Fighting for Your Parental Rights in New Jersey & Pennsylvania

Child custody disputes can be overwhelming and emotionally charged. Whether you’re going through a divorce, seeking custody as an unmarried parent, or facing a custody modification battle, securing the best possible arrangement for your child is the priority.

At Ratliff Jackson LLP, we provide compassionate yet aggressive legal representation for parents, grandparents, and guardians navigating child custody cases. We fight to protect your parental rights and ensure that your custody agreement reflects your child’s best interests.

Fighting for Time with Your Child – Why Legal Help Matters in Custody Cases

Courts prioritize the child’s best interests when determining custody, and without experienced legal representation, you risk losing valuable parenting time. A skilled child custody attorney can:

• Negotiate fair custody terms outside of court to reduce conflict and stress.
• Fight for sole or joint custody in high-conflict disputes.
• Protect against parental alienation and wrongful interference with custody.
• Modify existing custody agreements when life circumstances change.
• Prevent unlawful relocation and protect your right to meaningful time with your child.

Types of Child Custody Cases We Handle

Legal Custody vs. Physical Custody

• Legal Custody – Determines who makes major decisions about the child’s education, healthcare, and upbringing.
• Physical Custody – Determines where the child resides and how parenting time is divided.

Joint Custody vs. Sole Custody

• Joint Custody – Both parents share decision-making and parenting time.
• Sole Custody – One parent has full legal and/or physical custody, while the other may have limited or supervised visitation.

Child Custody for Fathers, Mothers & Grandparents

• Fathers’ Rights – Protecting a father’s role in their child’s life through custody, visitation, and parenting plans.
• Mothers’ Rights – Ensuring mothers receive fair custody arrangements that align with their child’s well-being.
• Grandparents’ Rights – Seeking custody or visitation rights in cases where a grandparent is a primary caregiver.

Custody Modifications & Enforcement

• Life changes may require modifications to custody agreements. We help parents petition the court for modifications due to job changes, remarriage, safety concerns, or relocations.
• If the other parent is violating the custody order, we assist in enforcing custody agreements and holding them accountable in court.

Emergency Custody Orders & Protection Against Domestic Violence

• If a child is in immediate danger, we help parents secure emergency custody orders to protect their safety.
• We also defend against false accusations and ensure fair custody determinations.

Parental Relocation & Interstate Custody Disputes

• Parents seeking to relocate with a child must obtain court approval.
• We fight for parents who oppose relocation when it may negatively impact their child’s well-being.
• Handling cross-state custody issues, including military family custody disputes and international custody conflicts.

Key Factors Courts Consider in Custody Cases

Judges evaluate multiple factors when determining custody, including:

• Each parent’s ability to provide a stable home.
• The child’s relationship with each parent.
• History of domestic violence, substance abuse, or neglect.
• The child’s preference (if they are of an appropriate age).
• Each parent’s willingness to support the other’s relationship with the child.

You Deserve to Be in Your Child’s Life – We’re Here to Help

• Parents seeking custody during divorce or separation
• Unmarried parents establishing custody rights
• Fathers fighting for fair parenting time
• Grandparents seeking custody or visitation
• Parents needing modifications due to relocation or life changes
• Victims of domestic violence seeking protective custody arrangements
• Parents facing wrongful accusations of abuse or neglect in custody battles

FAQs About Child Custody

What is the difference between legal and physical custody?

• Legal custody refers to decision-making power, while physical custody determines where the child lives.

Can custody agreements be modified?

• Yes, custody can be modified when there is a significant change in circumstances, such as relocation, job changes, or concerns about a child’s safety.

Can a parent move out of state with a child?

• Not without court approval. The relocating parent must prove that the move is in the child’s best interests.

How does the court decide custody?

• Courts evaluate parenting abilities, stability, the child’s needs, and other factors to determine what is best for the child.

What happens if one parent refuses to follow the custody order?

• The other parent can file a motion for enforcement, and the violating parent may face legal penalties, loss of custody rights, or fines

Your Child Needs You – Let’s Protect Your Parental Rights Together

Child custody battles require experienced legal advocacy to ensure a fair outcome that prioritizes your child’s well-being. At Ratliff Jackson LLP, we are committed to helping families secure custody arrangements that work for them.

Contact us today for a confidential consultation.