When parents separate or divorce, determining child custody arrangements can often be challenging. The primary goal is to ensure the child’s well-being.
New Jersey offers many arrangements based on individual family circumstances, and it is important for parents to understand them.
Joint legal custody
In joint legal custody, both parents share the decision-making responsibilities. It includes decisions about a child’s education, healthcare, religious upbringing, and extracurricular activities. This type of custody allows both parents to remain actively involved in their child’s life.
The court generally recommends this arrangement as the first option and encourages cooperative parenting so the child benefits from the involvement of both parents.
Primary residential custody
While joint legal custody is common, it is often accompanied by one parent becoming the primary residential custodian.
The child lives with this parent most of the time, and they handle the day-to-day care and routine decisions. The non-custodial parent will typically have parenting time also called visitation rights. It can be substantial but does not involve the child primarily living with them.
Benefits of common arrangements
The combination of joint legal custody with primary residential custody offers several benefits for the family. It ensures both parents contribute to their child’s life. Plus, the child gets a stable living environment, which fosters a sense of security and consistency for the child.
Joint legal custody is often the best approach for parents as it supports the child’s best interests. It can also promote the child’s well-being and maintain strong, supportive relationships with both parents.