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MS MELINDA L. SINGER Certified Matrimonial Law Attorney

201-870-0826

Straightforward Legal Advice From An Attorney Who Understands

Fathers’ Rights In New Jersey: Protecting Your Bond With Your Child

Being a father means more than just a name on a birth certificate. It’s about building a loving bond and playing an active role in your child’s life. But what if your name isn’t on the birth certificate? What if you feel like you’re not being heard when it comes to co-parenting? You’re not alone.

I am one of New Jersey’s relatively few Certified Matrimonial Law Attorneys. I am experienced not only in general family law but also in establishing my clients’ rights as fathers. I understand the unique challenges fathers face in establishing their rights. I’ve helped countless fathers like you to obtain relief from the Court that provides you parenting time with your child(ren).

Don’t let the phrase “I’m not letting you see my kid” become your reality.

Helping You Move Forward

I can help you navigate the legal complexities of establishing your parental rights and creating a comprehensive and fair co-parenting plan. Here’s how:

  • Establishing paternity: If your name isn’t on the birth certificate, establishing paternity is the first step. We can guide you through the process, including DNA testing, to ensure your legal recognition as your child’s father.
  • Fighting for your rightful time: Whether you seek primary residential custody, regular parenting time or holiday/vacation schedules, I can advocate for your rights in court and through mediation, and help you negotiate a plan that prioritizes your child’s well-being and your relationship with them.
  • Communication and conflict resolution: Communication with the other parent is crucial for successful co-parenting. I can help you develop effective communication strategies and, if needed, guide you toward resources like OurFamilyWizard, a secure online platform for co-parenting communication.
  • Child support and modifications: Child support orders can be complex and may need adjustments over time. I can advise you on your rights and responsibilities regarding child support and represent you in court if necessary.
  • Navigating the legal system: Family law can be confusing and overwhelming. I can break down the legal terms and procedures, explain your options and guide you every step of the way.

The court will analyze all aspects of a custody determination, including, if need be, expert reports, the parties’ communication and which parent can best provide a safe, loving and nurturing environment for the child. The court equally reviews both parents, regardless of gender, to determine the best interests of the child.

Get The Help You Need

Every parent has a right to be involved in their child’s life. This can manifest in several ways, but when it comes to your legal rights, it means:

  • Residential custody: This means who the child lives with.
  • Parenting time: If you do not hold primary residential custody, a parenting time order will ensure that you are still able to spend time with your child.
  • Child support and modifications: In some cases, the court orders one parent to pay financial support to the other parent to help in the raising of the child. You have the right to request a modification to this order.

The easiest way to establish your parental rights is to establish paternity. If this is not done right after the child’s birth or is not assumed through the marriage of the parents, it may involve a DNA test or other legally admissible proof of parentage for the child. I can help you establish paternity if you have not done so already.

The court always looks at both parents to determine how to create the best parenting time schedule for the children as well as how to resolve custody. There are many factors that are used in both case law and statute. The court is now more in sync with society’s belief system, which stands for the proposition that both parents equally have the right to parent their children. Case law and statute provide that an extensive analysis must be done in the best interest of the child. I can help navigate these issues that may not be familiar to you. I have successfully litigated many custody and parenting time proceedings.

Call Today To Learn More

To discuss your situation with a New Jersey Certified Matrimonial Law Attorney, call my Hackensack office at 201-870-0826 or send me a message through my convenient online form at any time.