Custody and Child Support
The most important question we ask our clients is, “How are the children?”
Divorce can be stressful and financially challenging for parents. We take the time to listen and create a legal strategy that supports both them and their children. In New Jersey, courts are required to consider factors like a parent’s ability to cooperate, the child’s relationships with parents and siblings, their needs, and the stability of the home when making decisions.
Custody & Parenting Time
We also represent clients in modifications of custody or parenting time orders.
New Jersey child custody and parenting law anticipates that things may not stay the same for parents and separated families. Children change, parents change, and sometimes the parenting time or visitation schedules need to change too.
We counsel clients in identifying and planning for these events, where possible. We represent clients on these post-judgment motions, mini-trials (called plenary hearings) and in negotiations. Call Dennigan Cahill Smith to schedule a consultation to learn more if a substantial change in circumstances might apply in your situation.
At Dennigan Cahill Smith
we know that statistically, few cases result in a full-blown trial or even the more issue-specific “plenary hearing.” We take advantage of that in our practice.
Our lawyers routinely negotiate out-of-court settlements on behalf of our clients that can serve our clients and protect their children from unnecessary parent conflict. Settlement can even occur before anyone files papers in court. We don’t have to wait until the “courtroom steps” to work out an agreement regarding the children.
There are times, however, when children simply need the Court’s input in order for our clients to feel they are safe.
We are experienced in custody and parenting time litigation, to represent clients in disputes about a schedule, holidays, preventing the other parent from placing children in unsafe situations, and other important issues.
New Jersey Child Support Guidelines
Child support in New Jersey is informed by the “New Jersey Child Support Guidelines.” Most clients will see the Shared or Sole Parenting Worksheet at some point in their case, and we advise clients on how to work to achieve the right result for their children.
Below is a link that can connect you to the New Jersey Child Support “calculator” which might give some clients an idea of how this is calculated.
https://www.njchildsupport.org/Resources-Forms/Other-Resources/Guidelines-Calculator
While the New Jersey Child Support Guidelines cover many families, other families are statistically defined as “high net income” families, which as of 2024, included families with combined net (meaning after-tax) incomes over $187,200 per year.
Given the costs of living in our communities and other financial obligations this is extremely important to our clients. We help navigate this sometimes ambiguous process. In many instances, a court will determine additional child support to be paid or received, and clients need legal advice to help understand the issues at stake.
Schedule A Consultation
Finding the right lawyer and firm is critical. And partnering with someone you feel comfortable with and trust, is everything. We’ve been doing this for a long time and understand just how important the an open and honest partnership is. Fill out the form to start the conversation.
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Whether you are a new or existing client of the firm, Denigan Cahill Smith cannot represent you on any new matter until the firm has made a determination that there is no conflict of interest and that it is willing and otherwise able to accept the new engagement. Unless and until Denigan Cahill Smith has informed you it is willing and able to accept your new matter, do not send the firm any information or documents that you consider private or confidential.
