Child Custody Lawyer Near Me
If you are searching for a child custody lawyer near you, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides family law representation to parents throughout New Jersey. Our firm has a location in Tinton Falls and serves families across the state, including Monmouth County, Ocean County, Middlesex County, and beyond. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder, and his Of Counsel team bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and a record of 4,739+ documented firm-wide results to custody matters. Results may vary. Whether you need help establishing a parenting plan, modifying an existing order, or addressing relocation, we work to protect your parental rights and the best interests of your child. Reach our location at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Child Custody Means in New Jersey
Child custody disputes in New Jersey are resolved in the Family Part of the Superior Court. The court’s guiding principle is the best interests of the child. This means the judge examines the unique facts of each family situation rather than applying a one‑size‑fits‑all formula.
New Jersey courts look at a range of statutory factors, including each parent’s relationship with the child, the child’s safety, the stability of each home environment, the parents’ ability to agree and cooperate, the child’s needs, and any history of domestic violence. The court may also consider the preference of a child of sufficient age and maturity, though no single factor is dispositive.
Custody is separated into two components: legal custody and physical custody. Legal custody concerns the authority to make major decisions about the child’s education, medical care, and religious upbringing; it can be awarded jointly or solely. Physical custody addresses where the child resides and can be joint, with a shared parenting schedule, or primary, with one parent having the child most of the time while the other receives a parenting-time schedule. The court may order mediation or a custody evaluation to gather more information before making a final decision.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Child Custody Cases
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team approach each custody case with the understanding that the outcome will affect a family for years to come. When a client contacts us, we first gather the relevant facts—any existing court orders, the history of parental involvement, and any concerns such as domestic violence, substance abuse, or parental alienation. We then map out a strategy tailored to the client’s goals and the child’s welfare.
Many custody matters are resolved through negotiation or mediation, and our attorneys work toward a comprehensive parenting plan that both parents can support. When an agreement is not possible, we are prepared to present the case at trial in the Family Part, advocating for a custody arrangement that serves the child’s best interests. Throughout the process, we explain the court’s expectations, help clients prepare for hearings, and respond to any emergency custody applications that may arise.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor with extensive experience in family law and litigation. He founded the firm in 1997 and is admitted to practice in New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and New York. Mr. Sris keeps a limited personal caseload to provide focused attention to each matter. His background as a prosecutor informs his ability to prepare cases thoroughly and to anticipate opposing arguments.
Mr. Sris is supported by a team of Of Counsel attorneys who collectively bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and a record of 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary. Each Of Counsel has over a decade of practice and contributes specialized knowledge in family law, domestic relations, and litigation. Together, the firm offers comprehensive representation for child custody clients throughout New Jersey.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is child custody decided in New Jersey?
New Jersey courts decide child custody based on the best interests of the child, weighing factors such as the parents’ ability to agree, the child’s relationship with each parent, and the stability of the home environment. The judge will also consider any history of domestic violence, the child’s needs, and each parent’s willingness to foster a relationship with the other parent. Custody determinations are made by the Family Part of the Superior Court, and the court may order a custody evaluation if helpful. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between legal and physical custody in New Jersey?
Legal custody gives a parent the right to make major decisions about the child’s education, healthcare, and religious upbringing, while physical custody determines where the child lives on a daily basis. New Jersey courts often award joint legal custody, meaning both parents share decision‑making authority, even if the child resides primarily with one parent. Physical custody may be joint, with a shared schedule, or primary, with one parent having the child most of the time and the other parent receiving parenting time. The exact arrangement depends on what serves the child’s best interests. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
Can one parent relocate with the child without the other parent’s consent?
In New Jersey, a parent who wants to relocate with the child must obtain the other parent’s consent or permission from the court. Under the relocation standard established in Baures v. Lewis and refined by subsequent case law, the parent seeking to move must show that the relocation is in good faith and will not harm the child’s relationship with the non‑relocating parent. The court will weigh factors such as the reason for the move, the existing parenting schedule, and the impact on the child’s well‑being. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
How can I modify an existing custody order in New Jersey?
A parent seeking to change a custody order must show a substantial change in circumstances that affects the child’s welfare. Examples can include a parent’s remarriage, a significant relocation, a change in the child’s needs, or concerns about the other parent’s fitness. The process begins by filing a motion in the Family Part of the Superior Court. The court will evaluate whether the proposed modification serves the child’s best interests and may schedule a hearing. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Does the court consider the child’s preference in custody decisions?
New Jersey courts may consider the child’s preference if the child is of sufficient age and maturity to express a reasoned opinion. There is no fixed age at which a child’s wishes become binding; instead, the judge weighs the child’s preference alongside all other best‑interest factors. The court may also interview the child privately, often with a custody evaluator present, to understand the child’s views without undue pressure. The child’s preference is one factor among many and is not controlling. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
Do I need a lawyer for a child custody case in New Jersey?
While you are not legally required to hire a lawyer for a custody case, having experienced legal representation helps you understand your rights, gather the right evidence, and present a strong case to the court. Custody disputes often involve complex procedural rules, emotionally charged issues, and long‑term consequences for your family. An attorney can work toward a parenting plan that reflects your goals and the child’s best interests. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Additional Resources
New Jersey Courts • New Jersey Legislature
Explore our child custody services in specific New Jersey counties:
Monmouth County,
Ocean County,
Middlesex County,
Bergen County,
Essex County.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary. Attorney responsible for this advertising: Mr. Sris.