs, or safety concerns. These requests require careful preparation and often benefit from experienced legal guidance.
What Happens If a Parent Wants to Relocate?
When a custodial parent wishes to move—whether for work, family, or a fresh start—New Jersey law requires either the other parent’s consent or court approval. Judges evaluate relocation requests based on the distance, the reason for the move, and the impact on the child’s relationships and well-being with a focus on what is best for the child.
Our Approach
At Musulin Groves & Greenfield, founding partner Christopher R. Musulin, Esq., has handled child custody matters for over 35 years—negotiating settlements, working with custody experts, and litigating contested cases through trial. Partners Christina M. Groves, Esq., and Kimberly A. Greenfield, Esq., bring the same preparation and advocacy to every custody matter the firm handles.
Protect Your Parental Rights
Contact Musulin Groves & Greenfield, to schedule a consultation.
Call 609-267-0070 or contact us online.
We serve clients throughout Burlington County, Camden County, Gloucester County, and Mercer County—including Haddonfield, Medford, Moorestown, Mt. Laurel, Marlton, Shamong, Tabernacle, Pemberton, Maple Shade, Delran, Delanco, and Cinnaminson.