Divorce is never easy—especially when kids are involved. Shared parenting can be a challenge for many families. One of the biggest concerns parents bring to me is this:
“How can I make sure I stay present in my child’s life after divorce?” The good news? New Jersey courts want that, too.
What the Courts Want in 2025
New Jersey family courts are focused on one thing above all: the best interests of your children. That usually means keeping both parents involved, unless there’s a compelling reason not to.
What Shared Custody Can Look Like
Shared parenting or joint custody doesn’t necessarily mean a perfect 50/50 split every week. It means both parents are part of the big decisions—like health care, education, and religion. It also means time is shared comparably and in a way that makes sense for your child.
Some common examples of parenting time arrangements include “Week-on, week-off” and “2-2-3” (where the children are with each parent for two consecutive days each week, and alternate weekends) arrangements. But there is a plethora of ways to structure a parenting time schedule.
The key is often in focusing on building a parenting plan that’s realistic, clear, and flexible.
What You Can Do Now
- Start documenting: Be involved with school, doctors, activities—log what you do each week.
- Get organized: Use co-parenting apps like OurFamilyWizard to streamline schedules.
- Be proactive, not reactive: The earlier you start thinking about your parenting plan, the better the outcome.
Mediation Is Your Friend
Mediation gives you a voice, reduces stress, and often results in faster and more affordable agreements, especially when it comes to parenting time. Don’t let someone else make these decisions on your behalf, and on behalf of your children.
I’ve worked with hundreds of families over the years, and here’s what I know: Parents shouldn’t want to “win” custody. They should want their kids to feel safe, loved, and connected. Maintaining this perspective, and elevating the children’s interests above all else, is a crucial part of being able to settle the terms of your custody matter amicably.
About ARBM
At Adinolfi, Roberto & Burick, we take pride in guiding families through difficult transitions with clarity, compassion, and strength. Clients often describe Thomas Roberto as responsive, knowledgeable, and deeply empathetic. One parent shared: “Tom helped me stay focused on what mattered most—my children.” Another wrote, “I felt like I had someone in my corner who cared—not just about the legal process, but about me as a parent.”
We believe in child-centered solutions, practical strategies, and legal support that empowers you every step of the way.
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