Toms River Grandparents’ Rights Lawyer

Understanding Your Rights

New Jersey courts focus primarily on the well-being of the child above all else, so it is essential that you enlist the help of a skilled Toms River grandparents’ rights lawyer who can help you with this step and throughout the entire process. If you are a grandparent who has been barred from visitation with your grandchild, either by your own child or his or her spouse, you may feel like you don’t have any options.

However, the state of New Jersey grants certain rights to grandparents that allow for visitation and even child custody, in certain situations. After filing a visitation application with the court in the county in which the child resides, the burden of proof falls on the grandparent. In other words, you must prove that spending time with you is in the best interests of the child.

Have questions about grandparents’ rights in NJ? Zeigler Law Group, LLC is here to help you. Contact us to schedule your consultation with our team.

What Factors Are Considered When Determining Grandparents’ Rights?

When deciding on matters of grandparent visitation and custody, the court looks at various factors before making a judgment. These factors apply whether the parents of the child are together, separated, divorced, or one or both parents have died.

The court considers the following factors:

• Existence of a relationship between the grandparent and grandchild.
• The relationship between the child’s parents/guardians and the grandparent.
• How much time has elapsed since the grandparent’s last saw the child.
• Possible effects of visitation on the relationship between the child and parents/guardians.
• Any child custody/time-sharing agreements between parents.
• The good faith of the grandparent when filing the application for visitation.
• Any history of abuse on the part of the applicant.
• Any other relevant factors pertaining to the child’s wellbeing.

Rely on Our Compassionate & Understanding Toms River Grandparents’ Rights Lawyers

By the time a situation has progressed to a level in which the grandparent feels the need to file for court-ordered visitation rights or child custody, it’s very likely that circumstances are quite contentious. In some instances, mediation might be a beneficial process for everyone involved, as it allows for a greater chance at peaceable resolution.

If, however, mediation is not possible, we are fully prepared to advocate for your rights through litigation. When you’re facing a divorce and family law matter, you need an attorney in Ocean County. Turn to Zeigler Law Group, LLC for the compassionate, personalized legal assistance you deserve. Contact us online to get started.